Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355253 Unique Reference Number 07 May 2008 Inspection date Aileen Ewins Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her child aged 12 years old in Warfield, Bracknell, Berkshire. The whole of the downstairs childminder's house is used for childminding, and upstairs is used by children and/or babies requiring a sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently four children on roll. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends a local parent and toddler group. The family have two budgies. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children start to understand good hygiene routines. The childminder checks that children wash hands, using liquid soap, before meal times, after coming in from school or outside play, after messy play and after using the toilet. Children are provided with individual hand towels and

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 flannels too. Parents provide nappies for babies and small children and the childminder wears gloves for nappy changes, cleaning the mat after. Potty/toilet training takes place in consultation with parents and when children are ready. Children are offered lots of support and encouragement.

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Helping children to be healthy

Sleeping children are cared for well as they are checked often as well as being provided with clean, individual bedding. A sick child policy is in place and children do not attend if suffering a contagious disease, sickness or diarrhoea. Parents are made aware of this policy and understand to keep their children at home if unwell. This in turn helps to ensure that illnesses are not spread from one child to another. The childminder has completed her paediatric first aid training and is aware to document in full any accidents and gain parental signature to acknowledge. Permission is sought from parents prior to any medication that is administered and documented as required. Whilst parents sign for the childminder to administer first aid, parental written consent is not in place however for the childminder to seek treatment or advice in times of medical emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to play in the garden. They walk to school and make regular trips to the park and toddler groups. Children therefore receive plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide lunches and snacks for their children. The childminder provides some children staying later in the day, with a main evening meal. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious cooked meals, for example, sausages, potatoes and vegetables, lasagne or pasta with cheese. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day and the childminder is aware of children's dietary needs and allergies. Parents provide weaning foods and formula milk for babies. In consultation with parents new foods are introduced gradually into babies’ diets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is particularly clean, light and airy. Her home is well ventilated and welcoming to children. Children have access to the ground floor and garden, upstairs is only used for sleeping children. Children can access toys and resources easily. These resources are appropriate for the children's age and development and are maintained in a clean condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Inside the home children are kept safe as doors are locked, with keys readily available in an emergency. A stair gate is in place at the kitchen door with another available for across the stairs when needed. Socket covers are in place, and heating is controlled thermostatically. The bathroom door can be opened, if need be, from the outside. Knives are stored out of children's reach. Smoke detectors are fitted both upstairs and downstairs and are tested each week. A plan for any emergency evacuation is in place also and discussed with the older children. Children are therefore aware of the route to take if they need to leave the house quickly. This enhances their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are also safe out in the garden, which is secured by fencing and walling. The childminder is aware to check for any poisonous plants or hazards outside. When outside of the home the childminder takes children's emergency contact details as well as first aid resources. Children are safe when travelling in the car due to the use of appropriate car seats/boosters. Children learn about road safety. This helps them become more aware of the dangers in crossing roads and the need to find safe places to cross. Children understand why it is important to stay close on outings, for example, when on visits to the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder is aware to safeguard the children in her care and has a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is further aware to document any concerns she has over a child and to report any concerns to the relevant authorities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder who is warm and approachable in her care. Children have a range of resources available to them, which are appropriate for their age and development. For example, children enjoy construction toys, trains and track, cars, dolls, a kitchen with play food, stacking cups, small world play, puzzles, books, shape sorters, musical toys, soft play, fuzzy felts, marble games, magnets and electrical games/toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to enjoy local parks and go for walks, as well as trips to the library for story time and to local toddler groups. Children enjoy creative times, which are spent taking part in a range of messy play, including painting, play dough, junk modelling, and artwork. They enjoy cooking where they make fruit kebabs, flapjacks, milkshakes and pizza. Out in the garden children flourish, the range of resources, which include a tent, paddling pool, buckets and spades, beanbags and footballs, promotes their physical development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children along with children cared for by the childminder's sister have special times when they join up to enjoy one another's company. Children develop their imagination and grow in confidence as they perform their own Nativity and talent shows. Parents are invited to join in with these celebrations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children begin to have an understanding of the world in which they live, through the range of resources, such as, dolls and small world play, which depict both disability and ethnicity. Children’s needs are met as the childminder takes time to find out about their individual characters. This in turn helps children to feel valued. Children are given equal opportunities to join in with activities and these are rotated to ensure that all children take part. The childminder is aware that some children have particular needs and she is mindful that these are discussed with parents and that sensitive issues are dealt with confidentially.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is a good role model who encourages children to understand right from wrong. Children know the house rules, which are in place, for example, not to jump on furniture and to be kind to one another. Good behaviour is rewarded with lots of praise and strategies are in place for when children do not behave quite so appropriately. For example, the childminder uses distraction techniques and talks to the children about why something is not so kind to do or say.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works well with the parents of the children she cares for. New parents are introduced to the care she provides through a booklet, which details her family life, her day-to-day care and polices which are in place. Children visit along with their parents and a settling-in time is arranged. Parents with small babies use a communication book to discuss children's well-being. For older children there is a daily exchange of information so the parents and childminder are aware of each child's welfare. Parents are made aware of the role of Ofsted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder who is organised in the care she provides and caring in her nature. The childminder has completed paediatric first aid training and is aware to document any accidents or medication, gaining parental signature.

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Organisation

The childminder has currently started providing hot meals for some children at the end of the day. These are nutritious and healthy and take into account children's dietary needs and any allergies they may have. Parents are made aware of the meals provided.

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Organisation

Registers detail children's daily attendance. The registration certificate is displayed which helps to keep children safe as parents are therefore aware of the conditions of registration. Space within the home is utilised well and toys and resources meet children's requirements. Parents sign to acknowledge they are aware of the policies and procedures relating to the care provided. Children's personal records are stored confidentially along with a range of parental consents, such as, outings, travelling in the car, photographs and participating in cooking. Parental permission for emergency medical advice and/or treatment is not yet in place.

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Organisation

The childminder has public liability insurance. Her car is maintained and insured as legally required. Documentation relating to fire checks and smoke detectors is in place. Children are safeguarded as parents are aware of the role of Ofsted and understand the procedures should they wish to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required Ofsted or the provider to take action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency treatment and/or advice in times of medical emergency.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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