Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333612 Unique Reference Number 01 July 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 lives with her husband and three children, aged almost one year, two and a half years and 11 years. She lives in a four bedroom house, which is situated in Windsor and is close to public transport, local schools and amenities. The whole of the house and garden are used for childminding. Children are taken out to local groups and places of interest. The family have a pet parrot, a puppy, a rabbit and two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2006. She is registered to care for four children under eight years of age and currently has one child on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about healthy lifestyles whilst in the care of the childminder. They are encouraged to wash their hands independently, although watched over by the childminder using liquid soap and have a clean towel daily to dry hands on. Children understand to wash their hands after messy play, after playing outside, after touching pets, after using the toilet and before meals.

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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 Children have many opportunities to play outside whether in the childminder's garden or out in local parks. Children therefore receive plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young babies are cared for well. The childminder ensures she takes time to work with parents about babies' individual routines. She uses gloves for nappy changes and washes her hands after. A daily record book for babies is maintained which gives details about care and well-being. Children suffering from sickness or diarrhoea remain at home with their parents. This helps to ensure that children are kept healthy and do not pick up infections from one another. The childminder provides a travel cot and individual bedding for babies. Older children take naps or rest periods downstairs on the sofa. The childminder and her family have two cats, a puppy, rabbit and a parrot. Parents sign to acknowledge the pets which are well cared for and kept clean and healthy. The puppy for example has its own area within the garden and pet food is kept away from where children play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has completed her paediatric first aid training and is aware of the procedures to document fully any accidents which occur and any medication that is administered. Parental consent is obtained prior to the administration of medicines; however, the documentation which gives parental consent to the childminder to seek medical treatment or advice is not in place. This means that children are placed at risk in times of medical emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

On the whole, parents supply meals and snacks for their children, but the childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs and any allergies. She works with parents to ensure children receive a healthy diet. Lunchtimes are very sociable as all children sit around the table together. Drinking water is always available during the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel welcome at the childminder's home. They are happy and settled. Children have supervised access to the whole of the house but play mainly in the large lounge/dining room. The childminder's home is clean, light and airy. Children can access their resources with ease. Toys and resources are all in good condition; and are age and developmentally appropriate for the children cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe whilst in the care of the childminder. Within the home cleaning materials are stored away and locked in a cupboard or on a high shelf in the bathroom; sharp knives are kept in a knife block; socket covers are in place; and heating is controlled thermostatically. The front door is kept locked and windows can be locked, whilst upstairs safety catches are fitted which only allow windows to be opened for ventilation unless released by an adult. Any visitors sign a visitor's book. The bathroom door can be opened from the outside if need be. Out in the enclosed garden, children remain safe as they are always supervised. Parents are made aware of the small trampolines with nets and sign to acknowledge outdoor play equipment. The childminder makes certain she checks the plants to check for anything poisonous which may grow. A plan is in place for fire evacuation. Children have practised this and are aware of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the routes to take. Smoke detectors are in place and checked weekly. Children are therefore aware of how to leave the house in times of emergency, which adds to the safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When out and about children are kept further safe. Small children sit in pushchairs or walk alongside the childminder holding her hand or on a rein. Children start to become aware of safe crossing when walking across roads. The childminder takes with her children's emergency contact details and first aid resources in case of accidents. She also risk assesses journeys to

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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 be certain that the safest routes are taken. If going on an outing, for example to Legoland, the childminder asks parents to complete a specific permission form and takes with her fluorescent wrist bands which she writes her mobile phone number on, in case children become separated from her. These practices helps to enhance children's safety and well-being. When in the car, children understand the need to be careful. Children use age and size appropriate car seats and are taken out one by one. Children understand to wait by the car until the childminder is ready.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware to safeguard the children she cares for. She has a policy in place and a procedure for documenting any concerns. She is further aware to protect herself from false allegations. Parents are made aware of the child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children develop well emotionally, personally and socially. Their individual needs are understood by the childminder, who is organised, warm and caring. Her calm manner enables children to become confident, happy and settled. Children have an exceptional range of resources which meets their age and developmental needs. They play together well and use their imagination to explore and have fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to become independent both in their care and in their play and learning. For example, children are encouraged to eat independently, put on shoes and coats; and go to the toilet without too much adult assistance as they get older. Children are further extended as they play, through counting the cards; talking about the foods they pretend cook with; and building tall towers with their construction materials. Toys are rotated on a regular basis and children can make choices as to what they would like to do. Older children have opportunities to use the computer and electronic games when cared for after school.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy lots of art and craft activities such as laughing as they chase one another with the bubbles from the bubbles game, using stickers for designs, painting, drawing, sticking and gluing as well as having fun with play dough. Many outings are made to local parks. Children enjoy the large garden and eagerly play outside with the see saw, Wendy houses and slides.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder asks the children lots of open questions and listens to them as they respond. Successful use is made of the 'home to home' books which give her insight into what children enjoy and any issues in place. The childminder makes rough plans for activities and has started to observe children in their play. She uses these observations to inform her about future activities and to plot children's confidence, well-being and development, which she then feeds back to the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved and understand right from wrong. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise. The childminder liaises with parents in regard to the behaviour management policy. A time out process is in place for a short period if children do act inappropriately; however mostly the childminder uses distraction techniques and explains to children why something is not nice or kind to do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder understands children's interests, likes and dislikes. Children also get to choose new toys and make their own wish list. The childminder provides children with a range of

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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 resources which give children insight into positive images within society. For example, children play with small world figures which depict disability and have a range of multicultural books. Children also visit the local hospice shop. Therefore, children are made aware of the wider world in which they live. The childminder has a strong understanding to support children who have particular needs and is aware of the necessity to adapt her care and activities to enable all children to take equal part.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good relationship with the parents of the children she cares for. New parents meet with her to discuss the care in place. Settling in sessions and a trial period are set. Parents are made aware of the policies and procedures as well as the role of Ofsted, which enhances children's well-being. Information is shared with parents through a 'home to home' book which enables parents and the childminder to keep in touch.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled. They enjoy their time at the childminder's home. The childminder is warm, caring and attends to children's needs. Children have plenty of space to play in, both inside the home and out in the garden. They can access their toys easily.

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Organisation

The childminder shares important policies and procedures with parents, such as child protection, behaviour and sickness. She ensures parents are made aware of the role of Ofsted and complaints procedures should they need it. The certificate of registration is displayed which in turn helps to keep children safe as parents understand the conditions for registration. Children's individual records are maintained confidentially. Consents for outings, playing in the garden, observations and photographs for example are in place; however, written consent for the childminder to seek emergency treatment or advice is not to hand. The childminder is aware to maintain accurate records in regard to medication and accidents.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration in which the childminder has had children on roll. This section is therefore not applicable

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • ensure paperwork regarding written parental consent for the childminder to seek treatment or advice in times of emergency is always in place.

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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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