Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY367119 Unique Reference Number 30 April 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 late 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged five years and 19 months in Bracknell, Berkshire. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with sleeping and toilet facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are currently three children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools, parks, shops and libraries. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have two fish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about healthy routines whilst in the care of the childminder. For example, young children use wipes to clean hands and faces before and after food and snacks; and are provided with a bowl of water to wash hands in after messy play. Older children use soap and all have paper towels to dry their hands and faces on. Good routines are in place for nappy changes. The childminder wears latex gloves for soiled nappies and disposes of these immediately;

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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 cleaning the changing mat with an antibacterial wipe. Parents provide the nappies, wipes and creams. Children are potty/toilet trained only when ready; and the childminder always works in accordance with parents' wishes; whilst offering children lots of support and praise. If children are suffering with sickness, diarrhoea or any contagious infection they stay at home in line with the childminder's sickness policy. This ensures children's health is maintained as they do not catch germs from one another.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware to document any accidents that occur and to gain parental signature to acknowledge. Similarly, she is aware to request written permission before administering any medication and to record this thoroughly. In line with the regulations set at the time of registration, the childminder needs to complete an appropriate paediatric first aid course within the first six months. This has been arranged and the childminder will complete this training shortly. Written consents are in place for the childminder to seek emergency treatment or advice. This helps to ensure children are kept safe in times of medical emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to play out in the garden, go for walks or attend children's play gyms at the local leisure centre. Children therefore receive plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat healthy snacks, which usually consist of dried or fresh fruits or fruit bars, with milk, diluted juice or water. The childminder consults with parents about children's dietary needs and preferences and is aware of any allergies. Lunchtimes are a social affair and children sit at the table together and enjoy nutritious lunches of, for example, sandwiches or pitta bread filled with tuna, cheese or avocado. Parents provide formula milk and weaning foods for babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled at the childminder's home; which is clean, tidy, light and airy. Children have access to the whole of the downstairs and play mainly in the large conservatory which is set aside for them and also the lounge. Children can access their resources independently and are confident to do so. Toys and resources are in good condition and kept clean. Children play with toys that are suitable for their age and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Inside the home, children's safety is enhanced as the front door is kept locked with the key out of children's reach; door slams are fitted to internal doors; windows can be locked slightly open for ventilation; stair gates are in place at the bottom and top of the stairs and also across the kitchen; any low level glass conforms to British Standards; socket covers are in place; knives are in a knife block; cleaning materials are kept in cupboards with child proof locks and the bathroom door can be opened from the outside if needed. Smoke detectors are in place both upstairs and down. The childminder checks these weekly and keeps a log to record this. A carbon monoxide tester and fire blanket are also in place. A fire/emergency evacuation plan has been produced and the family have practised this escape route.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe out in the garden, which is secured with fencing and walling. The childminder has been proactive in that she has taken any cuttings of plants she is unsure of to the garden centre; and is therefore aware that no poisonous plants grow in her garden. Children's well-being is enhanced by this thorough practice. The garage outside is kept locked and the gate is padlocked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When out and about the childminder takes with her children's emergency contacts, both in written form and on her mobile. The childminder's car is insured as legally required and

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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 maintained in a roadworthy condition. Children use age and size appropriate car seats or boosters. When walking, children are either in the pushchair or walk along holding the childminder's hand. Children learn safe places to cross the road as well as how to keep themselves safe when crossing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware to safeguard the children in her care; and has a policy and procedure relating to child protection, of which parents are given a copy. The childminder has a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settle quickly. The childminder has a warm relationship with the children she cares for and listens to them as they speak and engage in conversations with her. The childminder is aware of children's individual needs, which helps them to feel respected and valued. The childminder's home is welcoming to children, who can see their work and pictures displayed around the conservatory. Children have a range of resources and toys which they can access easily; and which include, for example, dressing up clothes and shoes, garage and cars, dolls, pushchairs, cots, a toy kitchen with food and utensils, musical instruments, zoo animals, figures, shape sorters, soft play, a painting easel, shopping trolley, dinosaurs, ponies, large trucks and a fire engine.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Most days children go out somewhere during the morning. They flourish and enjoy trips to the local leisure centre's soft play park, parks and play grounds. Children also have time to spend out in the garden or meet up with other childminders and the children they care for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy to play independently as the childminder watches over them and engage with one another in their imaginary game of cooking pizza for each other, for example. At other times more structured activities allow children to develop through messy play, such as painting, play dough and junk modelling. After lunch, special times are set aside for story telling, when children choose a story for the childminder to read to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children discover positive images of society from an early age. For example, children share books with the childminder which depict similarities and differences, culture and ethnicity. Children also have access to books on festivals and the childminder chooses a topic each month, for example Chinese celebrations or Easter, for children to concentrate some art and craft work on. Children therefore learn about the wider world in which they live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are treated as individuals and the childminder takes time to find out about their individual needs, by, for example talking to them and visiting them in their home environment before they start with her. The childminder is aware that some children have particular needs and she works with parents to help her to understand these and provide the best care for the children; whilst adapting her day to ensure all children have equal opportunity to develop to their own potential. The childminder is aware to work within parents' wishes and respect confidentiality.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and have respect for themselves, each other and the childminder's home. Children are encouraged to say 'please' and 'thank you' and to be kind to one another. The

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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 childminder is a strong role model who is consistent in her behaviour management. Good behaviour is praised and children receive lots of cuddles. If children act inappropriately the childminder tries to work within arrangements set in place with parents and gives 'time out' occasionally, appropriate to each child's understanding. She always explains why something is not so nice or kind and children are encouraged to say sorry.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The relationship with parents is good and new parents visit with their children. The childminder provides a prospectus for new parents which details the care she provides; the house rules, such as no jumping on furniture or hitting; her qualifications and family details; and the activities children will do. Parents are also made aware of what children will need, for example Wellington boots and a coat for inclement weather and a sun hat when it is hot. References from past employers are retained on file and parents discuss with her the policies and procedures which are in place. Parents sign these to acknowledge. A settling in time is agreed and at the start/end of each day verbal feedback about children is exchanged. Parents are made aware of the role of Ofsted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are confident and happy in the care of the childminder; and develop well personally and emotionally. The childminder has worked as a nanny in previous employment and is organised and caring in her approach. The childminder still needs to complete her first aid training and within the terms of her registration has this arranged; to be completed shortly. She is aware to document any accidents and medication administer and to gain parental signature to acknowledge. Written consents from parents are in place to allow the childminder permission to seek medical emergency treatment and advice. The childminder is planning to take part in child protection/safeguarding course and is about to commence training for the Early Years Foundation Stage, which commences in September.

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Organisation

Children can access toys and resources as they need them and space within the childminder's home is utilised well. The childminder displays her certificate of registration and makes parents aware of the role of Ofsted. This helps to ensure children are kept safe as parents are aware of the conditions of registration and who to contact should they ever have the need to make a complaint.

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Organisation

Children's personal records are maintained confidentially and written consents are completed by parents to give permission for children to travel in the car, for photographs to be taken and for outings, for example. Whilst parents sign to allow consent for these, some have been mislaid and were not in place at the inspection. The childminder is aware to ensure that all of this documentation is stored appropriately. Written policies are in place and include, for instance, a sickness policy, child protection procedures, health and safety, behaviour and equal opportunities. Parents sign to acknowledge their understanding of these policies.

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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 and therefore this section is not applicable.

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Improvements 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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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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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 the paediatric first aid training course, currently booked, is completed as required as per regulations after registration • ensure all written consents from parents are signed and filed in place appropriately.

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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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