Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY301684 Unique Reference Number 30 June 2008 Inspection date Margaret Davie 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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her three children aged 16, 15 and nine years in Caversham in Reading. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and 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 a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under three full time, one child under three part-time and one child over five each day after school. She is also registered to provide overnight care for two children under eight but at present is not providing care for any. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends a local parent/toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from established daily routines and clear explanations which increase their understanding of the importance of good hygiene. They wash their hands regularly after using

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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 the toilet, after messy play and before eating and dry them on individual hand towels to reduce the spread of germs. Nappies are changed hygienically using children's own supplies, which ensure their individual health needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the benefits of a healthy diet and develop their social skills by eating together at the table. The childminder provides regular, nutritious snacks and meals which take account of children's choices and parental wishes. For example, children are offered cereal and toast for breakfast, fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks and a freshly prepared meal such as roast chicken for dinner. Children help themselves to a drink from their beaker whenever they are thirsty. This helps them understand the importance of having a regular drink and contributes to their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive appropriate care in the event of a minor accident as the childminder has attended recent first aid training. However, parents are not routinely asked to give their written permission to allow the childminder to seek any necessary medical advice or treatment to ensure children receive prompt care in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular outdoor play and walks in the locality. This ensures they get plenty of fresh air and exercise, which contributes to their good health. They play with a range of equipment such as chunky puzzles, digging equipment, brushes and chalk which develop their small muscles and hand-eye coordination and gain physical confidence on outdoor equipment such as the small trampoline and tricycle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children independently select activities from a range of toys which are regularly checked by the childminder to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. This means they can start to make choices according to their own preferences and play with toys which interest them. For example, a child enjoys creating simple melodies using the toy piano which is easily accessible in the dining room. Children go about their routines using an appropriate range of equipment which keeps them safe, such as the child size table and chairs, the small picnic table, the double buggy for outings and the cot for sleeping.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an appropriate understanding of how to minimise risks in her home to protect the safety of children. For example, a stair gate prevents children accessing the stairs and the two garden gates are securely locked. However, she has not yet replaced the broken windows in the outdoor play house and stores her lawn mower where it can be accessed by children. Clear evacuation procedures are in place to ensure a speedy exit in the event of an emergency and children are beginning to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe, for example as they discuss road safety with the childminder on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures in line with Local Safeguarding Children Boards. She keeps local authority contact numbers available to use should she ever have a concern about a child in her care, however, she does not have a copy of the government guidance booklet 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused.'

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are at ease in the care of the childminder and well settled. She provides them with a variety of activities such as painting, using play dough, water play and doing puzzles. They choose from an extensive range of toys and activities which support their development well. For example, when a child shows interest in watering the plants, the childminder helps fill up a manageable, child size watering can and then extends learning by chatting about the different plants and their need for water in the warm weather. Children go about their daily routines with confidence as the childminder is always chatting to them about their activities, the choices they have and what is happening next. This gives children the opportunity to develop independence and express their personal preferences. The childminder shares daily verbal information with parents about their child's activities which helps them make good progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are treated with warmth and affection and as a result they feel valued and confident. The childminder spends time talking to them as she supports their play, and as a result they have good support for their language development. For example, while reading books children are encouraged to look carefully at the pages and discuss what they see. Outings include regular visits to the local parent/toddler group where children have the opportunity to socialise with a wider group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well known and treated as individuals. The childminder consults with parents when children are first placed to inform herself about their requirements. This ensures she can meet their individual needs and helps children feel confident in her care. She has an appropriate understanding of equal opportunities, treating each child equally and ensuring they all have access to the variety of activities she offers. However, toys and resources depicting positive images of the diversity of society are limited. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live on outings in the locality, for example to the park and the shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children increase their understanding of right and wrong through positive encouragement from the childminder. She praises them regularly and this helps to build their self-esteem. As a result their behaviour is good. Relationships with parents are friendly and professional. They are provided with the childminder's policies and procedures and receive regular feedback about daily events through both verbal and written reports. This contributes to children's sense of well-being and promotes their continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel comfortable in the childminder's home. Space is used well to allow children freedom to move around independently and to play with activities of their own choosing. The childminder plans her day to meet children's overall welfare and development requirements. This ensures they experience a broad range of activities both inside and outside her home.

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Organisation

Most required documentation is in place for the care of children. Adult ratios are always maintained. As a result, children receive the care and attention they require. Attendance registers are accurately completed and for security, a record is maintained of all visitors to the setting. Records are stored securely and the childminder has regard to confidentiality. Regular discussions

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 take place with parents to support children's continuity of care. 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 the provider or Ofsted to take any 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 satisfactory. 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): • request written permission from parents, at the time of placement, to seek any necessary medical advice or treatment • make the windows in the outdoor playhouse safe and the lawnmower inaccessible to children • obtain a copy of the government booklet 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused' • provide a wider range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of diversity

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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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