Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY339022 Unique Reference Number 29 July 2008 Inspection date Jacqueline Munden 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 2006. She lives with her partner and two children in the Calcot area of Reading. All areas of the home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has two guinea pigs and a hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a total of four children under eight years and is currently caring for three children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted well by the childminder who has a sound understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. Effective procedures ensure the risk of cross infection is minimised as children's hands are cleaned before eating and they use individual towels to dry their hands; when changing nappies the childminder wears gloves and cleans the mat between uses.

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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's health records and information regarding accidents and the administration of medicines are maintained appropriately. The childminder is well prepared to respond to medical emergencies as she is trained in first aid and has the necessary parental consent to seek treatment; she carries a first aid kit and emergency contact numbers for children on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the healthy and nutritious snacks the childminder provides. Drinks are always available and are regularly offered to young children that may not ask for them; this ensures they remain hydrated. Information regarding children's individual dietary needs is obtained from parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular physical exercise and plenty of time spent in the fresh air. Young children improving their walking skills are provided with a varied range of activities to encourage their development and use of large muscles. Children enjoy visits to local parks for physical play as well as using equipment in the garden such as the trampoline and slide. Indoors they develop coordination and small muscles as they fit rings on the pole and create models with small construction sets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and child friendly environment. They independently select activities from a wide range of suitable toys and equipment, which meet safety standards; it is accessible allowing them to make choices. Low level furniture such as a table and chairs allow children to be safe, and use and reach creative and play materials with ease.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of maintaining children's safety. Children are cared for in a well planned home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Safety gates are used to prevent children accessing the stairs and kitchen, and cleaning materials are inaccessible. The childminder is vigilant and ensures children are appropriately supervised as they play and monitored as they sleep.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, parental consent is obtained to take photographs and to go on outings. The childminder has a suitable knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and has a written procedure that is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They thrive in the nurturing environment where their immediate needs regarding their daily routine are met well. Children build close and caring relationships with the childminder which increases their sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. Children benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of child development. Children enjoy the interesting range of activities offered to them. They decorate paper cut outs of their hands and happily show them. They talk about colours as they make models with 'Stickle Bricks'. They enjoy sharing books and learn about texture as they look at a feely book.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children flourish in the childminder's care. They are welcomed and play a full part in their day because the childminder respects each child's individuality. They are happy and settled as their care routines are met well; they are offered food and drinks and allowed to sleep when tired. They feel valued as they are listened to and have their own drinking vessels. They are learning to be independent as they make choices of what to play with and are encouraged to help tidy the toys away. They respond well to the childminder's positive approach to managing their behaviour. They are praised and encouraged at every opportunity and are learning to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world through play resources, books and posters available to them. The childminder has a positive approach to supporting those with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises the importance of developing good relationships with parents. She provides them with a wide range of written information that supports her practice. Written policies and procedures are in place although the complaints procedure does not fully inform parents of the process. There are effective systems in place to ensure they share information which helps to meet children's individual needs. For example through daily diary sheets and regular discussions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. All aspects of the provision are well organised which enhances the care of each child. She is experienced and suitably qualified to care for children. Children feel at home and at ease in the safe and accessible environment; this means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder focuses her time on ensuring children are happy and involved in purposeful activities. The wide range of policies and procedures are used well to promote the welfare and care of children although there is a weaknesses in that pertaining to complaints. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and stored confidentially.

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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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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 parents are fully informed of the complaints procedure.

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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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