Childminder in Windsor and Maidenhead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300031 Inspection date 15 September 2005 Inspector Glenda Pownall

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged one and seven years, in the Cippenham area of Slough, Berkshire. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor of the house for childminding with bathroom facilities provided on the first floor. Young children use a travel cot for sleeping in a first floor bedroom. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder may care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding three children after school, two of whom are aged over eight years. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She makes use

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 of local facilities such as parks and toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure she meets children’s health and dietary needs and has a sound knowledge of their individual needs. Children enjoy eating their tea of homemade pizza, fresh fruit salad and ice cream. They learn the importance of good hygiene when cooking through consistent guidance from the childminder. For example, children know to wash their hands before making the pizzas and the childminder gently reminds them not to lick their hands whilst cooking. However, children do not wash their hands before eating after playing in the garden or before eating snack, which they eat whilst running around the room. This does not foster good personal hygiene routines. Children receive plenty of drinks and confidently help themselves to more asking for help where necessary. This encourages children to think about their personal needs. They are becoming independent in self-care skills, such as toileting and taking shoes

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Helping children to be healthy

off. Children are familiar with the daily routine and on their return from school sit up the table to do their homework. Children enjoy physical activities in the garden and regularly visit local parks. This promotes children’s health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean environment where the childminder identifies and minimises most risks. For example, child locks are in place on all low-level kitchen cupboards to prevent children gaining access to potentially hazardous materials. However, the childminder acknowledges children are able to open the front door and there is an emergency evacuation procedure in place but it is not practised with the children. This does not promote children safety or help them become familiar with the routine in the event of a fire. The childminder has sufficient resources to support the children she currently cares for and to maintain their interest. Children are confident in their surroundings and receive good support from the childminder. When time allows, children select resources and activities for themselves. The childminder has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow if concerned a child is being abused. This protects

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident in the childminder’s home. They move around confidently

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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 indoors and in the garden. Children form positive relationships with each other and adults. They readily approach the childminder and talk freely with each other and the childminder’s partner. The children enjoy helping to feed the fish. Children show interest in cooking activities and briefly thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to play outside organising an imaginative game together each taking on different roles. However, completing homework takes up much of their time after school. The childminder gives good support with the tasks set but the young children become restless and want to do other activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound understanding of how to maintain positive communication links with parents. She verbally exchanges information with parents at the end of the day to keep parents informed of their child’s daily activities. Children benefit from this positive interaction between their main carers. Parents state they are happy with the care their children receive. However, the childminder does not provide parents with the Ofsted contact details should they have a concern about the childcare their children receive. This is not in the best interests of the children. The childminder has positive strategies in place to promote good behaviour. Children respond to gentle reminders to care for their environment and each other. For example, at the childminder’s request they stop jumping on the furniture and say excuse me when another child is in their way. The children generally behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

They share resources and take turns. Children access an adequate range of resources that reflect the diverse society in which they live. The childminder treats all children with equal concern and they learn about the local community through routine outings to local parks.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. An efficient two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents ensures continuity of care. In general, effective documentation and procedures are in place to promote all aspects of children’s welfare. The childminder effectively identifies risks to children’s safety but does not always minimise these hazards and children do not always follow good hygiene routines. This does not support children’s well-being. The childminder spends much of her time actively supporting children doing their homework and in their play. Good procedures in place ensure children always have appropriate supervision. The children are at home in the childminding environment. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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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): • assess the risk to children in relation to the security of the front door and ensure children are familiar with the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency evacuation • ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing • provide parents with Ofsted’s contact details should they have a concern about the care their children receive.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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