Rosier, Caroline

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300531 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Claudia Padfield

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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 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 registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two young children in Thilehurst, Reading. The house is within walking distance of local facilities including a pre-school, a primary school, shops and a park, and is near main road and rail links. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding, with one bedroom for rest and toilet facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She takes children to the local parks.

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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 The childminder may care for 4 children under 8 years and is currently minding 3 children. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows sound procedures during daily routines which contribute to their physical and emotional wellbeing. Children are learning effective procedures to stay healthy such as blowing noses and washing hands. They are given good opportunities to practise these skills and are well supported by the childminder. Children receive nutritiously balanced meals and snacks that consider each child's dietary requirements. The children have free access to drinks and enjoy sharing news as they arrive home from school. Meals and snacks are eaten in a sociable environment where the children are learning good manners from the careful support and interaction from the childminder. The childminder actively encourages the children to be healthy through regular opportunities to develop their physical skills. These activities include walks to the park and playing in the garden. The children have opportunities to access a range of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm and inviting where risks to children are minimised by regular risk assessments and good use of the space available. Children move freely, safely and independently. They have access to a good range of quality toys which meet safety standards and are in good repair. The children are learning how to protect themselves through good examples set by the childminder. However she lacks a safe evacuation procedure which can be practised by children attending. Older children understand safe procedures when using the bathroom, checking with the childminder before going upstairs. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and is aware of her responsibility to protect children in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures. This ensures she can act in the children's best interest should a concern arise.

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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 Children are secure and content in the childminders home; they relax and enjoy their play. The childminder promotes independence through a positive approach and encouragement. There are opportunities for children to make choices and select from a range of age appropriate activities. Children interact well and enjoy each other's company. They cooperate and take turns with good levels of support from the childminder. She praises and encourages each child to participate during a game of dominoes. They show a developing level of concentration and understand the need to take turns. The childminder has an obvious understanding of providing a broad range of activities and experiences. As the older children are engaged in playing a table top game, the younger children have space to play imaginatively with a role play kitchen

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and utensils. She is still able to engage in their role play as they bring her a selection of prepared foods. The childminder has the Birth to Three Matters Framework and uses this as a point of reference when planning activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats the children with equal concern, valuing and respecting their individuality. They have access to a good range of resources and settle quickly, enjoying the time they spend together. The childminder knows the children well and therefore the children are secure within the environment. She forms good relationships with the children and enjoys interacting with them during their play. This enables the children to develop increasing independence. Children respond positively to praise, which is given appropriately, and they are happy and eager to complete any tasks required. The childminder has a friendly, professional manner and ensures parents are updated on a daily basis. She has not had experience of children with special needs, but has systems in place to support a child should the need arise. The outcome for children is that their individual needs are identified and met ensuring they are well settled and confident in the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease within the well organised premises. They move freely and interact together when playing. Most documentation is in place, however some child record forms lack emergency contact details. Information regarding the children's progress is shared on a daily basis, which contributes to the continuity of care. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and a high regard for the children's welfare. She is well organised and provides a welcoming environment that enables to children to flourish. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 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 all child record details have emergency contacts numbers. • develop a safe evacuation procedure

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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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