Childminder in Windsor and Maidenhead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303615 Inspection date 05 December 2005 Inspector Margaret Moffat

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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 partner and child aged 2 years in the Woodlands Park area of Maidenhead. The whole of the childminder's home is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder’s registration is to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and she is currently minding 1 child under 8 years who attends on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for children over 8 years. The childminder collects children from the local school. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to local park.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities, which contributes to their good health. This includes visits to the local park and outdoor play in the garden. They have opportunities to develop their physical skills and have plenty of fresh air. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene routines and encourages them in their personal care. They play in a clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene routines such as washing hands at appropriate times. Parents give prior written permission to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder takes account of parent's wishes with regard to the children's dietary needs and prepares the food for the children that they provide. The childminder provides snacks of fruit. Drinks of water are available, as children need them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their social skills through eating snacks and meals together at the table.

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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, welcoming, safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. Precautions are in place to minimise hazards, for example stair gates to prevent access to areas of home unsupervised and storage units fitted to the wall. Children develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about road safety on outings and not opening the front door to strangers. Good use is made of available space and children have room to move around comfortably and independently. They access a sufficient range of toys and resources, which are easily accessible and suitable for their age. The childminder has all required procedures and documentation in place, although not all are readily available. She has a first aid certificate and a secure understanding of child protection issues and understands her role in the protection of children. This

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

promotes and safeguards children's welfare within the setting.

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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 confident and very settled in the childminder's home. They enjoy the activities on offer and show an interest in what they do, have fun and enjoy themselves. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft. For example in card making activity they concentrate on their colouring, chat about what colours they are using and ask childminder for help when required. The childminder praises and encourages the children for their efforts and achievements and this further develops their self-esteem. The childminder is warm and affectionate, making the children feel comfortable and valued. She develops good relationships with them and they receive good support in their play. For example, the childminder sounds out letters in words they wish to write and writes

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

words for them to copy. She encourages the older children to help younger children in the activities. The children have opportunities to be active or rest when they come home from school and the childminder responds to their requests to allow them to watch television for a short time before their meal.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder shows interest in the children's day at school helping them to develop a sense of belonging. The childminder treats each child as an individual and ensures she knows their personal needs and interests. Children access a range of books, dolls and puzzles that promote positive images of the wider world. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to care for children with special needs, although none currently attend. Children behave well, are polite and respond to the praise and encouragement offered by the childminder. The childminder is a good role model and promotes good behaviour through example. This helps children learn right from wrong. Relationships with parents are professional but friendly. They receive information about their children through verbal daily feedback, which accompanies daily diaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This ensures they are aware of their children's progress and the activities they enjoy. She follows the families' routines and individual requirements to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from well organised play space and are confident and secure in their surroundings. They receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well. Relevant documentation and procedures, which contribute to the children's safety and well-being are in place. However, the

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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 childminder does not have consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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. There are no complaints to report since registration.

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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 relevant consents are in place.

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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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