Childminder in WokinghamOfsted inspection, 4 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300060 Inspection date 04 November 2005 Inspector Joanne Graham

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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 was registered in February 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 young children in a house in a quiet road in Woodley. This is close to schools, local amenities and parks. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder may care for 4 children at any one-time and is currently minding 1 child on a full-time basis. The family have a pet rabbit.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because they understand simple good health and hygiene practices, which the childminder follows. Younger children have their faces and hands wiped by the childminder and older children wash their hands. They access toys which are cleaned regularly and the house is clean and a suitable temperature. Children enjoy physical play and activities inside, outdoors and on outings. They have sufficient space to move freely inside to access the toys and equipment, to play on the swings and see-saw in the garden and to go for walks to the local parks to feed the ducks. Children participate in activities which further develop their existing skills and encourage new ones. The childminder ensures the younger children are able to participate in planned activities and demonstrates a suitable understanding of child development for the under 3’s. Children enjoy snack and meal times and the childminder offers drinks regularly. She

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Helping children to be healthy

ensures meal times are a suitable social occasion with the other children. The childminder provides lunch and snacks and considers the children’s likes and dietary needs when preparing these. She prepares the food into bite-sized pieces to help promote the children’s independence. Children have periods to enjoy rest and sleep, as well as opportunities to play.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment, where the childminder identifies and minimises risks. The children are beginning to develop an understanding of staying safe. They do not go through areas where there are stairgates, they wear straps in the booster chairs when eating and only enter the garden with the childminder. They benefit from playing in a non-cluttered environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. They have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate for their age. Children stay out of harms way through constant supervision in every situation. The childminder is aware of local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures and has guidance with contact numbers accessible. She promotes the children’s welfare effectively. For example, there are smoke detectors on both levels, the fire blanket is wall mounted, internal door openings are secured and her first aid

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

training is up-to-date. Children’s needs are safe guarded by correct documentation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem. The childminder provides a warm and calming environment to play. Children access suitable toys and equipment, which occupy, stimulate and encourage their play. They settle well and particularly enjoy

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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 colouring with the aqua pens with the childminder’s own children. They often invite the support of the childminder and receive positive attention from her. The childminder asks them questions about the colour of the pens and what shapes they are making with the templates. This helps to move the children’s learning forward. Children show an interest in what they do and engage in activities well. They are acquiring new knowledge and skills and respond well to challenge. Children are beginning to use their initiative by selecting their choice of colour pens. They handle these with increasing control and skill. Children are beginning to form positive relationships. They play along side one another and respond to the other children. They are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong and are developing their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder respects children's routines and cares for their individual needs well. She makes sure she provides sufficient time for rest and play, within the children’s own routines. This ensures children feel valued. The childminder keeps parents informed of their child’s day and achievements through written correspondence in the form of a daily diary and regular verbal exchanges. This ensures the children receive consistent care. There is currently no method to record parental complaints. Children receive sufficient and appropriate support to help build their self-esteem and move their learning forward. They are confident to make choices and decisions. Children become aware of the wider society through visits to local places of interest, meeting friends and accessing some equipment depicting positive images. However, these resources are limited. Children are aware of boundaries and their behaviour is good. They are beginning to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

develop an understanding of good social manners and to play co-operately.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well protected and cared for by the childminder who has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of child development. They receive sufficient care and attention from the childminder, contributing to them feeling settled and secure. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures she meets children's needs and she shares all relevant information with parents. She has high regard for children’s welfare and provides a calm, welcoming and spacious environment for children to explore freely. She does not leave children unsupervised with persons not vetted. This contributes to children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to take an active part in the setting. All legally required documentation that contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being are in place, however there are areas for improvement. The registration certificate is

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Organisation

not displayed during operating hours. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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 have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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): • provide more equipment and toys which depict positive images of race, culture, disabilities and age to help foster the children's understanding of the wider world • ensure children's arrival and departure times are accurately recorded.

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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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