Childminder in Slough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298087 Inspection date 22 November 2005 Inspector Susan Mary Rolfe

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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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her 2 children who are 10 and 12 years of age. The family live in a house in Slough, Berkshire. The premises are close to bus routes, parks and shops. Children have access to the ground floor areas and the first floor toilet. A garden is available for outside play. The family have two cats, a dog, guinea pigs and fish. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children under the age of 8 years and currently cares for 4 children on a part-time basis. The childminder is able to take children to and collect from Lynch Hill School. The childminder receives support from

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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 Local Authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children gain an understanding of the importance of good hygiene practice, through, established, everyday routines. They wash their hands prior to eating and after using the bathroom. The good hygiene procedures followed by the childminder, protect children from the spread of infection. Children also protect themselves from infections as they follow the childminder's simple explanations and instructions. For example, they learn that germs spread when they put play items in their mouth. The childminder protects children as she is organised to deal with accidents effectively. She informs parents, in writing, of accidents and supplies additional guidance information. The childminders illness policy ensures a good exchange of information with parents and children are appropriately cared for if unwell. The childminder safeguards children's welfare, as she has a clear understanding of

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Helping children to be healthy

medication requirements. The childminder has written parental permission to administer medication and to seek professional advice or treatment in an emergency. Children learn the value of healthy eating as the childminder offers healthy options. Drinks are accessible at all times, which enhances children's independence.

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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 very safe environment. The childminder protects children as she ensures their access to hazards are minimised. For example, the garden is not in use until made safe. The premises are secure as the childminder locks the front door and ensures the key is close by. Children have access to a suitable amount of clear play space. Very young children have room to use toys that aid their mobility. Children have their own low level coat hooks and are able to access these easily increasing their independence. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment that are safe and suitable for their needs. During outings, the childminder ensures children’s safety by using a double buggy, buggy board and wrist restraints. The childminder closely supervises children at all times. The childminder promotes children's safety as she maintains the required level of car and public liability insurance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear knowledge and understanding of child protection. She promotes children’s welfare as she follows the correct procedures.

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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 The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and have a good relationship with her. The care is warm and supportive. The childminder has a good understanding of the activities that the children enjoy and provides a wide range of equipment. The organisation of play items encourages children’s independence, as they choose from toys in easy access. Children have access to local parks and playing fields for physical activity. They enjoy playing cricket, football and riding bikes. Children participate in cooking, playing with dough and listen to the musical toys with interest. Children are motivated and purposefully engaged as they set out their tea set and invite adults to partake of a drink. The childminder extends children’s language as she talks to them about the colours

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and reads books with them. Children count and enjoy playing matching game, puzzles and colouring. They greatly enjoy showing off their skill at mimicking familiar sounds such as motor bike and train. Children learn that print carries meaning as the childminder shows them how to write their name.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and the childminder promotes their emotional security as she provides them with much time and attention. She enhances children’s self-esteem through positive reinforcement and encouragement. The childminder manages minor disputes appropriately, distracts children's attention and encourages positive behaviour. Children develop an awareness of right and wrong as the childminder gives explanations at their level of understanding. Children learn about the world in which they live as they have access to toys that reinforce positive images of differences, including disability. Play people include persons who require walking or sight aids. Books show a range of cultures. Children learn that some people speak different languages as they have access to a dual language book and a television character toy that speaks Spanish. Children's understanding of this is enhanced as the childminder repeats the words in Spanish

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and English. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to care for children with special needs, although none currently attend. Children benefit from the good relationship the childminder has with their parents. Written permission forms for emergency treatment, car travel, sun cream and medication ensure that children are cared for according to parent’s wishes. Parents receive verbal and written feedback relating to the child’s day. The childminder promotes children’s welfare as she monitors children’s development, records the information and shares this with parents.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is generally well organised and has a good range of details relating to the care of the children. Children’s welfare is promoted by the childminder who follows an effective range of policies and procedures. However, although the childminder gives parents written details, she has not retained a copy of the one accident to a child. A strong partnership with parents ensures that children's individual needs are met. Parents have easy access to relevant information which confirms that the childminder is meeting her registration requirements. For example, the registration, first aid and public liability certificate are on display. The childminder promotes children's safety as she maintains the ratios at all times. The childminder enhances the outcomes for children as she has completed the

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Organisation

required introduction to childminding training, which increases her knowledge and understanding of the national standards. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 that accidents are recorded, the entry is signed by parents and the record is retained.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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