Lateu-Smith, Michelle Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303047 Inspection date 31 January 2006 Inspector Sandra Laura Bates

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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 is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and their own two children aged under eight years, in a detached house situated on a fairly busy through road in the village of Burnham, close to Slough. The house is close to local amenities, parks and schools. The minding is generally confined to the ground floor of the home, where there is a separate children's playroom, with access to an upstairs bedroom for sleeping

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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 children. There are washing and toileting facilities on both the ground and first floors. There is a securely enclosed rear garden for outdoor play and the childminder makes regular use of local play venues, groups and sports facilities. The childminder is a qualified early years teacher. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and well maintained environment. The childminder manages their personal hygiene needs effectively. Children develop an appreciation of good health and hygiene practices, for instance, they know that they should cover their mouths when coughing and begin to understand why this is important. Children are well supported and supervised when they take some responsibility for their individual health needs. Children benefit from exciting opportunities to play actively and develop their physical skills both at home and during the regular outings to local play venues and sports facilities. Children enjoy a variety of healthy meals and snacks prepared by the childminder. Parents receive detailed information about what the children have eaten via the comprehensive daily diary. Children are encouraged to try new tastes and textures whilst taking into account their personal preferences on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's welfare is promoted by the childminder's provision of appropriate resources and associated records for the administration of first aid and medications.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and rest in safe and secure surroundings where facilities are specifically arranged for their enjoyment and ease of access. All the relevant safety features are in place. Children take some responsibility for maintaining a safe environment by helping to tidy up before setting out new activities. They understand the need to co-operate when waiting for the childminder to help them clean up after a painting activity for instance. Children show an awareness of their personal safety and the need to create suitable situations for active play indoors. They place soft cushions around the raised hearth, without any prompting from the childminder, before dancing or jumping around the room. Children use safe and suitable resources and play equipment that stimulate and challenge them. The childminder arranges the materials so that children can choose freely and set out their preferred activities. They move confidently around the home

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

with the childminder in close attendance. Children benefit from the childminder's secure understanding of child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 issues and current referral procedures. She knows the forms that abuse may take and how to identify and assess any signs or symptoms.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. Both children and childminder enjoy a relaxed and mutually appreciative relationship with one another. They sit comfortably together to share a story book and the childminder uses this activity imaginatively to extend the child's thinking and understanding of various concepts. The childminder discusses numbers and textures within the story for instance, and the child responds with confidence and clearly learns from the experience. She enthusiastically participates, looking up at the childminder in delight when she is able to link the story to her own personal experiences at home and with the childminder. Children enjoy a very wide range of play and learning opportunities. The childminder plans carefully, and in significant detail, to ensure that children are offered interesting and stimulating activities that provide appropriate levels of challenge across the age

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

range. Activities are often themed. For example, a recent 'Pirates' theme included: stories; dressing-up; and making treasure maps. Children take the lead in imaginative and creative activities. The childminder facilitates their ability to make free choices and they explore the possibilities of various media such as paint. They relish the feel of paint on their hands and use the result spontaneously to make hand prints. Children have ample opportunities to play energetically at a variety of venues as well as at the setting. The childminder uses such outings thoughtfully to develop children's social skills and to provide interest which may not be available at her home, for instance by visiting an open farm to handle animals. Children are confident and show a growing independence and sense of responsibility. They proudly take the lead during a tour of the home demonstrating a clear awareness of the day to day routines and practices. The childminder reinforces

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

this by deferring to the child's knowledge whenever possible.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave very well. They demonstrate the social observances such as 'please' and 'thank you' without prompting. The childminder uses lots of praise and positive reinforcement to encourage children's wanted behaviours. Children begin to understand the boundaries and know what the childminder expects of them. They show patience and respect for the childminder's wishes. The childminder works closely with parents to achieve a consistent approach. Children are encouraged to understand the consequences of their actions, and the simple, age-appropriate sanctions are a last resort.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 has a positive personal attitude towards equality of opportunity. Children have access to a range of play materials which reflect social diversity. They participate in a variety of activities that are themed around different cultures, festivals and celebrations. The childminder makes good use of the library to ensure that children have access to an interesting and relevant range of books. She promotes children's understanding of special needs and disability through discussion with them about how everyone is special, with their own talents, differences and needs. Children benefit from the consistent approach to their care achieved through close, on-going liaison with parents. Their personal details and preferences are well documented and form the basis for developing strategies for addressing individual

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs. Information about how the children have spent their day is shared every day, both verbally, and in the form of a detailed daily diary which goes to and from home with the child and is added to by both the childminder and the parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has developed a well organised playroom that appeals to children. It provides an extensive range of play and learning opportunities which are arranged in an attractive and accessible way. Children move around freely and reach appropriate materials easily. They have regular routines that include times for meals and snacks as well as outings. The childminder plans effectively to ensure that children enjoy a wide variety of experiences. She makes detailed written records to ensure that she is properly resourced and prepared for various activities. Her training and commitment is evident in the efficient manner in which she manages the practical and business side of her service. The childminder provides a range of policies and procedures that underpin her service. All the regulatory documentation is in place and well maintained. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable. This is the first inspection since registration.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 the fire blanket is appropriately fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions • develop the range of play materials that reflect positive images of social diversity, in particular special needs and disability

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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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