Childminder, Out-of school day care in West Berkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY224961 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Sheena Bankier

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children, two of whom are school aged. The family live within walking distance of Newbury town centre. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding, with access upstairs for sleeping purposes only. The children have use of an enclosed back garden. The family do not have any pets. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight. She is currently minding three children on a part-time basis. Local facilities are within walking distance and include toddler groups, parks, library and shops.

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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 belongs to the local childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities, this helps them to develop and gain new skills. Children enjoy regular outings to indoor soft play centres and parks. They benefit from a good variety of outdoor play equipment in the garden. Indoor activities such as dancing also take place. Children understand the importance of keeping themselves healthy through exercising and eating well, by regularly discussing this with the childminder. Clear policies protect children from infectious illnesses. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. They learn the importance of washing their hands to maintain good health, through established routines and discussions. Drinks are readily available to children. Children benefit from regular healthy snacks of fruit, which promote healthy choices. Food provided by parents is stored appropriately. The childminder is aware of following younger children's routines such as sleep

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Helping children to be healthy

patterns to offer them the security of their familiar home routine. Regular discussions with parents ensure the childminder is up to date with children's needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder reduces risks and potential hazards to children well through using appropriate safety equipment. She supervises children closely at all times. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through regular discussions about keeping safe, such as road safety. An emergency evacuation plan is in place although children have not practised this for some time. Children independently select from a wide range of toys and materials. The childminder checks and cleans toys and equipment regularly to ensure they are safe for use by the children. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. This helps to safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of toys from which they can freely choose. This allows them to be independent. Children are also encouraged to develop their independent

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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 skills and are given time to complete tasks, such as putting their coat on and are given any necessary support by the childminder. This ensures children develop confidence in their skills. The childminder is actively involved and interested in the children and is attentive to their needs. Children are happy and confident in her care and they enjoy good relationships. She has a good understanding of the Birth to Three matters guidance and uses this to underpin her practice when working with this age group. She also has some knowledge of the Foundation Stage for pre-school aged children. This means she is able to offer appropriate activities and outings for children to learn and progress. Children have fun exploring and investigating on outings, for example to farm parks and within the home with art and craft materials. They learn about their environment

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

by being encouraged to observe their surroundings whilst walking in the local area. Puzzles, cooking activities and games help develop children’s mathematical concepts. Children enjoy music, singing and role-play which encourages their language development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides an extensive range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. These include small world toys, books, dressing up clothes and dolls that are freely available. The childminder organises art and craft and cooking activities for children which reflect other cultures, festivals and countries. This allows children to increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children gain value and respect as individuals. They benefit from her care, attention and her good understanding of their individual needs. The childminder has considered what she may need to take into account if caring for a child with additional needs. Children know and understand the set boundaries. They help tidy up and are learning to share and negotiate with each other. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder positively supports children's good behaviour through using suitable

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Helping children make a positive contribution

strategies and by giving children consistent praise. The childminder has good relationships with parents. She shares her policies and procedures with them, which ensures they are clear about the service she offers. Regular exchanges of information take place, which contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation 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 Children benefit from the homely and welcoming environment. Children have space to play and can initiate their own play. The childminder positively supports children's care, learning and play through her interaction and activities she offers. Children benefit from additional training undertaken by the childminder, which further develops her understanding of childcare. The childminder has written policies that provide clear guidelines and procedures for her childminding business. All required paperwork is in place and maintained appropriately. Confidentiality is well understood and practised by the childminder.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has developed and extended her resources which reflect positive images of the wider world.

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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): • practise the evacuation procedure with the minded children to ensure they are confident and aware of the 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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