Rainbow Retreat

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 119023 Inspection date 06 June 2005 Inspector Susan Victoria May

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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 1991. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 13 years in Bracknell, Berkshire. The property is within walking distance of local shops, parks and local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder may care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part time basis. The childminder attends local pre-school groups on a weekly basis. .

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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 satisfactory. Children stay healthy and develop increasing understanding about good hygiene practices though daily routines and clear guidelines from the childminder. Most documentation and procedures for recording accidents to protect children is in place and the childminder shares information with parents. Opportunities for the children to increase control, coordination and physical skills are available daily through activities in the home. Children are beginning to move around skilfully and with increasing control, following their chosen path. Routine visits to parks, local groups and the leisure centre helps further develop their skills to balance, throw, push and scoot. Children have a growing awareness of how their bodies develop, and of their wants and needs, for example, children have drinks when thirsty and rest when tired. The childminder observes children's dietary requirements; she takes into account

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Helping children to be healthy

parents wishes and generally requests parents provide all snacks and lunches which are then stored in the fridge. Children begin to understand about healthy eating through appropriate discussion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder identifies and minimises risks in her home and on outings. This means the children can explore safely, independently moving around freely in a variety of environments while exploring and safely facing new challenges. Children are learning to keep themselves safe and are beginning to understand the consequences of their actions, for example, children are beginning to understand simple road safety procedures. Children independently select toys from a broad range of high quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Very good storage and sensitive support from the childminder provide opportunities for children to easily access toys that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder gives top priority to safeguarding the children's safety and welfare. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is secure in her knowledge of child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children are happy and secure in the childminders home, they relax and play with and alongside each other confidently. The childminder promotes independence through a positive approach and encouragement. There are many opportunities for

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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 to make choices. Children self-select from a range of activities and express personal preferences. Older children are beginning to attend to personal hygiene and help tidy away activities. Children are aware of the boundaries set and behavioural expectations from the childminder. They take turns, negotiate, show respect for each other and are beginning to share very well. Children's relationships with the childminder are excellent and she promotes social skills with other children through visits to local groups. The childminder extends the children’s language and thinking through relevant conversation and open-ended questions appropriate to the child's stage of development. The childminder has an obvious understanding of providing a broad range of experiences, such as developing imagination and self-expression through activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

such as music and dance. She provides many opportunities for children to develop in all areas; however, although she has not yet had access to the Birth to three matters training she demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of young children. The childminder and parents share daily information on the children to help them progress effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn and find out about the local community on routine trips with the childminder, for example to the library and the park. She provides opportunities for the children to access meaningful activities to help them begin to develop their understanding of the wider world in a positive way. Children are valued and respected; the childminder knows each child well. She works with parents to meet their individual needs; consequently, the children are secure within the environment and make their own decisions about what to do next within the daily routine. Children respond positively to praise, which is frequently given, and are eager to please and help each other and the childminder. The cm has a daily diary that is very effective in communicating with the parents to ensure both parties are working in the children's interests, sharing and developing children’s learning and providing continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the childminders well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Most policies and procedures effectively promote the welfare, care, safety and learning of the children. The childminder shares information about the children on a daily basis with the parents to keep them well informed about their child's activities and her service. This contributes to continuity in the child's care. Overall,

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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 provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 all relevant procedures and documentation relating to accidents are implemented • Certificate to be displayed when minding

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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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