Childminder in Wokingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308509 Inspection date 27 February 2006 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 July 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 children in Lower Earley, Berkshire. The ground floor is used for childminding and upstairs only to access bathroom and sleeping facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parents/carer and childminders groups. The family has no pets.

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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 play in a suitable environment, which is clean, tidy and a comfortable temperature. They learn about good hygiene routines and carry these out with confidence and self-assurance. For example, they use their own flannels and towels for cleaning and drying their faces after eating. They are beginning to recognise their bodily needs. They ask for the toilet, access drinks when thirsty and rest for a short period before going on the school run. The childminder holds an up-to-date first aid certificate. This means she can administer appropriate care when required. She records accidents, incidents and medication administered on the premises and ensures parents sign these. This helps to protect the children’s welfare. However, confidentiality is not always maintained when recording incidents and accidents. Children eat healthy snacks and meals. They have some choice as the childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

recognises their preferences. Children have their dietary requirements catered for as the childminder works well with the parents. Children take part in regular physical activity. They have regular trips to the park, walks to the library and access the garden. They develop skills by accessing toys and equipment, which help them to balance, climb and propel bikes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor setting. They have safe access to and use age appropriate toys and equipment. Children benefit from good safety measures and are beginning to learn how to keep themselves out of harms way. For example, they do not access rooms with stairs gates without the childminder, socket covers are in place and dangerous substances are inaccessible. However, there is only a smoke alarm on one level. Children remain safe as they play within hearing distance or sight of the childminder at all times. The childminder keeps children safe on outings; they use age appropriate car restraints, and the childminder takes a first aid kit, emergency contact numbers, drinks and spare clothing and nappies. All paperwork required is in place and includes written consent from parents to allow their children to travel in a car. This helps to safe guard

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She is aware of her role and the child protection procedure includes details of the Area Child protection Committee. This promotes children’s welfare.

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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 settle well and are happy, comfortable and relaxed in the setting. They are confident to join in planned activities and particularly enjoy moulding, rolling and cutting the dough. They self-select toys with self-assurance and are beginning to concentrate for extended periods. Children respond to the childminder who is interested in what they do, say and follows their ideas and suggestions. They invite her into their play and are keen to answer questions. Children acquire new knowledge and skills as the equipment and activities provided are stimulating and offer sufficient challenge to develop their learning, and reinforce existing skills. The childminder offers good support and attention. This helps to increase the children's enjoyment and learning. Children make positive relationships with the childminder and her family. They are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

confident to approach the childminder for support, comfort and to request what they want to do. They are beginning to play together with the other children and share their ideas and achievements. For example, one child shows another the marble she is making with the dough and how to achieve this. This increases the children’s confidence to make decisions and choices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and included in the play. They are a welcome addition to the childminder’s own family and treated with equal concern. This helps to increase their confidence and self-assurance. They have a sense of belonging as the childminder talks to them with respect, values their ideas and choices and ensures they receive sufficient time and attention. They have their individual needs met well as the childminder works with the parents to ensure she is aware of their routine and requirements. The childminder shares the child’s day and achievements with parents daily. She uses a communication book, as well as verbal exchanges. This helps to build a strong relationship between home and the childminder, contributing to consistent care for the child. There is a complaints policy, but no log to record any complaints. The childminder takes children on outings to introduce them to the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This helps to foster their understanding. Children access a variety of toys and equipment, which promote positive images of diversity. For example, dolls, books and small world figures. Children feel good about themselves and are developing an understanding of showing respect for others. Children behave well and benefit from consistent praise and encouragement. They learn important social skills such as sharing, taking turns and listening to each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and cared for by the childminder who has a knowledge and understanding of child development. They receive good care and attention from the childminder, contributing to them feeling settled and secure. Written policies and

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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 procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures she meets children's needs and she shares all relevant information with parents. A good two-way flow of information contributes to children feeling safe in her care. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to investigate and pursue their own games. She has high regard for children’s welfare. She provides a calm and welcoming environment for children to explore freely and she does not leave children unsupervised with persons not vetted. This contributes to children’s 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, although some lacks necessary detail and

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Organisation

confidentiality is not always fully maintained. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • make sure smoke alarms are fitted on all levels • ensure children's attendance times are accurately recorded and confidentiality is maintained when recording accidents and incidents.

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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 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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