Willis, Justine

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307506 Inspection date 10 February 2006 Inspector Elizabeth Juon

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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 lives with her husband and one child aged under five years, in Chippenham near Slough. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding with bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder's registration is to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and she is currently minding two children, both attend on a part-time

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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 basis. The childminder attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before eating. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate environmental health and hygiene procedures, for example, wearing disposable gloves when changing a nappy. The childminder’s correct use of accident and medication records safeguards children’s well-being. Children engage in a good range of physical activities inside and outside the home that helps keep them healthy, such as outings to the park and toddler groups. The children receive warmth and affection from the childminder, which supports their emotional well-being and enables them to feel safe and secure. The childminder works in partnership with parents to cater for children’s individual dietary needs and encourage good eating habits. Children have main meals provided by parents; the childminder stores packed lunches appropriately in the refrigerator to

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Helping children to be healthy

prevent food from spoiling to safeguard children. Children are able to make healthy choices at snack time and drinks are always available. The childminder considers children’s likes and dislikes when preparing a snack. Children’s health benefits from the childminder’s consistent routine for playing, eating and resting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are safe, secure and move around freely in the welcoming home where the childminder has minimised the areas of risk. Children have easy and safe access to a good variety of toys and resources appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children benefit from a suitable range of safety measures, for example socket covers and a secure outdoor play area. Regular visual checks of toys and resources ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. Children are able to rest and sleep in safety usually within sight of the childminder who is able to monitor them. The children are safe on outings as the childminder uses appropriate safety restraints, such as, wristbands. The childminder ensures that fire safety equipment and an evacuation plan is available which will enable children to leave the premises in an emergency. The childminder has a good understanding of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection issues and knows how to proceed should concerns arise about a child in her care. This supports children’s wellbeing.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the childminder’s care. She responds warmly to the children, praising and encouraging their achievements. The children show interest and enthusiasm in the activities offered and learn new skills. They enjoy the company of the childminder’s own children and form close relationships. Children enjoy first hand learning experiences by going out in to the local area. They learn to socialise at the carer and toddler group. The childminder encourages conversation, enabling children to develop their language skills. Positive relationships between adult and children are evident which promotes children’s confidence and feeling of security.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are fully included in the homely environment by the childminder who works well with parents to meet individual children’s needs. Appropriate paperwork is in place to ensure children’s personal information is up to date. Children display a sense of belonging in the home and receive comfort and support from the childminder. Children are involved in decision making when choosing activities, however, they have limited access to toys that promote positive images such as books and dolls. Children are beginning to learn about the local community during walks and outings, for example, to the toddler group and park. Children enjoy each other's company and behave well and good relationships are evident. They benefit from praise, encouragement and some basic house rules that are consistently applied by the childminder. The childminder’s demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how to care for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children with special needs although currently none attends. A written diary of daily activities and personal care informs parents and gives them the opportunity to make relevant comments about the care of their children. This helps provide continuity of care between home and childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and at ease in the childminder’s home. The childminder’s organisation of routine and the environment enhances children’s enjoyment and promotes their health and safety. Planning of the daily routine allows children time for quiet and active play. The childminder maintains appropriate ratios to support children’s care, learning and play. She attends training whenever she can to improve her knowledge and skills and to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after.

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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 childminder has a selection of policies and procedures to underpin the care of children, which she shares with parents. Information kept about children is confidential, relevant and helps promote their welfare and meet their individual needs. A good two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents ensures continuity of care for children. 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): • provide a meaningful range of toys and activities for children which reflect positive images and diversity.

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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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