Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY102892 Unique Reference Number 17 May 2006 Inspection date Claudia Padfield Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children in Lower Earley, Berkshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children - full time and part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parents and carer group. The family has two cats.

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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 thrive through the effective procedures and good role modelling from the childminder. Her support and guidance ensure that the young children are gaining a growing understanding of hygiene procedures to follow such as washing hands and blowing noses. Children talk with the childminder about the activities and the routines they complete extending their vocabulary and understanding of why the tasks are completed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks and meals, these consider the children's likes and dislikes, allergies and parental wishes. Children enjoy meals in a sociable environment eating with the childminder who acts as a good role model. Children enjoy having their milk mid morning and snuggle together on the sofa happily relaxing and joining in the conversation. Each child has a suitable beaker or bottle valuing the individual child and developmental needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder fosters a range of activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. Children are given many opportunities throughout the week to play outside and have a range of physical challenges to extend their development. For example playing in the park on a range of equipment and within the garden of the childminder using small equipment and ride on toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well supported by the childminder and are learning through good role modelling to stay safe. She has robust systems in place such as risk assessments and continued supervision to ensure the children are safe. Children change into slippers inside and move freely with in the designated playroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a developing awareness and understanding of how to protect themselves through gentle reminders and consistent boundaries set by the childminder. They know not to run inside, sit squarely on the chair so they don't fall off. As children then comply she uses praise effectively to increase their self esteem. Children have access to a broad range of safe, developmentally appropriate resources which they access independently. The childminder has the required consents, procedures and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded. She has a clear understanding of child protection issues and is aware of what to do should a concern arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and articulate, they make their needs and wishes known. The childminder responds with care and interest. Children choose the selection of activities they complete and are well supported with good questioning to extend their play and knowledge. The childminder set challenges along with a range of stimulating play to aid the children's development. Children

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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 are learning colours and shapes through craft activities and are given time to explore the different mediums such as feeling the texture of the glue.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good relationships are clearly evident and the children relate well to one another and the childminder. They spend time purposefully engaged in the full range of activities on offer. The children's learning is supported well by the childminder's knowledge of child development. She knows the children extremely well and supports them during the acquisition of new skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children benefit as the childminder treats them with equal concern valuing and respecting their individuality. They have access to a good range of resources, however these lack positive images of diversity and disability. Children's individual needs are met well as they follow their daily routine which is discussed with the parents. Children behave very well, they understand house rules and expectations through consistent boundaries, praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children play happily alongside each other and are gradually learning the importance of taking turns, sharing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership that the childminder has with parents. They are confident and settle quickly because the childminder takes heed of information provided. Parents have access to good quality information about the provision and daily updates ensure the parents are well-informed about their child's progress. The successful partnership promotes the children's well-being care and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's needs are met through effective organisation and good communication with parents. Space and equipment are prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently which enables them to make choices about their play. A balance of child lead and organised play ensures children have a range of different and enjoyable experiences and opportunities to learn and develop whilst they are with the childminder. They benefit from routines which make them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to do.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. Most of the required policies and procedures are in place to help the children stay healthy and safeguard their welfare. However contact details need updating before children are left with the childminder. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and experience. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to devise and complete a system to record incidents, this is now in place and safeguards the children. Medication forms now indicate the amount and time of administration which effectively ensures parents and the childminder know

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Improvements since the last inspection

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 quantity through documentation. The childminder has obtained written consent regarding the presence of pets and this ensures the children's welfare is paramount. The children are protected and documentation ensures parents are fully informed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • extend the range of toys and resources to reflect positive images of cultural diversity within the community. • ensure all contact details are updated and have relevant details

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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