Childminder in Milton Keynes

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY284785 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Susan Marriott

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004 and holds a professional qualification in childcare. She lives in a house in Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes with her mother, father and sister close to shops, parks, library and local schools. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play with a secured swimming pool area. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years and is currently minding 8 children on a flexible, part time basis. The presence of an assistant enables her to care for two babies under one year. Before and after school care and

p.2

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 school holiday care is offered. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities, whatever the weather; such as visits to the local park and playground or outings further afield. Regular play with hoops, balls and skipping ropes supports the development and improvement of children’s physical skills. Outings to a local mother and toddler group and baby gym further extend children's physical competence, confidence and co-ordination. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before handling food, reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children learn about healthy living; for example, they clean their teeth after every meal and wear sun hats to protect themselves from sunburn. Young children are able to sleep according to their needs in a suitable quiet area of the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

house. Sound written procedures are in place for children who are unwell and the childminder maintains an accident book in accordance with requirements. Children receive appropriate first aid because the childminder holds a suitable first aid qualification. The childminder consistently implements her clear written procedures for hygienic nappy changing to include the use of disposable gloves when dealing with bodily fluids. Children are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle because the childminder provides healthy snacks and meals. She always ensures that fresh fruit and vegetables are available for children and has attended a basic food hygiene course. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they enjoy home cooked food prepared from fresh ingredients. The children sit at their own table to eat and learn good manners and social rules. Children have access to regular drinks throughout the day.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for within a clean, safe and secure home environment. The childminder uses her professional knowledge of working in childcare to provide a stimulating environment for children. They have a clear understanding of the areas to which they have free access, and those which they require the childminder's agreement to access; for example, the pool area in the garden. Children independently select activities from a suitable range of resources, which are in a good state of repair and are age appropriate. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys, to ensure they are appropriate for their age and

p.3

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 stage of development. Children are able to move around and play safely, freely and independently because the childminder has identified and minimised all risks. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder has clear rules and routines in order to maintain their safety inside and outside the home. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has all the required policies and documents in place. Children are safe with the childminder, who has attended an appropriate training course and has a secure understanding of child protection in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle quickly in the child-friendly atmosphere. They arrive confidently and quickly make themselves at home. Children make independent choices in their play and are able to choose from a suitable variety of toys and equipment, which are all stored within easy reach. Children relate well to each other and show patience and tolerance towards others. For example, an older child plays happily alongside a younger child whilst they draw and colour pictures. The childminder skilfully progresses children's learning and development as she responds to their interests; for example, by taking a girl for a much wanted visit to have her 'hair done' with glitter and bows and to sit in the 'I'm a princess seat'. The childminder tracks and records children's achievements and progress through the assessment system and uses this information to plan activities to develop children's skills further.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is very attentive to the needs of the children and ensures they have a balanced programme of activities throughout the day. The children are able to have free choice, guided by the childminder who makes additional suggestions. Each child is able to have individual attention at some time during the week. Children spend time outside each day in all weathers, either in the garden, or whilst walking in the local park. The children have free choice of activities and the childminder supplements these with a daily programme of flexible organised activities including visits to the park, toddler groups and interest outings, where the children develop their social skills and mix with a wider range of different children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about their local community as they walk to and from school, visit the toddler group and local parks. The childminder provides an adequate range of resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, dolls which represent different cultures and books about other countries. The childminder states that she has not yet given sufficient thought to this aspect of her provision and acknowledges that this is an area for future development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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 are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets their needs through the daily routine as discussed with their parents. The childminder ensures that friendly documentation and daily discussion about the service provided keeps parents extremely well informed about their child's activities. Children show care and concern for each other and they behave very well in response to the childminder's clear boundaries for acceptable behaviour and consistent expectations. Children play together cooperatively sharing and taking turns; they use social graces without prompt.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder adopts a very professional approach to her childminding, a real commitment to training and further development and is increasingly confident in her childcare practice. She uses her professional childcare knowledge and experience in combination with her effective organisation to promote positive outcomes for children. Children feel very much at home and are comfortable in the well-organised, suitably prepared and inviting environment where the childminder is able to enrich their care, learning and play through her constant interaction and enthusiasm. All younger children receive individual attention at some time during the week and benefit from social interaction with children of varying ages and backgrounds. Children confidently choose activities and the childminder encourages them to extend their own play and learning in an imaginative way. Children's welfare, care and learning is effectively

p.5

Organisation

supported through the childminder's clear use of written procedures and routines which cover most aspects of the National Standards. All written parental permissions are in place and the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.5

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): • enhance the range of resources and activities which promote children's awareness of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6