Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY291895 Inspection date 27 April 2005 Inspector Catherine Langan

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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 2004. She lives with her child aged five years. Their house is in a cul-de-sac in the village of Winslow near the town of Buckingham. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, pre-schools and schools. The family has one pet rabbit. Childminding takes place in the whole house although there is not any access to the main bedroom upstairs. There is a garden available for children's outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and is currently caring for five children under over eight years. The childminder is not registered to

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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 provide overnight care. The childminder holds the National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) qualification. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a clean and warm home environment. Children's dietary needs are met with well balanced, nutritious meals that promote healthy eating. The childminder's good communication with parents and systematic recording ensures children's individual health requirements are managed effectively. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through the childminder providing appropriate resources and demonstrating through example. Children use individual wipes to clean their hands before meals. Children benefit from outdoor play and regular opportunities for fresh air that improves their physical development and exposes them to different environmental elements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder protects children by identifying and minimising risks. She gives precedence to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. There is sufficient space for children to comfortably play, eat and rest. Children independently select from a range of good quality and safe toys and resources. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises their choice to ensure they are appropriate for their age and ability. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and has all the required documents in place. For example, she has a current first aid certificate and has a sound knowledge of her role in the protection of children in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminders. Children become independent as they select for themselves from a good range of well-presented resources and activities that are fun and stimulating. The children participate in a range of free play, adult led planned activities and regular outings that allow opportunities to develop their social skills and give them greater experiences.

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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 relate well to each other and they enjoy each other's company. Good interaction is observed and children are considerate towards each other's feelings, for example, one child became a little upset as they wanted the musical instrument the baby was playing with and the other older child cuddled her to comfort her. Close and caring relationships increase the children's confidence and self esteem; the childminder knows the children well and effectively meets their individual needs. Children are offered one to one interaction with the childminder; she spends time listening and talking to the children. Children respond well to lots of positive praise and encouragement and behave appropriately. All children spend their time purposefully and they are happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected. The childminder uses appropriate documentation and good methods of parent partnership to contribute to the children's well-being. For example, 'About your child' records are completed so that the childminder has a clear picture and can fully meet the child's individual needs. Children are welcomed into the childminder's home and they feel comfortable within their environment. The children respond well to positive encouragement and reinforcement of good behaviour; they know their limitations and boundaries within the setting. Children are offered limited resources and experiences that develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world, however, the childminder is in the process of introducing some good ideas to address this such as introducing multi-cultural dressing up and tasting different breads from around the world.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident and effective at initiating their own play. The childminder uses all appropriate documentation to gather information to ensure the care and welfare of all children are met. Consistency of care for children is maintained by offering regular feedback and working closely in partnership with parents. However, the childminder does not have written procedures to support the service being offered, although she has a written mission statement under each heading of the 14 National Standards. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended that the childminder should ensure parents sign all accident records, that she records emergency contact numbers on all children's records, and that she improve the provision of activities and resources that

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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 reflect positive images and help children learn about the wider world. The childminder has made improvements to ensure children's safety. She now ensures that parents sign all accident records and that emergency contact numbers are recorded for all children. The childminder is currently in the process of introducing resources and activities to ensure children have opportunities to learn about the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there has been one complaint relating to Standard 2: Organisation, regarding the provider looking after too many children. Ofsted asked the provider to carry out an internal investigation and report to Ofsted within 10 days. The provider responded with a detailed report, together with the dates of birth, and the hours and days of attendance of the minded children. This information demonstrated that she is working within her registered numbers. Ofsted intends to take no further action and the provider remains qualified to be registered.

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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): • develop written polices and procedures to support the good quality service being offered.

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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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