Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY137213 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2006 Inspection date Ann Hilary Guy Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and four children, three over the age of 16 years and one aged eight years in a village in north Buckinghamshire. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five part-time and seven children over five before and after school and school holidays, some of whom are over eight years old. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent toddler group and takes children to the local park. The family have a pet dog.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children experience a wide range of stimulating activities, both inside and outside the home, that contribute to their good health. They have a vast range of physical activities available in the garden, including football, swing ball, a large trampoline, and a swimming pool for the summer months, all closely monitored. Children enjoy going for walks at local beauty spots, trips to local places of interest and most days they walk to and from school. All these ensure they get daily exercise and fresh air.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children are cared for by a qualified, experienced childminder, who creates a very child friendly and inviting environment, in which the children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the comprehensive daily routine. Clear accident and medication records are maintained, although parents do not sign to acknowledge when medication has been administered. Children independently wash their hands before eating and understand why they need to do this. Parents choose whether to have meals provided by the childminder or to send packed meals for their children. Children enjoy the social interaction when sitting together at meal times at the large dining table. The menu available is nutritious and offers a balanced diet. Snacks of fresh fruit, dried fruit and breadsticks are given to all children, with a drink of milk, squash or water. Drinks are readily available throughout the day.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure and reasonably safe environment, where many risks have been minimised. The garden is very safe for use with clear boundaries placed on the use of the large trampoline and swimming pool. Parental permission has been obtained to enable children to use these under close supervision. The kitchen has recently been replaced and not all safety measures have been reinstated, posing a potential risk for children. Clear policies and procedures underpin the safety procedures, and the childminder ensures children fully understand these.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely and independently both inside and outside the house and follow clear procedures when out on trips in the car. They greatly benefit from the extensive range of equipment available, suitable for all interests and ages of children. They are clearly stored in a well organised shed in the garden, with some stored in boxes in the lounge. All toys and equipment appeared in a good state of repair and safe for use. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection and ensures children's welfare is safeguarded at all times.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and happy in this child-friendly, welcoming atmosphere, offering care tailored to their individual needs. They understand the basic rules of the house and have a sound understanding of right and wrong. They know where they have free access and where

p.3

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 they need to ask before venturing. Children benefit from the attention given, sometimes individual, sometimes as a group, and learn through the activities on offer.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They enjoy some self-selection of equipment and toys, with older children having free access to the toy storage area. The childminder always has some special activities available, which may be a trip, or an art and craft activity. These are used when she feels children need adult intervention in their play. Where possible she encourages children to play together, using their imagination and skill, and includes all ages. Children were observed playing swing ball and including the youngest children in this activity. They also all shared colouring books, whilst having a quiet time after their snack, helping the youngest children recognise colours and showing them how to keep in the lines. The daily routine always includes some quiet times for rest and relaxation, doing puzzles or listening to stories, before returning to their more active games.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are included as part of a large extended family, many have been with the childminder for a number of years and all demonstrate a strong sense of belonging. The childminder works closely with the parents to meet the individual needs of the children and she ensures any child with any form of learning difficulty or disability is given the extra assistance they need to be fully included in all the activities. Children experience a very positive view of the world through their visits to museums and places of interest, and through the very good resources available, based on other cultures and their festivals. They learn about the local environment whilst out walking or at the park.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children generally behave well, because familiar and consistent boundaries are in place. They respond positively to praise and encouragement and are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder skilfully integrates children's daily routines, as discussed with the parents, into her daily routine, and ensures parents are kept fully informed.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The effective organisation of time, space and resources ensures children's individual needs are given priority and helps them to develop. The policies and procedures, together with the very clear documentation, work very well, promoting children's health, safety and enjoyment. The children are always in sight of the childminder, who enjoys playing alongside them, enabling frequent opportunities for discussions to develop their skills and understanding. Daily information sharing with parents keeps them well informed and involved in the care of their child.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure children could not leave the premises unsupervised and the rubble in the garden was made safe. The front door is now kept locked with a key at all times and the key is kept well out of children's reach, but easily accessibly in an emergency. The garden has been completely cleared and made safe for children to use. By carrying out these recommendations the childminder has improved the safety of her home for children.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

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

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): • ensure children are not exposed to hazardous items in the kitchen and a fire blanket is in place • ensure parents sign the medication record book to acknowledge medication has been administered.

p.5

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

p.5

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.5