Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320500 Inspection date 06 June 2006 Inspector Sonjia Nicholson

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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 February 2006. She lives with her husband and their three children aged six, four and two years in a house in Great Kingshill on the outskirts of High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. Most rooms on the ground floor are used for childminding with sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a large fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding two children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family do not have any pets.

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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 learn good personal hygiene; they wash their hands after going to the toilet and before meals. The childminder provides a good role model for children; she washes her hands after changing a nappy and before preparing lunch, protecting children from cross-infection. Children play in a clean environment; the baby enjoys rolling and crawling in the clean home. Children’s good health is maintained; there is a clear written sickness policy in place that the childminder shares with parents. Children are protected in the event of minor accidents. The childminder has a fully stocked first aid box, which meets current guidelines and she records accidents and medication appropriately. Children have good opportunities to take part in a range of activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, such as playing in the large garden with a good range of outdoor equipment, including a wooden climbing frame with swings. There are also

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Helping children to be healthy

opportunities for children to go for walks in the woods and local parks. Children enjoy a good variety of homemade meals, such as lasagne, chicken and spinach pasta and shepherds pie, which meet their nutritional needs. They contently tuck into ham sandwiches and bananas for lunch. Children have frequent drinks throughout the day to ensure they do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move and play freely within a spacious, comfortable, welcoming home. Children use most rooms on the ground floor and have access to the large, fully enclosed garden from the conservatory and dining room. Children play with a wide selection of toys stored at their level. The baby rolls and grasps age-appropriate toys, for example, an activity centre and bricks that are in good condition. Younger children have use of suitable equipment, such as car seats, buggies, a booster seat, highchair and step-up stool to meet their needs. Children remain safe and secure within the home; there are a number of safety measures in place, for example, socket covers and a chain fitted to the front door. There are some minor hazards present in the garden that pose a risk to children’s safety. As a precaution, smoke alarms are fitted on both levels of the property and a fire blanket and extinguisher are situated in the kitchen. There is a detailed written

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuation plan so children are safe in the event of a fire; this includes the use of an emergency helper and a procedure to follow if they are involved in a road traffic accident. Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a

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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 good knowledge of child protection issues. She has devised her own Child Protection policy which includes appropriate contacts but lacks up-to-date local safeguarding children details.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a flexible daily routine, which incorporates individual children’s routines, such as sleep times. Children take part in a range of activities at home, including playdough, painting and role-play; they also go on outings to develop social skills and learn about the world around them. They go to Wendover Woods, the library for “Bounce and Rhyme” singing sessions and the garden centre. The childminder has a copy of the Birth to three matters framework, which she is beginning to incorporate into her practice. The childminder interacts well with children; she chats freely to the baby, as she changes his nappy, counts the poppers on his vest and tells him has been a good boy. Children respond well to the childminder’s relaxed manner; the baby smiles, chatters away and is happy and settled. Children’s needs are well met; the childminder takes the baby’s top off, as he is hot and offers him a drink of water and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

a snack. Children have many opportunities to experience free play both inside and outside; they play with a suitable range of age-appropriate toys, including books, games, jigsaw puzzles, ride-on toys, imaginary play props, small world equipment, construction, musical instruments and noisy toys. Older children are keenly encouraged by the childminder to develop their independence; they go to the toilet with little or no support and make their own sandwiches for lunch.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about their local community by going out and about for walks and outings. Boys and girls have equal access to the toys and resources available, some of which reflect diversity such as dolls with differing skin tones, play people of different cultures, puzzles and books; this helps them to learn about the wider world. The childminder knows the children well; she fully discusses their needs with parents and gathers information via her 'All about me' form. This ensures children receive appropriate and consistent care, for example, the baby drinks from a beaker without a lid at his parent's request. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards caring for a child with differing needs. She is able to research information as she has internet access and discusses children’s needs with parents, for example, how to support a left-handed child. Children respond well to the childminder’s calm manner; she rewards good behaviour

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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 and achievements by offering lots of praise, for example, she tells the baby he is very clever when he rolls over onto his front; this develops his confidence and self-esteem. Children follow simple instructions, such as to tidy away the toys before lunch; they actively participate with little prompting. The childminder deals very effectively with the demands of her own child and those of the minded child; this means they all feel valued and included. Parents have access to the written Behaviour policy, which clearly sets out the strategies used by the childminder to manage unacceptable behaviour. Older children are beginning to learn simple house rules, for example, they remove their shoes when they enter the house. This ensures children know what to expect when they attend.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships established between the childminder and parents. Information is exchanged on a daily basis, both verbally and in the form of a diary for the baby. This is recorded in a chatty, personal style that is very informative and means parents are fully informed about the care offered and children receive appropriate and consistent care. Parents complete written agreements and have access to the childminder’s comprehensive portfolio, which includes details of her family, curriculum vitae, daily routine, activities and meals. The childminder has devised a number of written policies relating to most areas of the service offered which are also available to parents, however, some lack the necessary detail and need updating.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All aspects of the service are well organised. The childminder plans her day so that children play outside, make choices about what they want to do inside, rest, and eat according to their individual needs. Children move and play freely. The space available is organised well, for example, the conservatory is used as a playroom, meals and activities take place at the dining table and a travel cot is set up in a first floor bedroom so children can sleep peacefully. All regulatory records and written parental consents are in place, most of which contain the necessary detail. Information regarding how parents can make a complaint and child protection procedures do not reflect recent changes to regulations. All records are stored confidentially to protect 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

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Complaints 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 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): • update child protection and complaints information for parents to reflect changes in regulations and ensure all documentation includes the necessary detail.

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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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