Childminder in Milton Keynes

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292215 Inspection date 07 June 2005 Inspector Maxine Coulson

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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 registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and three children aged 14, 12 and 7 years. They live in a detached house on a residential road in Loughton near the centre of Milton Keynes. Her home is within walking distance of local parks, shops, pre-schools and schools. The whole of the ground floor and three bedrooms on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for children's outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children and currently cares

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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 for 12 children who attend for various days and hours; of these 12 children, 4 are over 8 years of age. She is registered to provide overnight care for one child under the age of 8. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There are regular outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example riding on wheeled toys, use of balls, and walking to and from school. Regular visits to local parks improve children’s physical skills such as climbing steps on slides or using climbing frames. They become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. Children flourish in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand why they must wash their hands after going to the toilet and this helps reduce the risk of infection. Children benefit from a well-balanced and healthy diet. They have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks

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Helping children to be healthy

that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children through vigilance and the use of different safety measures, for example cupboard locks and stair gate. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder, through careful supervision, ensures toys and equipment are safe and appropriate for children's age and stages of development. The childminder satisfactorily safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and provides a written child protection policy to share with parents. However, increasing her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures will help develop her protection of children further.

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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 The provision is good. Children relate well to the childminder and are confident in their surroundings. They are able to easily access and choose from a varied range of toys, equipment and resources helping them to develop their independence. Children are beginning to develop social skills by having opportunities to play with other children of a similar age through attending local toddler groups. Children have access to a variety of activities to encourage them to progress in all areas of development, including imaginative and creative play. They have opportunities to develop their existing knowledge, for example learning to count. During imaginative play, the minded child begins counting up to five waiting for the toaster to pop up; the childminder actively encourages him to count up to ten.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to their own play area, in which they have plenty of room to move around freely and take part in spontaneous play. They choose from an interesting range of toys and equipment that they clearly enjoy playing with, helping them to learn and progress through their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are active, enjoy and eagerly participate in a variety of different types of play, which means they behave well. They have discussions with the childminder to help them be aware of their actions and to understand when their behaviour is acceptable and when it is not. They are beginning to develop their independence through making their own choices of toys and activities. They have opportunities to learn about their local community through visits to parks and toddler groups. Children have few opportunities to use toys and resources that help them learn about diversity and different lifestyles. The childminder has discussions with parents and carers to ensure she meets children's individual needs and routines, helping children feel confident and secure. She gathers this information and keeps it within the children’s records to help meet their needs on a daily basis. Children receive good support and appropriate care

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Helping children make a positive contribution

through the childminder's good practices. For example, she verbally feeds back to parents on a daily basis to inform them of how their child is settling in and progressing.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home within a relaxing and homely environment that contributes to their sense of belonging. They have good adult support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting. Children have access to a good amount of space that the childminder organises well allowing them to move around easily and to be able to express their ideas during free play.

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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 The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures and has all the necessary documentation and parental permissions in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She provides parents with well-written and informative data about her services and they regularly share information, which contributes to continuity of the children’s care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. • provide a range of toys and resources that reflect positive images and reflect diversity.

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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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