Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338589 Unique Reference Number 01 March 2007 Inspection date Dorcas Forgan Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and their two children who are aged 15 years in Loughton, close to Milton Keynes. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding three children under the age of eight on a part time basis. They are aged four years and two are aged seven years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a rabbit.

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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 are cared for in a warm, clean home where the standards of hygiene are very good and there are good policies and procedures in place. The children are learning the importance of personal hygiene through discussions and activities. They all devised their own posters to remind everyone to wash their hands after using the toilet. One is on display in the toilet. The childminder has recently completed first aid training and uses her knowledge to treat minor injuries and to ensure records are comprehensive and parents are informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy, well planned and balanced diet that is home cooked. The childminder plans the menus weekly and displays them for the parents' information. Children enjoy sitting together to eat their tea. It is a social occasion when they have the opportunity to share news and chat in a relaxed atmosphere. The childminder pays very close attention to children’s needs and their likes and dislikes. She works closely with the parents. A variety of drinks are available to the children to ensure they have sufficient fluids, especially following exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children make very good use of the garden. There is a large trampoline on which they enjoy, practising new skills and burning energy. They walk from school each day and sometimes visit the local park and the shops. They take part in a good range of physical activities in the fresh air, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a very well organised environment where they can move around safely and freely. There are areas where they can sit quietly and relax or do their homework, in the lounge and dining room. The kitchen is used for all meals and creative activities, such as cooking and crafts. Suitable, safe equipment and resources are stored in boxes in the hall. Children access the interesting range of activities as they wish, giving them the opportunity to initiate their own games.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has identified and minimised the areas of risk in the home, for example, cleaning materials are in a high cupboard. Therefore, children remain safe. The childminder helps children understand how to keep themselves safe both inside and outside the home by setting relevant boundaries. The children follow these when playing on the trampoline and when walking home from school. They are all very aware of how to evacuate the home quickly if there is an emergency through regular discussions and practise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities towards the children. She has effective procedures in place to record existing injuries and pass on concerns if necessary.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and very well settled in the childminder's home where there is a very happy atmosphere. They relate well with each other. They are forming trusting affectionate relationships with the childminder and her family. The childminder plans an interesting range of activities for the children, in consultation with them. These provide new skills, such as cooking, physical activities, expressing themselves creatively and using their imaginations in role-play situations. The childminder helps children to remember these experiences through photographs and making a scrapbook. There are limited activities for use in the garden. The childminder knows the individual children very well and provides additional challenges, which boost their self-esteem and independence, such as making a tally chart of what everyone would like for tea.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a very good understanding of child development, she provides activities that stimulate the children and develop their skills. Plans are flexible to allow for children’s moods and other influences. Children are making good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are becoming aware of the wider society through everyday activities and discussions. They have access to some resources that promote a positive view of the wider world. They learn about the local community through walks, and using the park and shops. Children are valued and respected as individuals; they are becoming aware of their needs and the needs of others. The childminder has a very good understanding of how to care for children with learning and physical difficulties; they all receive appropriate support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well; they are lively, chatty and confident. They interact very well together and play harmoniously. They are learning to behave responsibly. The childminder is a very good role model; she uses positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour and to increase their self-esteem and pride. The childminder works closely with the parents. They exchange information daily to ensure consistent care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from their care being very well organised. Space in the home is used effectively so that children can enjoy whatever activities they choose to take part in. The childminder plans the evening routine around the cooked meal. All of the required documentation is in place and is stored confidentially. The childminder has produced an information file for the parents, which includes her policies and procedures. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and has attended additional training to enhance her service. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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.

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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): • extend outdoor play activities further.

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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

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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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