Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338761 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2007 Inspection date Sonjia Nicholson 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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and nine in Haddenham, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding with sleep facilities available on the first floor and occasional play in the children's bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time, and there are currently three children on roll. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children play in a clean environment and learn about good personal hygiene through everyday routines, such as, washing their hands after going to the toilet and using a flannel to wipe their face after eating. The childminder describes a satisfactory nappy changing procedure which protects children from cross-infection. Children use a clean face flannel each day but do not have individual towels to dry their hands; the childminder describes a basic sickness policy but does not clarify the details with parents which mean infection may spread amongst the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have some protection in the event of a minor accident as the childminder has a fully stocked first aid box readily available and written parental consent in place to seek emergency treatment for most children; she has some experience of dealing with minor childhood illnesses but has yet to complete a paediatric first aid course to provide her with knowledge and confidence in the event of an accident. There are systems in place to record accidents and when medication is administered. Children play with range of equipment, inside and outside, designed to develop their gross and fine motor skills, such as, scooters, balls, a go-kart, scissors, rolling pins and pens. They access large equipment, such as, swings, a slide and climbing frame at the local playground to further extend their physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy meals with the childminder, such as boiled egg and bread and butter soldiers and fruit and yoghurt; they occasionally have a takeaway meal as a treat with parental consent. Meals are taken together at the table and are sociable events where the children chat freely to the childminder who develops their social skills, for example, reminding them to say “please” and “thankyou”. Children have frequent drinks throughout the day to ensure they do not become thirsty, for example, they keep large beakers of water within reach on the dining table throughout the afternoon.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move and play freely within a spacious, welcoming home. They have use of all rooms on the ground floor and a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor to meet their needs, for example, they eat their lunch and play with playdough at the dining table. Children access a satisfactory range of toys stored in plastic boxes in the dining area within easy reach, this means they make choices about what they want to do. The toys are in good condition as the childminder has procedures in place to keep them safe, clean and well-maintained, for example, she washes the plastic tea set and tools after children use them with the playdough and lets the children wash dolls in the bath.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely within the home as there are a number of measures in place to prevent accidents such as, socket covers, a stairgate and child locks on kitchen cupboards containing cleaning materials. During outdoor play in the garden, children are well-supervised as the childminder can see and hear them at all times. As a precaution, there is a carbon monoxide detector fitted in the lounge, smoke alarms on both levels of the property and a fire blanket

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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 situated in the kitchen. The childminder is able to clearly describe her evacuation plan in the event of a fire but she does not share this with the children so they are aware of what to do.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children remain safe in the childminder’s care as she has some knowledge of how to safeguard and protect them from possible abuse and neglect. She is aware of some types and signs of abuse but is unfamiliar with the procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child. The childminder has a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures but does not share these with parents which means they are not fully aware of her role and responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and appear happy and settled in her company; they keenly take part in a range of activities, for example, playing with playdough, cooking and reading books. Children cared for before school have a sociable breakfast with the childminder and her family and opportunities to play freely before they all walk to school. The current childminding day does not allow time for the children to go on outings but they visit the local park and play freely in the childminder’s garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently approach the childminder and visitors and chat freely; the childminder encourages children’s thinking by asking them to recall events and asking lots of questions. She encourages children’s learning by helping them complete simple mathematical and literacy workbooks provided by parents; this involves reading out the instructions and offering support and praise. Children have free choice to select from a range of play materials set out at their level, for example, pretend play props, games, puzzles, books, videos, construction and creative materials. The childminder effectively engages children who are unable to make choices so they are busy and occupied.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about their own community as they walk to school; they talk about the local environment, such as, the village pond and spot birds nests in the trees, however there are limited opportunities for them to take part in activities that help them learn about the wider world. Children have access to a satisfactory range of resources to develop their awareness of diversity and understanding of differences, such as, books about Christmas and African culture and dolls with differing skin tones. The childminder has some experience of dealing with children’s differing needs and is aware of the issues to consider including her role in identifying special needs especially from a young age. The home environment is suitable for a child with a physical disability as access is good and there is plenty of space to move and play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well; they respond well to the childminder’s praise and encouragement and enjoy the time and attention she gives them, which builds their self-esteem. Children are aware of the simple house rules in place and the childminder uses a number of suitable strategies to manage inappropriate 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 The childminder develops good relationships with parents; she provides daily feedback about the care children receive and ensures parents provide her with the children’s personal details so she offers appropriate care. The childminder briefly discusses most of her policies and procedures with parents, however she does not share information about how they can raise a complaint or keep a record of complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises some aspects of her service well, for example the toys are well-maintained and easily accessible to children and she follows a flexible daily routine which includes school runs and meals. Children feel welcome within the family home and enjoy being able to play upstairs with the childminder’s own children; they also have access to most other rooms within the home which are clean, safe and uncluttered making them very child-friendly. The children lead many of the activities undertaken, for example, they ask to complete their workbooks.

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Organisation

Records on children are stored safely in files and completed confidentially so that their identity is maintained. Most of the necessary records and consents are in place but need some re-organising to make them easily accessible. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 satisfactory. 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):

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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 • complete an appropriate paediatric first aid course and clarify the sickness policy so parents are clear about when their child can attend • increase knowledge of procedures to safeguard children • create a complaints log and ensure parents are aware of how to make a complaint.

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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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