Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334961 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2007 Inspection date Susan Mary Deadman 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and three children who are nine, 11 and 12 years of age. The family live in Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, close to the park, shops and the train station. All areas of the home are available for childminding. This includes a rear 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 and currently cares for one child under five years and one child over the age of eight years. The childminder takes children to and collects them from local schools and playgroups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to care for them within a very clean and tidy environment. Children understand the importance of good hygiene practice, for example, they are familiar with the routine of washing their hands after returning from school and prior

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to eating. The childminder supports children in their increasing awareness of personal care. The childminder follows good hygiene procedures, which maintains children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder’s clear understanding of how to record accidents and medication promotes children's well-being. She holds a first aid certificate, which includes the care of babies and young children. The childminder promotes children's welfare as she works in partnership with parents in relationship to dietary requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular access to outdoor activities. They have easy access to a good size garden in which they play ball games and use skipping ropes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is welcoming for children. Suitable and well-maintained equipment is readily available to meet the children's needs. For example, they have use of a stepping stool and toilet seat to aid their independence in the bathroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have plenty of clear play space. They benefit from a generally safe environment. The childminder is vigilant and ensures children do not gain access to hazards within the house. The garden provides children with a good amount of play space; however, it is not fully secure. The childminder supports children's welfare as she holds the required level of insurance cover.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards children’s welfare, as she has a good understanding of possible indicators of abuse and the correct procedures to follow in relation to child protection concerns. The easy availability to supporting guidance ensures that the childminder is able to refer any concerns to the appropriate agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have independent access to a few play items, all of which are of good quality. They have a wide range of high quality storybooks available to them. Children enjoy watching age appropriate television and the childminder talks to them about the programmes. Children actively participate in the action rhymes and songs during the programme as they dance and sing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Through discussion, the childminder demonstrated how children enjoy using colouring pencils and felt pens. They use work sheets and colouring books. Children make choices relating to their preference of outing. For example, the childminder informs them of the venues they can go to if they wish to walk or go by car. They talk about the park they will visit later during the day. Children enjoy going to the local library for story-time sessions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in interesting outings during the school holidays. They enjoy travelling to London by train and bus as they visit museums. After the day's activities, they enjoy a meal in China Town.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a very good understanding of the children's individual needs. She praises their achievements and gives them time to discuss any issues. This helps children feel good about themselves and consequently they are secure within the setting. Children learn about differences through the childminder's everyday practice. They have access to dual language books and learn a few words in the childminder's first language, which is Chinese.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are clear procedures in place to support children's understanding of right and wrong. The childminder provides children with explanations at their level of understanding. There is a supportive partnership with parents, which contributes to children's well-being. The childminder verbally shares information with parents on a daily basis. Copies of the childminder's policies and procedures are readily available. Although there is no written procedure, the childminder provides parents with information relating to how to contact Ofsted should they have any concerns.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder plans her day around the needs of the children and cares for them according to parent's wishes. She organises documentation to ensure she gains parent's signature on permission forms. Children's attendance is accurately recorded. The childminder's conditions of registration include working with an assistant; however, she has not had to use this service. Although parents are aware of this arrangement the childminder has not requested their prior written permission.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the introduction to childminding practice and holds a relevant first aid certificate. This assists her to understand the needs of minded children and to care for them in the event of an accident. The childminder supports the care of children as she follows a good range of written policies and procedures. 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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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

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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): • ensure the rear garden is secure • improve children's independent access to a wider range of age appropriate toys and play activities • request parent's written permission for the assistant to care for children in the event of an emergency.

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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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