Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342383 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 Inspection date Jane Plested 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 one-year-old child. Their home is in Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire. The childminder mainly uses the ground floor of the house for childminding; the children use the first floor for resting. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. There are two children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. The childminder makes use of local facilities such as the shop, Waddesdon Manor and several toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children take part in a very broad range of physical activities. They have regular access to the garden to play with toys such as balls and to dig in the soil as part of their exploratory play.

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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 The childminder uses local walks to discover the effects of the weather, for instance, she encourages children to stomp in puddles. They visit Waddesdon Manor to run and enjoy the open spaces and develop muscles and skills in the adventure play area. Children climb on equipment in a soft play centre and enjoy opportunities to move rhythmically to music at a toddler group with a musical bias.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because the childminder follows good practice during nappy changing routines. She wipes their runny noses at regular intervals to prevent the transfer of infection. The childminder ensures children wash their hands after using the toilet and before lunch. She reinforces their understanding of these routines by asking questions like ‘do you think they are clean now?’ As a result, children think about what they are doing and know how they complete the task successfully.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s meals are highly nutritious because the childminder has a good understanding of how to provide a well balanced diet. They enjoy their snacks and meals of foods such as ‘Tuna-au-Gratin’, as they ask for second helpings. Children receive drinks at regular intervals and on waking after a rest ensuring they do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Toys and equipment for use by children is of good quality and developmentally appropriate. Toys such as puzzles offer sufficient challenge and play resources are accessible for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Indoors children play freely and safely. This is because the childminder identifies and minimises risks within this environment and uses a good range of accident prevention equipment. The childminder’s risk assessments are more limited outside the house. The garden although secure has hazards, for example, a drop from the pathway poses a risk of children tripping/falling and some low-level cracked glass in shed is accessible posing a risk of injury. Neither has she completed a risk assessment of the swimming activities and so cannot demonstrate how she will keep children safe within this environment. Children are learning to be safe outside the home because there are clear routines for walking safely and discussions about the dangers from cars on the roads. As a result, they are developing an understanding of road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of procedures to safeguard children. She has set out her responsibilities in a written policy. The childminder has completed relevant training and can describe a range of signs that would concern her. This knowledge will contribute to the protection of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident when interacting with the childminder, they relate well to their peers, and other adults they meet. They are fully engaged in their play and freely talk about their games with small world toys such as, boats and fire engines. Children are encouraged to decide on their activities so that they enjoy their play and concentrate well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages early learning and conversation during routines such as snack time. For example, they talk about pictures of animals such as zebras, cheetahs and tigers, during which the childminder encourages children to look at differences in their markings. This allows children to develop their language skills and to look at differences and similarities.

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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 Children enjoy very regular opportunities to take part in a broad range of activities outside the home. Some children go swimming. They visit the library, a soft play setting, plus several toddler groups to socialise, experience messy play and to learn to move freely. Additionally, the garden, walks and outings help children learn about the wider and natural world. For instance, they hunt for bugs and visit farms to learn about a range of familiar animals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are known and treated as individuals. Discussions with parents allow the childminder to ensure she knows and takes account of the routines of younger children. As a result, they receive the appropriate levels of care. Children have many opportunities to learn about their local environment during their outings. The childminder makes shopping expeditions meaningful by allowing children to take their own trolleys and making purchases. The childminder has started to introduce children to different cultures by sharing postcards sent home from countries such as Africa. Children visit ‘Thrift Farm’ to learn that everyone can make a positive contribution. This farm is staffed by people with physical and learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides opportunities for children to make choices in their play and at snack time by selecting their preferred colour of apple. Children develop independence as they use a step to access the toilet and sink. Their artwork is on display. This will ensure they develop a sense of self-worth.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses effective practice to develop good behaviour. For instance, appropriate reminders such as, “how do you ask for it nicely?” She makes observations so that she can remove triggers to minor behaviour incidents. As a result, children learn appropriate social conventions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Systems for partnership with parents are very good. The childminder has a comprehensive range of well-detailed written policies, procedures and agreements for looking after children. Parents receive copies of these and sign to say they have read them, consequently, children’s care is agreed. A daily diary supports good communication about children’s care and helps parents understand what children have done during their day. Parental references suggest that they are very happy with the childminder’s service. Particularly valuing her flexibility, healthy home made meals and range of activities and outings for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home within the generally safe and well-organised environment, which contributes to their sense of belonging. Adult interaction during their play helps them feel confident, learn and feel secure within the setting. Children are encouraged to contribute their ideas to the planning of their day so they are interested in their play.

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Organisation

They benefit from the childminder's professional approach to her work. She continues to develop her knowledge and skills through further qualification.

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Organisation

Children’s care benefits because the childminder keeps generally good professional records and detailed information about children. This information is stored confidentially. Records are maintained so that parents are told of any accidents, medication given, incidents and have a

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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 good picture of their children’s care. Overall the attendance record is clear. 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. 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): • make safe hazards in the garden and develop a risk assessment for swimming activities.

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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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