Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY332693 Unique Reference Number 24 May 2007 Inspection date Keriann Belcher 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 child aged five years in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. All of the of the childminder’s property is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a dog. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's dietary needs and preferences are accommodated well, as the childminder discusses and agrees these with their parents. Children sit at the table and good manners are encouraged. For example, they say please and thank-you when given their food or asking for a drink. They

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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 have access to drinks throughout the day and know how to ask for water or squash, if they feel thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted because the childminder has effective measures for reducing any risk of spread of infection. She keeps her home and the children's toys and equipment clean. Children receive appropriate care if they have accidents as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and she maintains records of any accidents or medication administered. Written policies support her practice in promoting children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Fresh air and exercise are regular features of the childminding day, which further promote children's good health. The children often visit the park, go for walks in the local area or play in the garden on the slide or swing to develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and at ease in the childminder's home. The home environment is warm and welcoming and a good range of age appropriate resources are available for children to independently access.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are generally safe and secure within the childminder's care. She has a satisfactory regard for safety and has identified and minimised the majority of risks although, the garden has not been made totally safe since it was last used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good range of written policies and procedures to ensure children remain safe including an uncollected and lost child policy. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She has a written policy which she shares with parents and a good range of information on file for reference including both the Government booklet and local authority guidelines regarding child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children attend for a very short time after school each day. The childminder's effective use of time enables the children to participate in a variety of activities, such as playing in the garden, building with Lego or watching favourite television programmes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make their own choices about their play. They have the opportunity to develop their creative skills by doing craft activities, such as drawing and making paper aeroplanes. Children shout with delight as the aeroplane zooms across the room, crashing into the furniture.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled in the secure family environment; they relate well to the childminder's natural, calm manner. The affection and warmth given by the childminder enables them to develop a sense of belonging and trust, so that they become confident to express their needs and wishes. For example, requesting activities or having their individual needs met.

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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 good. Children are valued and respected for their individuality. For example, the childminder finds out if the children have any special dietary or cultural needs. Children are beginning to learn anti-discriminatory attitudes from the childminder, as she has a policy not to accept any offensive remarks and promotes a positive attitude towards inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses age-appropriate and positive strategies to manage any difficulties that may arise, such as explanations about right and wrong behaviour. They are developing a positive self-image of themselves as the childminder offers praise and encouragement in their daily activities. For example, she gives the children plenty of encouragement and praise when they have done something well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are met well as information is shared between the childminder and parents. For example, feedback is given to parents relating to the child's school day. Regular discussion about the children's care, ensures that they are being looked after in accordance with their parent's wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment is comfortable and organised to meet the children's needs, enabling them to make independent choices of toys and activities. As a result, children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. The provider has a good understanding of the adult/child ratios so that the children have sufficient adult support to feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her time and space effectively to ensure children experience a variety of activities both within and outside the home environment.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder takes steps to reduce hazards both inside and outdoors. However, the garden has not been risked assessed after the family's use the previous evening, which compromises children's safety.

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Organisation

The childminder has in place well organised documentation, which includes policies and procedures which are used effectively and help contribute to children's safety and welfare.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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 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 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): • ensure that a risk assessment is carried out of the premises.

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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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