Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY218425 Unique Reference Number 12 September 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?

This childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and their two children aged nine months and seven years in Springfield, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding with sleeping facilities on the first floor. 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 four children and is currently minding one child aged three full time and two children over the age of eight on a part time basis. The childminder collects children from local school and pre-school. She attends the toddler group, and visits local amenities such as the park and shops. The childminder has experience of supporting children with special needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children remain healthy because the childminder has effective policies and procedures in place so that there is little risk of the spread of infection. She has attended additional training in

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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 basic food hygiene and first aid to ensure that her practice is up to date. All the necessary documentation is in place so that parents are informed of any first aid or medication that has been administered. Children are learning to follow good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands after using the toilet and playing in the garden. They are reminded to use tissues to wipe their noses and then dispose of the tissues in the bin.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy nutritious diet that is well planned. The childminder provides all meals and snacks for the children. This includes a cooked meal in the evening with fresh meat or fish and vegetables. Fresh fruit and drinks are available throughout the day. The children enjoy preparing their own meals on Fridays which often involves choosing the toppings for their own pizzas and making them. Children frequently discuss with the childminder which foods are healthy. Mealtimes are social occasions when children are encouraged to talk about their day and to have good manners.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have frequent opportunities to be in the fresh air and to develop their physical skills, which contributes to a healthy life style. Good use is made of both gardens which provide a variety of play opportunities along with the park at the back of the property for larger ball games such as football. They walk in the local area to the schools and pre schools, also the shops and park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment that is friendly and welcoming. Children’s pictures are displayed and they have easy access to an extensive range of toys and resources. The home is comfortable and well organised. The majority of activities take place in the lounge and garden room where children can spread themselves across the floor, such as when making car and train tracks. They sit comfortably to relax or take part in creative activities. The childminder has minimised the areas of risk. Areas of the home are easily monitored as baby gates are used to restrict access.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are actively learning how to keep themselves safe and to be aware of others safety. For instance, children are familiar with the sound of the smoke alarm and regularly practice the emergency evacuation so that all know what they would need to do and where to go. They practice road safety as they walk to and from school watching for traffic and walking with care. Children are also learning that they need to be careful about leaving items out where younger children can access them. They follow the safety rules when playing on the large trampoline.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very good understanding of her responsibility towards safeguarding the children from neglect and harm. She knows the procedures to follow if she does have concerns and has provided the parents with her written procedure. The children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very well settled with the childminder and take part in activities confidently. The childminder plans activities each day that provide interest and challenge for all of the children. These are often based on themes such as autumn; for instance children collect their own leaves and then use them to make pictures or prints. They also enjoy cooking activities especially when they can eat the produce. Children initiate their own games as they wish, from playing with cars to dressing up. They are encouraged to use their imaginations and make up games

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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 as they go along. The childminder pays careful attention and interacts well to develop the games further. Hand and eye co-ordination is developed as children take part in various craft activities such as using the ink stamps to make cards, making sure that the stamps are clear and correctly placed. The childminder provides for children’s individual needs very well with the result that children are happy, they are learning new skills and able to practice skills they have already gained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have an affectionate relationship with the childminder; they feel part of the family. Children approach the childminder without hesitation she makes them very welcome and encourages their pride and self-esteem. Children learn about their own needs and realise that others have different needs. They socialise with children in other groups such as the toddler group. Children are becoming aware of the wider society as they play with the broad range of diverse resources. They enjoy taking part in themed activities such as Chinese evenings when they taste different foods and use chopsticks. They celebrate other festivals and traditions. All of the children play with the full range of activities. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to care for children with physical and learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is very good, they are polite and show respect for others. They receive clear consistent guidance and support from the childminder. The children helped to devise a set of house rules to refer to when necessary. Children play well with each other and help the younger children. The childminder ensures there are opportunities for children to make decisions and choices so that they gain further independence. They are learning to take turns and share.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive consistent care because the childminder forms close partnerships with the parents. They exchange information daily. The childminder makes additional time for the parents to discuss issues if necessary. The childminder provides comprehensive written information for each of the parents when the agreement begins so that they are fully informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from their care being very well organised. The childminder manages the space in her home so that children can relax, play, eat and sleep in comfort. They enjoy a broad range of activities suitable to their developmental needs. They have fun. All of the required documentation is in place; although the contact address and phone number for Ofsted is incorrect in the complaints policy. Children’s welfare is paramount to the childminder at all times. She regularly attends training courses to enhance the care she provides for children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder should make parents aware of her complaints procedure and her responsibility with regard to child protection. She has written both of these policies into a document that she shares with the parents so that they are well informed. She also displays the Ofsted poster with contact details

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • ensure that contact details for Ofsted are correct in the complaints procedure.

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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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