SHC School

Inspection report for early years provision

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141679 Unique Reference Number 27 November 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 1997. He lives with his wife and their adult daughter in Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. He works with his wife who is also registered as a childminder with joint responsibility for the childminding practice. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding with bathroom and sleep 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 six children he is currently minding one full time child aged four years and five children under eight on a part time basis. Together with his wife they may care for a maximum of 12 children. The childminder collects children from local schools. He supports children who have English as an additional language. The family have one cat.

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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 outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where the childminder maintains meticulous standards of hygiene. The childminder has extremely effective policies and procedures in place, which limit the possibility of, cross infections, such as the frequent use of hand sanitising gel. The children are eagerly learning the importance of personal hygiene; the childminder demonstrates how to ensure that they clean their hands thoroughly after wiping their noses or before eating. The children show real pride in becoming independent and taking responsibility for their own hygiene. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and administers first aid and medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a very healthy, well balanced nutritional diet that is home cooked. The childminder plans and purchases the fresh ingredients each week. Children sit together at the table to eat snacks and meals. It is a social occasion when children can chat; the childminder reminds them of their good manners when necessary. Children discuss with each other and the childminders which are healthy foods and once a week they choose what they would like on the menu. Children have their health and dietary needs met extremely well because the childminder works closely with the parents. Drinks are available to the children throughout the day and especially following exercise, so that children are becoming aware of their bodies needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to be in the fresh air and to take exercise. Children enthusiastically play in the garden with a very wide variety of stimulating activities. They go for walks in the local area to the parks and the lake; they also have outings to the woods and places of interest. They are developing a very positive attitude to physical exercise. Children sleep and rest, as they need.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder organises the space that the children play in very well so that they remain safe and secure. The children move around freely in the playroom and dining area. They use the lounge with all the electronic media mainly at the end of the day. The childminder supervises the children in all areas ensuring that they share and take turns and use equipment sensibly. Children are able to choose which activities they wish to take in from a good range that is on display. Many others are stored in the very large shed and cupboards around the rooms. All toys and equipment are clean and in good order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder checks all areas of the home at the beginning of the day to reduce the hazards. Children learn that it is the childminders home and that they do not touch any personal items such as ornaments and vases. The childminders make the rooms very welcoming with posters and photos for the children to look at. The childminder sometimes takes the children on outings using the car. All necessary documentation is in place and parents give their written permission. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through regular discussions and practical explanations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. He has all the necessary guidance and relevant contact numbers in place.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settled in the childminders home where there is a relaxed atmosphere. They are forming close relations with the childminder and approach him confidently and with trust. The childminder actively engages the children in activities. He encourages them to participate and discuss what they are doing. They ask the childminder to help when using the construction bricks; he encourages them to think for themselves and design their own building but also provides some options and guidance. When playing with the hand held computer game, he supports the child to count, matching objects to numerals. They also name shapes and colours. The children are developing their counting and communication skills. The childminder reacts very positively developing the child’s self-esteem and confidence. The childminder joins in role-play games, when the children invite him; he extends the game by introducing new

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

vocabulary and explaining the need to use goggles and a hard hat. Children also initiate their own games as they wish such playing with the animals. The childminder encourages children to take part in messy activities and will help and guide them but he leaves his co-childminder to plan and organise craft activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are all warmly welcomed into the home and understand that they are an important member of the family setting. Everyone greets the child who returns from holiday with great enthusiasm. He is pleased to return. The childminder respects each child's individuality and takes into account their home language and culture. Children have numerous opportunities to learn about the local community and the wider world through excellent, well resourced activities and discussions. They celebrate each others cultures, languages and traditions. The children receive sensitive support and guidance as they learn to consider and respect others. The children are discovering the local environment through regular outings to the local shops, park, lakes and woods, they share the childminders enthusiasm for nature.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. The children are very clear about the house rules and are learning self-discipline they remind others to behave well. Children play harmoniously. They are polite and well mannered because they receive guidance and positive encouragement. The childminder is an excellent role model who has appropriate expectations of the children and along with his co-childminder provides a positive environment for children to grow and develop.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works very closely with the parents to meet individual children's needs excellent partnerships are formed, to contribute to the children's well being in the setting and to ensure consistency of care. They share information daily and discuss the children’s needs. The childminders actively seek the parents' views about their child's needs and interests and about the care they are receiving. Parents receive written information about the childminders practices and can see displays and photographs of activities that have been enjoyed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s welfare is paramount to the childminder at all times. The home is extremely well organised so that children have sufficient space to play relax and eat. The days are planned around children’s individual needs to sleep, eat and attend school and pre-school. The co-childminder takes overall responsibility for maintaining appropriate records. Most required

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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 documentation is in place, the childminder completes records appropriately when necessary. The childminder has attended additional training to enhance his service. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom he provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made that a smoke a alarm should be fitted and maintained on the second floor. A smoke detector has been provided and is maintained on the first floor to enhance the safety of the children.

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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): • gain more detailed written information from parents

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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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