Myton Gardens

Inspection report for early years provision

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150777 Unique Reference Number 19 December 2007 Inspection date Lynne Elizabeth Lewington 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and three children in a house in Yateley. The property is close to local schools and amenities and there is a park nearby.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding three children who attend on a part-time basis. Children have access to the whole of the property. Sleeping and additional play facilities are available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local carer and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit positively from care in a spotlessly clean environment, where sensible measures are taken to promote good hygiene. The fresh and attractive toilet and wash basin area

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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 encourages children's independence, enabling them to wash and dry their hands using separate flannels as hand towels. This minimises the possibility of cross infection. Any accidents are dealt with swiftly by the childminder and recorded ensuring parents are informed. The childminder maintains a well equipped first aid box and is proactive in ensuring her first aid qualification remains valid in order to deal with accidents confidently and effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sit to the breakfast bar to enjoy their food, making snacks and meals an enjoyable social occasion. They are offered healthy, nutritious and varied diets, which include fruit, dairy products, vegetables, fish and meat. For example, a typical main meal is fish, new potatoes and carrots, followed by yoghurt. The childminder verbally shares information with parents on a daily basis about the food eaten and ensures she follows parent’s specific wishes regarding diet. Drinks of water are available throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have excellent opportunities to develop their physical abilities both in the setting and on outings. Indoors they use toys and games which promote their finer movements. The baby is encouraged to develop his skills at sitting and reaching for items with supportive encouragement from the childminder. Visits to toddler groups, the park and outdoor play in the garden encourage large movement’s, co-ordination and balance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an exceptionally well maintained and attractive environment where they have access to good quality toys and equipment. Excellent use is made of the space available enabling the children to access their toys and activities freely, play on the floor or at the table. The attractive outdoor area is secure and safe with a securely fixed climbing frame for them to use with supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Excellent care is taken to ensure that children safety is promoted at all times. They learn to behave appropriately near roads and to be aware of dangers. Their learning at school is supported in the setting as they continue to learn about stranger danger with the childminder. Sensible appropriate measures are taken around the setting suitable to the ages of children cared for. For example; the baby is cared for in the lounge when older children are present to enable them to safely play with toys with small pieces away from the reach of the baby.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Whilst the childminder is aware of the symptoms of child abuse, her child protection policy does not refer to child abuse or the specific actions she is expected to take in reporting concerns to social services. This does not indicate a clear understanding of the importance of safeguarding children from abuse or provide clear information for parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a simple routine of outings in the morning to toddler groups and play at the childminders home in the afternoon. They experience a range of creative activities and experiences at the toddler groups where they also develop social skills as they mix with other adults and children. In the afternoon they undertake quieter activities and games before walking to school to meet older children. The childminder encourages children to play games on their walks to and from school as they look for colours and numbers in the environment around them.

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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 The childminder talks to the children over lunch giving them praise and encouragement asking questions and offering praise. This reinforces the children's self esteem and sense of well being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder forms positive caring relationships with young children enabling them to be happy, relaxed and settled. The baby enjoys the close interaction and cuddles responding and laughing happily. Good care is taken to meet the young child’s need for rest, stimulation and nourishment. The childminder frequently observes the baby while he sleeps to ensure he remains comfortable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have good opportunities to develop their self esteem because the childminder encourages the children's interests and abilities. They have easy access to a broad range of activities which enable them to develop acceptance of diversity, including outings in their local community and resources which reflect society. Children learn about traditional and cultural events such as Divali, and Chinese New Year. Gathering detailed information from parents ensures that children's individual needs can be understood and met appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes good behaviour well. Simple clear and consistent rules enable children to learn to behave appropriately and consider others. A lot of praise for positive behaviour and effort promotes and encourages more positive behaviour. Good manners are encouraged and children learn to share and take turns as they play games and undertake activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit positively from the good relationships the childminder builds with parents. She verbally shares information about the child's day and will provide a diary if requested. With the aid of computer technology the childminder will forward photographs of the child's activities, enabling parents to feel included in their child's day. Most policies are comprehensive and clear providing parents with clear information about the service offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit positively in all areas of their development from their experiences with the childminder. Excellent care is taken to promote children's health and hygiene and they play in an exceptionally well maintained and attractive environment which has been planned to meet their needs. Generally good care is taken to promote children's safety, however further awareness and understanding of the childminders role in protecting children from harm and neglect will further safeguard their welfare.

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Organisation

The childminders commitment to undertaking further training to enable her to develop her practice is evident from the good service she provides for young children. The childminder has a very good understanding of the requirements of her registration and maintains all the relevant documentation competently. Documentation is very well organised, stored safely and is easily accessible.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the following recommendations were made; ensure resources reflected equal opportunities, complete an appropriate first aid course, remove a poisonous plant from the garden, review and update documentation and develop knowledge and understanding of

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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 child protection. Resources now reflect equal opportunities, an appropriate first aid course has been completed and will need updating in 2008, the poisonous plant has been removed and documentation updated. These improvements all help to promote the welfare and safety of the children cared for. However, further improvements are required in relation to child protection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 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): • improve the child protection policy and personal awareness of the action to take if concerned about a child.

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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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