Childminder in Milton Keynes

Inspection report for early years provision

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155246 Unique Reference Number 27 February 2008 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 11 years in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding along with one bedroom 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 she is currently minding five children aged eight months, 15 months, and two who are two years, one is aged seven years, all are on a part time basis. She cares for one child over the age of eight after school. The childminder collects children from local schools. She attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because the childminder has effective practices and policies in place; she has good standards of hygiene. The home is clean and very well maintained. The childminder has a policy for excluding sick children but does assess each individual case and negotiates with

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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 parents when possible. This provides a flexible, helpful provision. Children are learning the importance of hygiene and are becoming independent in their personal care. They wash their hands before eating meals and wipe them afterwards using wet wipes. The children have made a poster for the bathroom reminding everyone to wash their hands. The childminder has made washing hands fun by providing a soap dispenser that makes a noise; everyone is keen to use it. The older children frequently play games that provide information about keeping themselves in good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about the importance of eating healthy nutritious meals. The childminder provides light lunches that include fruit and vegetables and the snacks are often fruit. Younger children do not have access to drinks during the day as this might cause a hazard, but the childminder offers them frequently during the day. The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure their wishes are followed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children maintain a healthy lifestyle as they frequently exercise in the fresh air. They enjoy walks to the local parks where they play on the fixed equipment or feed the ducks. The garden has been made very enticing to the children with their own area of static equipment that they can use during the dry weather with items such as a large climbing frame and a seesaw. They also enjoy gardening.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has attended training in Birth to three and ensures that the activities that she plans for the younger children include items to develop The Healthy child and their Emotional well being such as spending time together to build bonds, and helping them to become independent through making choices.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe environment. The childminder is very conscientious about ensuring that all safety items are in place and that she follows very thorough procedures when taking the children out of the home either for walks or in the car. Children move around freely on the ground floor of the house. They play with the majority of their toys in the lounge on the floor. They use the table in the kitchen or dining room to eat their meals and carry out art activities. The older children have a quiet space to carry out home work if required. The welcoming environment is a comfortable spacious place for children to be.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide variety of toys and activities that are suitable for their stage of development. The childminder plans which toys she will provide each day and changes these to suit the children’s moods and needs and so that they remain interested. The toys are clean and well maintained. Children learn to keep themselves safe and to avoid accidental injuries. They are learning that they should not run in the home because they may slip and be injured. The children are familiar with the sound of the smoke alarm and regularly practise the emergency evacuation. The childminder has a very good understanding of her responsibility to safeguard the children. She has a clear policy that she shares with the parents and has the relevant guidance and contact numbers close at hand. Children are well protected from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled and beginning to make close relationship with the childminder, they approach her with trust. They ask for cuddles and enjoy being together. The children choose

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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 which activities they want to play with, such as the train set or the tea set. They are gaining independence. They play beside each other, often one watching the other. They sometimes follow the others lead. The childminder is encouraging them to spend longer at activities, trying to extend their concentration. She says they are making progress. The childminder helps the children to develop their communication skills by listening to them carefully and repeating their words. She talks with them and encourages them to listen to her. They read books together and sing songs. Whilst playing she asks them the colours of items and what noises they make, they frequently count items such as the collection of plastic fish. They take part in a craft activity each day developing their concentration, fine motor skills and creativity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The older children mainly enjoy the craft activities. They also like to use the small world toys to act out situations. There are a variety of board games for them to play as they wish encouraging interaction. They particularly enjoy being in the garden during the summer months.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals; the childminder understands their needs very well and encourages their development. The children gain self esteem in a very positive environment were they receive a great deal of praise and encouragement. They are learning that other children have different needs to theirs. They socialise with other groups of adults and children. The children are becoming familiar with the local community and gaining knowledge of the wider world. There is a very good selection of resources that promote diversity. These range from dolls and small figures with disabilities to puzzles and play foods representative of many different countries. The childminder also has a comprehensive range of books that cover subjects such as staying in hospital, going to the doctor's and other issues that may worry children. The childminder has a very clear understanding of how to care for children with learning and physical

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn how to behave well and to co-operate with others. They are learning to share and take turns. The childminder has realistic expectations of the children’s abilities and provides consistent calm support and guidance. There are house rules which are mainly to ensure the children’s safety and respect of other people and their property. The childminder works very closely with the parents to form good partnerships so that they have confidence in the care she provides. Each parent receives very good written information about her service. Parents and the childminder exchange verbal information daily to ensure that all are aware of the child’s needs and attainments; which contributes to the child’s welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from their care being very well organised. The childminder plans a very good routine that is based on the children’s various needs. Children rest and sleep as they need and have meals and snacks at regular times. Very good use is made of the space in the home, children know the areas they can use; they play in comfort. All of the necessary documentation is kept very efficiently. The certificate of registration is on display but the poster with information about how to contact Ofsted is not available for parents to see. The childminder attends various training events to enhance her practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made that the childminder should develop her knowledge of nursery education for under fives. The childminder does have very good knowledge of how children develop but has not been able to arrange a degree course at present.

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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.

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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): • display the poster of how to contact Ofsted.

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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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