Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY255035 Unique Reference Number 31 January 2008 Inspection date Patricia Joan Latham 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 2002. She lives with her three children, two of them young adults and one nine year old. The home is in Bletchley, Milton Keynes close to all local amenities. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently minding two children under five, both on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminder’s Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is maintained and their risk to cross infection minimised. The childminder keeps all areas children use clean and encourages children to wash hands before eating and after toileting. She is suitably trained to deal with medical emergencies and keeps all medical records accurately.

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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 Children are offered healthy food and snacks and have regular access to drinks. The childminder has attended a food hygiene course and produces a sample menu of meals offered for parents to view. She obtains information regarding children’s diet and caters for any individual dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have the opportunity for regular outdoor exercise. They are able to use the childminder’s garden and have access to a range of suitable resources to help develop physical skills. Children also walk to local play areas and visit local leisure areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are closely supervised, and cared for in a safe and welcoming environment. The children have ample space in which to play which includes a designated play room. The room is made bright and welcoming with children’s work displayed and toys sorted into plastic boxes which they can easily access. The childminder has a wide range of resources, suitable for all ages and interests, and which support their play and development. They are of good quality and cover all areas of play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All exits from the premises are secure and all necessary safety equipment in place. The childminder makes safety a priority and ensures all areas are hazard free. She encourages children to follow safe practice at all times; children knowing they must keep close to her when walking outdoors. The childminder has a procedure to follow in the event a child becomes separated from her when outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has updated her knowledge about child protection issues and informs parents about her responsibility to record and refer any causes for concern regarding children’s care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are involved in a wide range of stimulating activities. The childminder follows a daily routine which is flexible enough to take account of children’s interests and individual needs. The childminder includes opportunities for children to mix with others and so develop good social skills. She plans craft activities, such as cake making, or decorating biscuits, to ensure all necessary resources are too hand. Paint, and drawing material are always close to hand along with a large variety of imaginary play toys. The childminder involves herself in children’s play and extends their learning as, for example, she reads them stories. Children discuss about visiting the dentist, as they listen to the story and the childminder demonstrates the noises of all the equipment the dentist may use.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very relaxed with the childminder and are willing to approach her for help and support. She ensures that children enjoy their time in her care and enables them to progress well and develop necessary skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and their self esteem promoted. The childminder enables them to develop personal independence and to make choices about what activities they want to do. She listens

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to their views and gives lots of praise when they achieve. Children are learning to respect others, and to understand that some may have differing needs. Children are given clear guidelines on what is good behaviour and are taught to be polite.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of children’s development and is able to provide any additional support an individual child might need. She works closely with parents and offers them support when needed. Parents are given detailed written information about her service before minding begins and, when children attend, the childminder keeps parents regularly informed about what their child has been doing throughout the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very organised and demonstrates a professional approach to childminding. She has produced written details about the policies and procedures she follows, which are given to parents. She ensures her knowledge is kept up to date and attends relevant training events to extend this further. The childminder has ensured that all adults who come into contact with minded children whilst they are in her home have been suitably checked. However she has failed to inform Ofsted about the need to vary her certificate to reflect the age of her youngest child.

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Organisation

All necessary documentation is in place and all records maintained accurately. The childminder keeps all paperwork secure to ensure the confidentiality of children’s details. She retains the paperwork of children who have left her care for the required timescale.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has made good progress on the recommendations that were made. The fire blanket is now readily available and fire evacuation procedures are in place. The childminder has purchased some very good multi-cultural resources and has extended the written information given to parents regarding her policies and procedures.

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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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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 Ofsted is informed of any significant changes that effect her registration.

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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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