Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY277377 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 Inspection date Sylvia Crawford Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2004. She lives on a well established estate in the west flank of Milton Keynes close to local shops, pre-school, and schools.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses all downstairs for childminding with a bedroom upstairs used for rest. There is a garden available for children's outside play. The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends a toddler group on a regular basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children. She currently has eight children on roll. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, child-orientated environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene practices. Children follow the good example set by the childminder and understand they must wash their hands before eating, after playing outside or using the

p.2

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 toilet. However, after washing their hands children share a towel and this means there is the possibility of cross infection. The childminder maintains good hygiene during nappy changing and young children receive a lot of attention and interaction, which promotes their development.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare through her knowledge, experience, and sick child procedures, which she shares with parents through a written policy. Required records are in place to ensure the childminder meets the children's individual health needs. Children are protected because she has a current first aid qualification and consequently feels confident about dealing with emergencies.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences indoors, outdoors and away from the childminding setting, which actively contribute to their physical development and good health. They have the opportunity for fresh air and exercise at the local park, in the garden and when they go for walks. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs and parental wishes.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder meets children's individual dietary needs through regular discussion with parents and she shares information with them about what children have eaten while in her care. Children enjoy a healthy diet because the childminder provides a variety of nutritious snacks and meals. Children have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe environment because the childminder identifies and minimises risks through vigilance and the use of different safety measures; for example, the use of stair gates and socket covers. This means that children are able to move around freely and confidently. Children are well supervised on outings and the childminder helps children to understand road safety. She has a fire evacuation procedure in place, which they practise regularly, smoke detectors on each level and a fire blanket in place. Therefore, children are beginning to have a good understand about fire safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to select from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment that are safe and in good condition. These include items to promote children’s development in all areas. The childminder has organised the resources and toys in the playroom so that children are able to make their choices independently. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Space is well organised and children have the opportunity to play in the playroom, conservatory, lounge and dining area. However, the heating in the playroom is not always sufficient to maintain a reasonable temperature in cold weather.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are protected because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and what to do if she has concerns about a child in her care. She has a written policy, which is shared with parents so they are aware of her role and responsibility. However, the childminder does not have a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines or contact numbers for the local social services to enable her to deal promptly with child protection issues.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a very good relationship with the childminder and are confident and happy in her care. They enjoy the welcoming, child-orientated environment and this contributes towards their sense of belonging. Children relate well with each other and are generally happy in each other’s company. The childminder knows the children very well, she encourages them to share and take turns as well as supporting them to resolve differences. Children make good use of a well-presented playroom where they can freely access the wide range of resources available. The childminder supports and encourages children to tidy up and put activities away.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

New children settle well because the childminder takes the time to gain all necessary information from parents to follow their individual routines. This means that she is able to meet their individual developmental needs. Younger children and babies benefit from the childminder's good understanding of the Birth to three framework. She actively plays with the children and supports their early communication skills, using every opportunity to extend their language. For example, playing picture dominoes, discussing what activity they will have out next and what they will do in the afternoon.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is able to balance her time well interacting with children effectively and at times allowing them to play alone. This enables children to explore and develop their own skills. Children have access to a variety of fun activities to encourage them to progress in all areas of development, including imaginative and creative play, for example, use of play food and kitchen equipment gives children opportunities to re-enact familiar scenes such as cooking and serving food, helping to extend their thinking and language. Children's artwork is on display and this helps them to feel their work is valued and promotes their self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder provides activities and experiences that help children reach their full potential and she treats all children with equal concern. The children are beginning to understand their own community through regular outings and walks. They are supported to understand the wider world and diversity through a range of resources, celebrating festivals and meaningful discussion with the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has house rules in place and she gently helps younger children to know and understand them. Children behave well and the childminder promotes good behaviour through lots of praise and encouragement. She encourages children to be kind and helpful to one another. She shares information about behaviour strategies with parents, to support continuity of care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that she has sufficient information from parents to meet children's individual needs and their routines. This helps children to feel confident and secure. Children receive good support and appropriate care through the childminder's good practices, for example, she feeds back to parents verbally and in written form so they are aware of how their child is settling in and progressing. This contributes to the children's wellbeing and development.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of caring for children and how to meet their needs. She has a high regard for the well-being of all children, she organises her home and routines efficiently to provide children with an environment where they are safe, settled and happy. She plans her days well to ensure each child has regular opportunities to fun and stimulating activities.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and the updates. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted through the childminder's effective written policies and procedures, which she shares with parents to keep them well informed. She maintains the required documentation and parental permissions for childminding. Documentation is organised into files and stored securely with the childminder maintaining confidentiality. The childminder provides parents with some well-written information and they regularly share feedback, which contributes to continuity of the children’s care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was recommended to ensure that children have free access to the range of resources and expand the range of resources that reflect equal opportunities and to plan a range of activities and play opportunities for children's overall development.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has extended her range of resources to reflect equal opportunities. She celebrates festivals with the children and is open and honest in her discussions with them. She has a collage on the playroom wall, which depicts the wider world and diversity. The childminder has written examples of the type of activities she provides and talks with older children about what they want to do. Consequently, children feel consulted and valued for their contribution.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 children have separate towels to prevent cross infection • ensure that the play room is maintained to a reasonable temperature when children are using it and obtain the LA safeguarding Children Board procedures and have contact numbers in place for Social Services.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6