Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY286589 Unique Reference Number 29 October 2007 Inspection date Jane Plested 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 registered in June 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and five years. Their house is in a residential road, in the Springhill area of Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire. Childminding takes place on mainly the ground floor, upstairs is only used for resting small children. There is a secure garden available for children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, pre-school and school. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and is currently caring for six children, of these, three are over eight years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that support their physical health and development. In the garden they can increase physical skills by bouncing on the trampoline or climbing on a small clambering cube. Children often visit the local park to use apparatus and to run around,

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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 so they have fresh air. Younger children learn about rhythmic movement at a music group and some of the older children attend a gym club, which help keep them agile. Children learn to develop hand to eye co-ordination whilst they play games, for example, by catching floating butterflies with nets.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because they are encouraged to follow good personal hygiene routines. They know that they must wash their hands after toileting. The childminder provides a clean child care environment, she wipes tables prior to children eating and follows good routines for nappy changing. These effective procedures will minimise infection amongst children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Recent first aid training ensures the childminder can manage minor injuries to children. She makes sure first aid resources are accessible both inside and outside the home. However, her main box of first aid resources is mixed up with family medication and creams, which puts children at risk of the childminder mistakenly using these resources. Most recording in the accident and medication records is well detailed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder establishes children’s dietary needs and preferences through discussion and recording processes. She has a good understanding of how to provide a well balanced diet. Meals are home prepared and one parent comments on the high quality of these in a written reference. The childminder presents food for children so that it is appealing and encourages them to eat meals together to create a social occasion. Children can access drinks freely and the childminder reminds them to refresh themselves at regular intervals ensuring they do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Toys are varied and set out in the conservatory, which is a dedicated playroom for children. The garden is also well equipped for children’s play. The toys and equipment for use by children are good quality, varied and properly maintained. This means they easily find resources to interest them and remain busy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can play safely indoors because accident prevention equipment such as cupboard locks are in place. Outside the garden is fully secure with a padlocked gate, the shed is inaccessible and the trampoline has netting so children cannot bounce out. In addition, a bark safety surface is below outdoor apparatus to minimise the risk of injury in the event of a fall. Children know the rules for staying safe on the trampoline, for example, they explain that 'the zip to the side netting must be done up' to reduce the risk of injury. Children know the emergency evacuation procedures and the rules for staying safe on outings. Overall, children’s safety is an area of strong practice by the childminder. Children security is a priority and there are effective collection procedures. The childminder has a good understanding of procedures for safeguarding children. This good practice will act to ensure children’s well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have routine to their day and experience a variety of activities inside and outside the home. They confidently talk to the childminder and their peers during their activities, games and at lunch. They also talk about their paintings and drawings with adults they meet, demonstrating self-assurance.

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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 Children have free choice to select from a broad range of play materials and enjoy the planned activities such as painting. During the inspection, the childminder encourages children to paint Halloween spiders with finger paints. Older children become excited as they mix colours saying aloud 'Look I’ve made turquoise' as they create detailed artwork. Older children also talk about the details they have put in their hand drawn pictures such as, the night sky and candles shining through the holes in a pumpkin. They spontaneously write descriptions on their work. These activities allow children to explore their creativity and to develop their writing skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become excited when playing games that develop their co-ordination. These games also help children learn to take turns. Older children spontaneously take account of the needs of those that are less able. They do this by making sure that younger children have an opportunity to catch butterflies as well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are engaged and busy; this is because the childminder plans inclusive activities and makes sure their resources are accessible. Older children are also careful to include the less able children in their games. Children have access to a good range of resources to develop their awareness of diversity. They also learn about their own community by going on outings and taking part in community events such as ‘Play in the Park’. The childminder adapts her care to meet the individual needs of children with physical disabilities so they are safe.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well during inspection. They play with their peers well and show concern for each other during their play. Older children describe many of the ‘house rules’ and know where they are displayed within the setting. Rules such as, “no touching the oven” will help keep them safe. They respond to the childminder’s reminders in developing good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive verbal feedback about children’s care each day. Evidence from written references suggests past parents particularly value the care and home-cooked meals. They also consider their children are happy.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The activities for children are planned and well organised. Children have access to their own well laid out playroom and receive adult support during their activities allowing them to move around and to be able to express their ideas during play.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder’s commitment to increasing and updating her skills. She has renewed her first aid qualification and attended training on safeguarding children. This training will aid her in providing good care and assure the welfare of children.

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Organisation

The childminder has verbal policies and procedures and keeps all the required records. Most recording is well detailed but the accident record shows the names of children other than the subject of the injury, lacking a fully confidential process. 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, the childminder agreed to complete the approved childminder's pre-registration course, to develop a greater understanding of child protection issues and share her role in this aspect of children’s care with parents. She also agreed to obtain the appropriate written consents from parents and make sure her vehicle insurance covers transporting children in the car.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has completed the approved childminder's pre-registration course and training on safeguarding children. This will enhance her ability to care for children well. She has systems in place for sharing her role in the protection of children with parents. For instance, she shows them information provided by the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership on protecting children. The childminder has put in place a range of written agreements, so children’s care is fully agreed.

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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): • review the arrangements for storage of the first aid resources and make sure records of accident/incidents are worded to ensure each child's confidentiality.

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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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