Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY352319 Unique Reference Number 16 April 2008 Inspection date Aileen Ewins 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 was register in 2007. She lives with her 11 year old child. The family live in Woburn, Buckinghamshire in a second floor maisonette. All areas of the home are registered for childminding. The childminder is registered for a maximum of four children at any one time. Currently she has two children on roll. The childminder is able to take children to and collect them from local schools and nurseries.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about healthy routines whilst in the care of the childminder and are aware to wash their hands before snacks or meals, after the toilet or after messy play. Children happily and independently use their flannel and toothbrush provided for them after meals and snacks. Nappies are provided by parents, with the childminder providing wipes and creams; after checking if the baby has any allergies she should be aware of. The childminder wears latex gloves; and disposes of the nappy in a sack promptly. The childminder gives parents verbal feedback at the end of the day in relation to their children's nappy changes and works with

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 parents wishes in regard to toilet/potty training. Children receive praise during this time, with the book 'I want my potty' available to help and encourage.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a systematic cleaning routine for toys and resources. Children's well-being is strengthened therefore as baby toys are washed regularly in sterilising solution for example. Sleeping children are provided with clean, individual bedding in the travel cot; or a quilt on the sofa. Parents are made aware of the sick child policy and children do not attend if suffering a contagious disease, sickness or diarrhoea.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and safety is enhanced as the childminder is aware to gain written consent to seek emergency treatment/advice; and authority to administer medication. Any medication given or any accidents occurring are recorded well and parents sign to acknowledge. The childminder has completed her paediatric first aid training and keeps a fully stocked first aid box; along with further first aid materials for when out and about or in the car.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to go outside on the large green area, walk around the lake and play on the swings. Children also make trips out to adventure parks, soft play centres and countryside walks. Children therefore get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide formula milk and weaning foods. Bottles are previously sterilised and the childminder makes up the milk as required; sticking to parent's routines. Children are provided with meals and are encouraged to try new foods with parent's agreement. Breakfast consists of cereals, toast and yogurts; snacks provided are mainly fresh fruit and slices of cucumber with the occasional biscuit; and nutritious lunches are taken along with children's current likes/dislikes. The childminder is aware of children's dietary needs and any allergies.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are made welcome at the childminder's home, which is clean and tidy. Delightful views can be seen from the lounge and bedroom window of the nearby fields and lake. Children have access to the whole of the downstairs and use the upstairs rooms if sleeping, plus the toilet and bathroom. Resources and equipment are maintained in a good condition and cleaned often. The childminder provides a travel cot for sleeping babies.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe within the home as the childminder has fixed safety film over the large glass windows although safety glass has been installed. The front door is kept shut with a chain available. Radiators are thermostatically controlled and socket covers are in place. Stair gates are fitted to the top and bottom of the stairs. A further gate is put into place across the kitchen; and children do not go in there unsupervised. However sharp items and cleaning materials are stored in kitchen cupboards and drawers within children's reach and without locks/catches fitted. Therefore as children become older and more inquisitive provision needs to be put into place to further safeguard children from these hazards. A balcony is fitted from the childminder's bedroom; and children are growing vegetables out here. At all times however, children are supervised and the door is kept locked when not in use. Children's safety is maintained therefore.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Smoke detectors are fitted upstairs and downstairs and are tested regularly. A fire service visit is arranged to look over the appropriateness of the emergency evacuation plan which is set in place and the positioning of the smoke detectors. A carbon monoxide tester is also fitted.

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 When out and about children's safety is cared for. Being a first floor maisonette, the childminder ensures children are safely taken up/down the flights of stairs. Children understand to hold her hand or the rails as they walk up/down. Babies are carried and pushchairs kept in the car. Parent's emergency contacts are taken when out on trips or walks; and are children are taught from an early age about road safety. When on day trips children wear clip-on key rings which detail they are in the care of a childminder with her contact details. Parents provide car seats for babies but the childminder provides age and size appropriate car seats for the older children. Her car is insured and maintained as legally required.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware to safeguard the children in her care and is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Parents are made aware of the child protection procedures in place.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. Children can access their toys easily. The resources provided are appropriate for the age and development of the children present; and include, for example, pushchairs and dolls, garage and cars, a castle, builder's belt and tools, toy kitchen and food, etch-a-sketch, a till and packages for shopping, large cars and trucks, a range of books, musical instruments, Barbie dolls and a play tunnel. Baby toys are kept separate and include a variety of construction and soft play toys, musical toys, soft books and cubes and rattles for example.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident to approach the childminder and there is lots of interaction between them. The childminder asks plenty of open questions but equally listens to what children are saying. Children are encouraged to play imaginatively and enjoy make believe games such as trips on the bus; going to the library and choosing books; and trips to the shop where they buy food. Children also enjoy a range of messy play and flourish in such activities as painting, sticking and gluing, making mugs out of clay and drawing for example.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A range of activities are provided for the children. Children therefore develop well socially through trips to the local charity shops to buy books; individual swimming times; trips to the park and lake to feed the ducks; visits to local museums, toddler groups and ball ponds/soft play centres; and special times at the seaside and safari park.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Stimulating times also encourage children to learn about the wider world and children have opportunities to plant vegetables and potatoes up on the balcony, watering these and tending them as they grow.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play with toys regardless of their gender and are given various opportunities for individual times with the childminder; who understands their needs well. This enables children to feel valued and respected. Children are starting to become aware of the wider world around them. Books are purchased and provided which relate to the environment and the weather, as well as other cultures and disability. Various dolls are also provided which depict ethnicity. The childminder is aware of confidentiality and the need to assist children with any particular needs; whilst maintaining parent's wishes.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise and house rules, such as respecting furniture and toys; as well as being kind to one another are in place. Children are encouraged

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 to share and play together. If children do act inappropriately the childminder ensures that she talks to them, explaining why something is not nice to do.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has strong relationships with the parents of the children she cares for. A prospectus for parents is maintained. New parents visit and are made aware of the policies and procedures as well as the care provided. Parents sign to acknowledge these. Settling in times are set. Parents are given verbal feedback at the end of each day.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are confident and settled in the childminder's care. They develop well socially, emotionally and personally and form strong attachments to her. The childminder is organised and enthusiastic.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has completed paediatric first aid training. Accident records are recorded in full, with parents signing and paperwork maintained in children's individual files; which ensures confidentiality. Medication consents are in place and any medication administered is acknowledged by parent's signature. Public liability insurance is in place along with documentation in relation to the childminder's car, which is insured as legally required. The certificate of registration is displayed. Parents are made aware of the role of Ofsted and the complaints procedure. Children's safety is therefore enhanced as their parents are aware of who to contact, should they have any concerns. Registers are efficiently recorded on a daily basis recording children's exact arrival and departure times. Parents sign to acknowledge this good practice.

p.5

Organisation

Children's individual records are kept securely. Parents are provided with a full prospectus booklet which details the care provided for their children, policies and procedures in place, child protection issues, the house rules and emergency practise. Written consents are in place for routine outings, travelling in the car, photographs, sun protection and emergency treatment/advice. Children's welfare is therefore enhanced with these good procedures in place.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration. Therefore this section is not applicable.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted which required Ofsted or the provider to take 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 all cleaning materials and sharp objects are stored appropriately in kitchen cupboards.

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