Childminder in Milton Keynes

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY292215 Inspection date 27/01/2009 Inspector Maxine Coulson

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.2

Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

p.2

Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

p.2

Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged 18, 16 and 10 years. They live in a four bedroom, detached house on a residential road in Loughton, close to the centre of Milton Keynes. Childminding takes place throughout the whole house. There is a fully enclosed garden available for the children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, pre-school and schools and is accessible to all. The family has two African land snails.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently caring for five children in the early years age range. She is also registered to provide overnight care for one child under the age of eight years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a warm and friendly environment which builds upon children’s sense of belonging and confidence. She has begun to evaluate her practices and has attended some training, although she has not yet fully developed an effective process of self- evaluation. The childminder promotes an inclusive environment for children by allowing them to make informed choices about their play and ensuring toys are readily accessible to support their interests. However, the childminder does not always effectively plan for all children's next steps of learning or identify their learning priorities. Overall, the childminder works closely with both parents and external agencies to support children’s learning in the setting.

p.3

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.3

further?

 further develop systematic observations, planning and assessments of all children to identify learning priorities in their next steps of development  further develop a process of self-evaluation, for example, using the Ofsted self-evaluation form, as the basis of ongoing and continuous improvement.

p.3

provision

A good range of policies and procedures underpin the care given to the children which helps meet their individual needs. Children have free access to a wide range of age-appropriate resources and the childminder is aware of how to achieve a good level of child-initiated and adult-led activities. She is beginning to evaluate her provision and to help improve the outcomes for children she is attending This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriate training.

p.3

provision

Children benefit from the good relationship the childminder has with parents, carers and outside agencies and information is shared on a daily basis. The childminder discusses, wherever possible, all policies and procedures with parents to enhance the continuity of children's care. She requests initial information, such as, the children's likes, dislikes and any special requirements. This is so that she can ensure she is meeting all children’s needs and they are being fully included in all aspects of the setting. Further inclusive practice is promoted by the childminder as she provides a good range of activities that meet the interests of all children in her care. There is also a variety of toys and resources that encourage children to understand and respect diversity and differences.

p.4

provision

Overall, regulatory records are maintained and include the necessary written parental permissions to ensure children's safety. The environment is safe and child friendly, with clear procedures and practices that ensure the health and well-being of each child. Risk assessments are carried out regularly to identify possible hazards and the childminder takes preventative measures to reduce these. She is fully aware of the local safeguarding procedures and what to do if she has concerns about a child in her care which helps children remain safe.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder develops warm, caring relationships with children; this means children settle quickly and become fully included within the setting. Toys and resources are readily accessible and appropriate to the ages of the children and their stages of development. The childminder welcomes all children and is good at adapting activities to enable them to take an active role and develop at their own pace. Children behave well because they are fully immersed in their play. The childminder also has clear rules and boundaries and ensures she talks to children about the house rules. This encourages children to have respect for others and helps develop good social skills.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Risk assessments for routine and daily trips, as well as special outings, are in place helping to promote children's safety and welfare. The childminder has a secure understanding of safeguarding procedures and required information is shared with parents, such as, allowing them to know who to contact should they wish to make a complaint or have any safeguarding concerns.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder obtains the required information about the children. This is so that she can ensure she is meeting all children’s needs and they are being fully included in all aspects of the setting. The childminder and parents share both verbal and written information with each other. Parents know they can see children’s observations at any time on request. The childminder has attended relevant training to ensure she holds a current first aid certificate. This means she is able to administer appropriate care should children sustain a minor injury while at the setting. The childminder has a good awareness of the importance of a nutritious diet and how to encourage children to use good hygiene procedures, helping to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 reduce the risk of cross infection. Children also have regular opportunities for outside and physical play helping them remain fit and healthy. Documentation in

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

relation to childminding is well organised and readily available for inspection. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

p.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

p.8

Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

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.8