Childminder, Out-of school day care in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309251 Inspection date 05 December 2005 Inspector Ann Hilary Guy

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2005. She lives with her husband and one child aged 17 months in a village close to Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor, plus one bedroom for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five part-time and three children over five after school or during school holidays. The childminder walks to the local school to collect children and takes them to the local park. The family have a dog and two cats as pets. The

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 childminder supports children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children experience a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. Their physical activities are varied, and centre either in the home, garden or in the local park. They use a wide variety of age appropriate play equipment, including sit and ride toys, balls and a sandpit. They also walk to and from school each day and go for walks with the dog. Children sleep according to their individual needs and parental wishes. The children are cared for by a skilled childminder within a very child friendly and inviting environment, in which they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through an effective daily routine. Children have nutritious balanced evening meals, including plenty of fruit and vegetables. They sometimes assist with the preparation of these meals. Parents can provide food, especially for the youngest children, if they wish. All children enjoy nutritious healthy snacks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

They have regular opportunities to drink, with water, milk and fruit juice being readily available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children receive a high standard of care in this safe, welcoming environment. They have free use of most of the ground floor, with very good use made of stairgates to prohibit access to potentially hazardous areas. The childminder has identified risks within her home and garden and taken steps to ensure children are safe at all times. An area of the garden has been fenced off, specifically for the use of young children. This prevents the dog from entering this area, enabling young children to play in as safe an environment as possible. Older children have full access to the garden; strategies are in place to ensure their safety. Simple rules and routines for both in the house and when away from the house, enable the children to remain safe and in good health at all times. Children benefit from the wide range of age appropriate equipment available to them. Younger children's toys are accessibly stored in the lounge and toys and activities for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

older children are set out when they are present. All the toys and equipment are well maintained and safe for use. Children's welfare is safeguarded at all times, supported by clear documentation, and the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection.

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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 are well stimulated in an environment that offers flexible care tailored to their individual needs. Activities, both inside and outside the home, are both varied and challenging, helping them to develop and progress in all areas. Children greatly benefit from the individual attention given and learn much through everyday activities and routines. For example, assisting with the preparation of meals and partaking in simple cookery. Children experience a good balance of activities, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy physical play. A wide range of age appropriate and accessible toys and games are available within the house to stimulate their inquisitive minds. These include a variety of art and craft equipment and a very good range of books and puzzles. The daily

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

routine includes some individual time for the children where the childminder shares a book, or assists them with suitable activities to promote their physical development. The childminder is skilled at developing the individual children's knowledge and understanding and effectively includes children of all ages in the wide range of activities offered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are part of an extended family, in which their individual needs are successfully met by a skilled childminder who works closely with the parents to ensure their full involvement in the setting. Those requiring additional help are extremely well supported and the childminder happily incorporates specialist activities to develop their potential. She does this through close liaison with the parents. The childminder has learnt to communicate using a combination of language and signs and has taught the signs to the other children enabling them all to communicate with each other. Every child is valued and respected as an individual. The childminder skilfully incorporates their daily routines, as discussed with the parents, into her daily routine. The basic house rules for behaviour serve to promote the well-being of all the children and enhance their awareness of each other's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The very effective organisation of time, space and resources ensure the children's individual needs are given priority and enables them to develop. The policies and procedures underpin the high standard of care and promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. The childminder closely supervises the children and spends time playing alongside them, developing their skills and understanding. Regular discussions with parents ensure they are well informed and involved in their child's care. 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • further develop stimulating and challenging activities that meet the needs of all children

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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