Childminder in Milton Keynes

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302295 Inspection date 01 November 2005 Inspector Stella Grace Dykes

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her school aged child and two adult children in Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. The whole of the first floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time, and is currently minding one pre-school aged child on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park.

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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 The family has a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder’s effective health and hygiene procedures, which ensure good standards in all the areas that the children use. They begin to learn about safeguarding their own health, for example by washing their hands before meal and snack times. The childminder's clear sick children's policy helps to protect children from the risk of infection. Children have regular opportunities to test and develop their physical skills when playing in the garden or out on walks. Children have healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder asks parents for information about dietary needs, so that children have only those foods that are suitable for them. At meal times, children choose their own place mats, and the childminder sits at the table with them. Children enjoy the relaxed and sociable atmosphere that this creates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and at ease in the childminder’s welcoming family home. They move around freely, choosing the best place for their play. They have easy access to a good range of suitable toys, games and activities. Children play safely, because the childminder has identified potential risks, and has put in place measures to minimise them. For example, she stores cleaning materials in a cupboard that is fitted with a safety catch, and she keeps kitchen knives in a container out of children’s reach. She has put in place procedures to make sure that they are safely collected at the end of the day. Children’s welfare is protected because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, and she makes their wellbeing her first concern. She shares her policy statement with parents, so that they can work together to achieve the best outcomes for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are keen to come into the childminder’s home, and have warm and affectionate relationships with her. She provides a settled environment for children, with predictable routines for their day, so that they are secure and content in her care. Children take part in a wide variety of activities and experiences, both indoors and

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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 outside. They play enthusiastically, and are focussed on their chosen tasks. They benefit from the childminder’s sensitive support and encouragement, so that they get the most from each activity. For example when the childminder joins in children’s imaginative play at their request.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s behaviour is good. They respond well to the childminder’s gentle guidance and respectful approach. They develop a good sense of self worth as the childminder pays attention and listens carefully to children when they speak. The childminder knows the children well, and so is able to meet their individual needs. Some of the activities that she provides help them to learn about the wider world. Children receive consistency of care because the childminder works in partnership with parents. For example, she keeps them well informed as they exchange information at the beginning and the end of the day. She asks them for information that will help her to care well for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her service effectively, so that she can care well for children. For example, she has written agreements with parents about the service that she provides. She makes good use of the space within her home. The childminder has most of the required records, permission forms and other documents in place to promote children’s welfare. Only written consent from parents to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency is missing. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • ask parents for written permission to give first aid and to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency.

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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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