Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307816 Inspection date 19 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 two children aged 3 and 5 years in a village in mid Buckinghamshire. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five and two child over five after school and school holidays. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the various parent toddler groups and takes children to the local park. 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 family have a dog and cat as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a suitable range of activities that contribute to their good health. Their physical skills develop as they play both inside and outside the house using a range of equipment, walk to and from school and go for walks with the dog or to the local park. Young children sleep according to their needs in a suitable quiet area of the house on the first floor. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the daily routine, within this friendly, welcoming home. They also begin to appreciate the benefits of a healthy diet as they enjoy the nutritious snacks provided by the childminder. Although the childminder is happy to provide food, all the children currently minded bring a lunch box containing either cold food or food that requires warming. This is done in close consultation with the parents. Children have access to drinks throughout the day of water, squash or milk, depending on parental

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, where risks are minimised. They have free use of the entire ground floor, enabling space for quieter activities, messy activities and activities that are more boisterous. The childminder has identified and minimised the risks in her home. Children can move around freely and independently in the house and garden. Simple house rules and routines enable the children to stay in good health at all times. Children benefit from a good range and variety of age appropriate equipment, stored so that they can have free access and maintained in a good state of repair. The childminder monitors and supervises children when accessing some of the equipment. Their welfare is safeguarded at all times, supported by clear documentation in most areas. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid qualification. She has a sound understanding of child protection but does not have all

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and happy in the child-friendly atmosphere. Stimulating and varied activities, both inside and outside the home, are provided to help the children develop in all areas. Children benefit from the individual attention they are given 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 learn through every day activities, visits and routines. They enjoy doing cookery and a wide range of art and craft activities as well as trips to the park, toddler groups and taking the dog for walks. The childminder is attentive to the individual needs of the children and ensures they have a good balanced programme of activities. This includes times for outdoor play, quiet times, and times to socialise with other children at various toddler groups. The childminder is skilled at developing children's knowledge and understanding through discussions and playing alongside them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very well cared for in this extended family atmosphere, by a childminder who works closely with the parents to meet their individual needs. The children enjoy discovering about the local environment whilst on their walks and finding out about the wider world through themed days. Their routines are incorporated into the childminders daily routine, as discussed with the parents. Every child is valued and respected as an individual. They behave well because familiar and consistent boundaries are in place and the childminder offers much praise and encouragement. Simple house rules for behaviour serve to promote the well-being of the children and enhance their awareness of each other's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease within the warm, friendly environment. Effective organisation of time, space and resources enables them to make good progress. They are never far from the childminder, who ensures they are well cared for at all times. Daily sharing of information with parents ensures the children have effective continuity of care, although parents are not given the contact details for the regulator. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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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

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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): • obtain the documentation relating to child protection as mentioned in the National Standards • ensure the telephone number of the regulator is made available to parents.

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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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