Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY242688 Inspection date 20 February 2006 Inspector Susan Mary Rolfe

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder has been registered since October 2002. She lives with her husband and 3 children who are all under 8 years old, in a house in Frieth, near Marlow. The through lounge, kitchen and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. The garden is not included in the registration. The childminder is registered to provide care for 3 children under the age of 8 years and currently cares for 2 children on a part-time basis, who are 3 and 5 years of age. The family have one dog. The childminder is able to take children to and collect from Frith School.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a clear understanding of the ways to keep themselves healthy. They know the importance of good hygiene practice, for example they are familiar with the routine of washing their hands before snacks. Effective hygiene procedures followed by the childminder protect children from the spread of infection. The childminder is well organised to deal competently with accidents, which maintains children's well being. Although she has not had to administer medication, the childminder is able to demonstrate that she is aware of the requirements in relation to this procedure. The childminder promotes children's general health as she provides them with a varied diet. They enjoy a good variety of fresh fruit and bread sticks. Children have easy access to drinks. They gain some exercise as they walk home from school and are active within the home, as they run around the room playing chase.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes generally good safety precautions, therefore minimising the risk of accidents. Although items such as bleach are stored safely, children have access to some toiletries in the bathroom. The front door and door to the garage are not secure. As a result, older children could open these, which compromises their safety. The childminder maintains children's safety when out walking as she teaches them about road safety. Children hold hands and listen out for approaching cars. Children make choices from a safe range of toys and play materials. They have a good amount of clear space for all types of play in the lounge. Children sit at the dining table for their drink and use this area for quieter activities, such as drawing and board games. The childminder safeguards children's welfare as she has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility in relation to child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a reasonable range of play items. Equipment is stored in low-level containers for children to choose from. This includes puzzles, play food, art and craft activities and books. Children can choose from the items but are not always directed towards anything in particular if they do not, as a result children can be aimless for some periods. Children enjoy listening to the piano and guessing the tune, which they are very good at. They have free movement within the ground floor and run around to let off their

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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 energy. They enjoy drawing and games which develop their hand and eye coordination. The childminder encourages their skill in this activity, which enhances children's confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settle well in the childminder's home. They are confident and verbalise their needs. During games with others, children share and take turns. The childminder praises their artistic efforts and children proudly show parents their drawings at the end of the day. Although children generally behave very well, they do not always hear a full explanation of why some behaviour is unacceptable. This does not identify the negative behaviour or teach children the correct way to behave. Children benefit from the strong partnership with parents. There are good systems in place to ensure regular exchange of information relating to the care of the children. Parents are confident with the service provided as the children's daily activities are shared with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder maintains the required records and is reasonably organised. She accurately records children's daily attendance, has details for children and parents and gains the required consent for emergency medical treatment. Although children have not had an accident whilst in her care, the childminder demonstrates an understanding of record keeping in relation to injuries. However, the childminder does not display her registration certificate to parents. There are no procedures in place in relation to complaints and she does not provide parents with the contact details of Ofsted as the regulators. This does not support the partnership with parents. Children are relaxed in the environment and move freely around the home. Written policies and procedures promote children's welfare. The childminder gives her attention to children when they are on the premises. For example, she organises the

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Organisation

preparation of meals after children have left the site, which promotes their welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that the surface of the front garden was safe for children to walk across, to ensure the security of the front door and to gain a suitable first aid qualification. The surface of the front garden is safe. However, the front door remains accessible to children and could be opened by them, which compromises their safety.

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Improvements 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 The childminder gained an appropriate first aid qualification on 4th October 2003. She has a first aid box readily available which holds the required contents. This promotes children's safety as the childminder is organised to manage minor accidents effectively.

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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

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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure children are secure when in the home and do not gain access to areas that pose a hazard • plan and promote activities which are stimulating and develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities • devise strategies which promote positive behaviour and teach children right from wrong.

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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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