Rees, Susan

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 141518 Inspection date 28 July 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 1991. She lives in Milton Keynes. The childminder uses the lower floors of her house for childminding, together with the front and back fully enclosed gardens for outside play. The childminder is currently minding four children under five part-time and three children over five before and after school. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent and child groups and takes children to the local park. She has three cats as pets.

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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 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 variety of equipment, walk to and from school, and visit local parks and playgrounds. Young children sleep according to their needs in a suitable quiet area of the house on either the first floor or the ground floor, depending on parental choice. The children are cared for in a friendly, welcoming home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the daily routine. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after handling the family cats and after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and enjoy a nutritious, freshly prepared light lunch and snacks. The childminder provides regular drinks of

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Helping children to be healthy

squash, milk or water. The childminder takes account of the wishes of the parents and the children's choices to meet their individual dietary needs.

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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, secure environment, where risks are minimised. They are able to play safely, freely and independently both inside and outside the house. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand the importance of keeping themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety whilst away from the home. Children have some self-selection of toys and equipment from a good range of resources, sorted into areas according to age. The childminder monitors and supervises children closely when accessing equipment. All required procedures and documents are in place to ensure children's safety and to promote their welfare. For example; the childminder holds a current first aid qualification and has an understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures; a suitable method of recording accidents is in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

place, most of which are signed by parents.

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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. They have a clear understanding of the areas to which they have free access and they relate well to each other. Children make independent choices in their play as they choose from a wide selection of age appropriate play materials. For example, sand and water play in the front garden and a good selection of age appropriate games and equipment,

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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 stored in low-level cupboards and baskets. The childminder is attentive to the individual needs of the children and ensures they have access to areas for both rest and play. Children access a balanced programme of activities, which includes times for outside play, quiet times, and socialising with other children at various parent and child groups. For example, the childminder develops activities children begin whilst at the group. She is skilled at developing the 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 well cared for by the childminder who works with parents to meet their individual needs. They experience a positive view of the wider world and increase their understanding of others through discussions with the childminder. Children behave well because familiar and consistent boundaries are in place. They respond positively to praise and encouragement. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The daily routine, as discussed with parents, enables the childminder to meet children's individual needs. Children play together cooperatively, sharing and taking turns. For example, they each take turns to throw the dice and move whilst playing a game of Telly Tubby snakes and ladders.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease within the warm friendly environment. Effective organisation of space, time and resources enables children 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. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has ensured the windows on the first floor cannot be opened fully and she keeps her documents together to enable ease of access, minimising any potential risk to children.

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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): • ensure parental signatures are obtained against all records in the accident book

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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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