Childminder in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY219004 Inspection date 22 March 2006 Inspector Helen Ann Woods

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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 has been registered since 2002. She is registered to provide care for 4 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 1 may be under 5 years. At present the childminder is caring for 4 children part time, 2 of whom have special needs. The childminder lives with her husband and 2 school age children. They live in a house in a quiet road in a rural village in South Buckinghamshire situated close to local schools, amenities and public transport. Childminding occurs on the ground floor with a bedroom available for rest. There is a large enclosed garden.

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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 have coldwater fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, healthy environment where procedures are in place to maintain good levels of hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing. Policies and procedures are in place for first aid, accidents and medication, ensuring children are well cared for. Children are protected from unnecessary illness, as they do not attend if they are contagious. Children are offered a healthy diet and are involved in choosing from a selection of healthy meals and snacks that take account of individual requirements and personal preferences. Children are developing well physically through regular daily walks to and from school, climbing, running and jumping in the well-organised woodland garden and on visits to local parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming home where children feel safe and secure. Space within the house and in the garden is well organised allowing children to move about safely and independently. Risks have been carefully identified and minimised; for example, when children are taken and collected from school they observe a strict code of conduct when walking along the busy roads or getting out of the car. They are observant to local traffic conditions and observe the 'green cross code'. Toys and resources are checked regularly to ensure that there are no broken parts to harm them. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted; for example, the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She has a good understanding of child protection procedures to be followed if abuse is suspected. The childminder has a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have enormous fun and they play enthusiastically with an excellent range of toys and resources, which promote their learning. The children make excellent progress because the childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of

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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 trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. Children begin to make sense of the world and express their ideas as they are involved in a diverse range of exploratory and sensory experiences. For example, children explore a wealth of living things from plants and trees in the wood as they go on woodland walks with the childminder. Children are captivated and often inspired by an extensive range of stimulating, relevant activities relating to their needs. The children are eager to learn, self assured in their play and confident to try new experiences. They listen intently to stories and are involved in structured activities like baking; art and craft; and learning to take turns in games, music and singing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are very settled and confident because the childminder values and respects their individuality. Their behaviour is exemplary. The childminder supports younger children in sharing as they play a matching card game with the childminder. She has high expectations and sets consistent boundaries for children which helps them learn to negotiate well with others and take responsibility for their behaviour. The childminder is sensitive to the children's feelings and is able to turn negative situations into positive experiences. The children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through organised activities, socialising at activity groups and outings to local places of interest. This positive approach enables the children to develop their social and cultural awareness. An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Letters of recommendation contain statements complimenting the childminder on her 'providing a stimulating environment' and for 'outstanding support' to a family of children requiring specialist care. Parents' views about their child's needs and interests are actively sought before the childminder starts caring for their child. Children are very happy and content because parents share information about their child's individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. Children's routines and activities are shared with parents daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children use all available play space in and outside the home. Children benefit from a variety of outings such as visiting the library to choose reference and reading books and local places of interest.

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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 The childminder keeps up-to-date with new childminding developments by attending regular training programmes in order to develop her skills and improve the service she provides to children and their families. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children; for example, by making use of Birth to Three Matters. All documents are in place according to regulation. They are stored securely and made available for inspection. She regularly shares them with parents although recording of any concerns needs to be kept separate to ensure confidentiality. The childminder keeps parents well informed about the care that is provided. The childminder meets the needs for the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to keep records of all those regularly in contact with minded children. Records have been collated on people who may have contact with the children and parents are informed. As a result the children's well-being is enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 concerns are recorded separately to maintain confidentiality.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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