Childminder in Milton Keynes

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY289516 Inspection date 21 April 2005 Inspector Dorcas Elizabeth Forgan

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two daughters who are aged four and six, their home is in Furzton which is west of the city centre of Milton Keynes. The whole of the house is available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder registration is to care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for two children on a part time basis they are aged two and six. The childminder collects children from the local 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 good. Children enjoy physical activities that include the use of the garden and regular visits to the local park, this contributes to their good health and physical development. The older children also enjoy taking part in swimming lessons at the local pool. Children are gaining new skills and through this developing their confidence because the childminder has a good understanding of appropriate activities and the level of support that individuals require. The childminder takes full account of the children's needs and allows for rest and active times as suitable. Children are becoming increasingly aware of their own needs to rest, eat and drink. Children are cared for in an environment that is warm and clean. Through good daily routines, discussions and appropriate support the children are learning the importance of personal hygiene. They are becoming independent in their own personal care. Children enjoy helping with the household tasks, pretending to clean

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Helping children to be healthy

the floor with the Hoover and sorting the washing. Children are learning the benefits of a healthy diet. Drinks of water and juice are available, as the children need them they ask, which means they are becoming increasingly aware of their bodies needs. The childminder provides snacks and meals that are nutritious and healthy; she takes account of the parent's wishes and the children's choices. The older children are learning about eating healthily, they state preferences for meals so that they influence the items bought and offered to all in the household. Children are developing their social skills through eating snacks and meals together at the table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children feel safe and secure in the home where the childminder has minimised the areas of risk. She is very aware of the need to keep children safe. She is proactive in ensuring that the children learn how to keep themselves safe both in the home and outside. Together they have found information about road safety and fire safety on the internet and are putting these in to practise. The children benefit from the opportunity of carrying out the research together and putting their findings into practise in practical ways, such as how to cross the road safely. They are gaining self-esteem and independence. Children independently select from a wide range of toys and activities that are safe, good quality and are suitable for the ages and stages of the children who are present. The childminder supervises and joins in as appropriate encouraging their speech and imagination. The protection of children is generally good as all the required documentation in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

place and the childminder has considered the appropriate procedures to ensure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 children's welfare whilst in her care. She has a basic understanding of child protection issues, further development will enhance her understanding ensuring children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are at ease with the childminder, they are well settled and confident, they enjoy each other’s company and having fun together. The children are learning to become independent and gaining self-esteem through making choices in a positive environment. The childminder offers a wide range of activities to promote the children's learning, for example the youngest child shows delight in drawing pictures and telling the story as she goes along, the childminder pays careful attention and asks questions to extend the child’s thoughts and vocabulary. Singing songs together, dancing and painting, creating collages, using play dough and preparing food promotes creativity. They enjoy looking at books together and joining in games that encourage imagination and role-play. Two-way conversations are a major part in the relationships. The children are learning new skills as they take part in everyday

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities around the home, for example preparing ingredients for the fruit cocktail.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have access to a good range of resources that promote a positive view of the wider world, such as puzzles, books and small world figures. The childminder treats each child as an individual and ensures that she knows its personal needs and interests. The children are learning about their local community as they visit the parks, library and shops. They socialise with other families who live close by. The children learn and talk about people from other cultures and religions; this is often following topics introduced at school. Children are well behaved. They know the few house rules, which the childminder explains clearly and children know what she expects of them. Children feel comfortable and at ease, they are learning to share and to respect each other and their surroundings. The childminder works closely with the parents; she ensures that she exchanges information daily so that all are well informed about the children’s

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Helping children make a positive contribution

progress and activities that they enjoy. She follows the families’ routines and individual requirements. The children feel valued.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from their care being well organised. The childminder plans her days effectively and ensures that all documentation is complete and up to date. She has compiled a brief document with her policies and procedures to share with parents to ensure the promotion of children's welfare, care and learning. Further development

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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 of these will ensure that parents are well informed. Good use is made of the space in the home it is warm and welcoming so that children can feel part of the family and comfortable. Children receive plenty of attention and support so that they make good progress in a healthy, safe environment. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • Develop further the written policies and procedures. • Increase childminders knowledge of child protection

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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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