Childminder in Milton Keynes

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY338589 Inspection date 18/10/2010 Inspector Cordalee Harrison

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2006. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 18 years. They live in Loughton, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding; washing and toilet facilities are at this level. Children sleep in a first floor bedroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family pet is a rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

When working alone the childminder may care for a maximum of six children under eight years; of these, not more than three may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than one may be under one year at any one time. When working with two assistants, may care for no more than 12 children under eight years; of these, not more than nine may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than three may be under one year at any one time. Currently, there are 17 children on roll. Of these, nine are in the early years age group, two are in the age group for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and five are in the age group of the voluntary part of the Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder welcomes children warmly into her home. Children separate easily from parents because the childminder prepares well for their arrival each day. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy for children and parents to approach the childminder and her assistants. The childminder exchange good quality information with parents each day; this enables her to meet children's individual needs very well. The childminder knows the children well and the up-to-date information that she gains from parents keeps her informed of any changes. Although the childminder uses the Early Foundation Stage and guidance to inform her daily practice there are some gaps in her risk assessments and in the manner in which she manages children's observation records. The childminder demonstrates good capacity for improvement she has addressed the recommendations made at the previous inspection. In addition, she makes use of the local authority's early years

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

provisions including the Sure Start Centers, which helps her to keep abreast of good childcare practices.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 review risk assessment to ensure that it covers anything with children may come into contact This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  improve children's observation to ensure that they are carried out regularly and that they consistently identify the next step for every child

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the early years provision

Safeguarding Children Board. The childminder supervises the children closely and makes sure they are not alone with any one who is not vetted. She ensures that she can see or hear them at all time. The childminder maintains the documentation that is required to safeguard children's health and welfare. Documentation such as accident, attendance and children's record forms are accurate and up-to-date. The childminder understands the procedure for the safe management and administration of medicines to children.

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the early years provision

To drive improvement the childminder has registered with the local Food Standard Agency and completed the training that they recommend. Fire safety is well addressed fire fighting equipment is in place. For example, smoke detectors are in working order and she practises evacuation of the premises with the children regularly. The childminder uses risk assessments and daily checks to create a generally safe environment for children. Although children do not have access to substances that will harm them the risk assessments does not capture all hazards in the environment. For example, she does not realise that the key in the low-level lock reduces the effectiveness of her safety precautions, particularly for older children. Management of children's linen presents some risk of cross infection for younger children who share a travel cot.

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the early years provision

The childminder deploys her resources very well; she ensures that she or her assistant supervises the children at all time. Additionally, she provides children with ample good quality play resources that are appealing to children who are at different stages of their development. The childminder works closely with parents and gains information about children's individual needs and preferences. She provides children with a good deal of practical resources to raise their awareness of cultural diversity to help children to begin to attribute positive values to others.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses the process of self-evaluation to reflect on her practice. However, whilst it provides her with good quality information it is not comprehensive. For example, she identifies that it would be beneficial for her to review some of the information that she shares with parents to ensure that they are all current. However, she has not set a timescale in which to do so. In addition, she has not identified the gaps in her risk assessments. The childminder shares written and verbal information with parents to help them to engage with their children's activities. For example, as well as the daily verbal exchange of information, the weekly menu and activity plans are displayed for parents information. There many letters and cards from parents and children thanking the childminder for the care, attention and service that she provides. The childminder has started to put steps in place for partnership working with other providers; she

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the early years provision

understands that it is important to achieve continuity of care for young children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children experience, activities that are interesting and fun, which engage them in learning across all areas of the curriculum. Good quality play opportunities and resources enable children to make purposeful choices about play. They are sufficiently confident to initiate play and develop their individual learning styles. Children show that they feel safe; they approach the childminder and her assistants confidently; hugs and cuddles are commonplace. Children are developing good communication skills they use words and gestures to make their meaning clear. The childminder and her assistants are responsive to the children; which encourages them to become more vocal. Children are developing an awareness of their own needs, access to drinking water throughout the day help them to recognise when they are thirsty and increases their self-care skills and independence. Through regular routines, the children are learning good hygiene

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and outcomes for children

practices. For example, they know that they are to wash their hands after playing outside and the use of individual hand towels help to reduce the risk of cross infection between them.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn that there is an expectation to behave well and to be kind to others. The childminder gently lets the children know when their behaviour is not wanted and she uses pictures to help them to reflect on the consequences of their actions. For example, children begin to understand that if they hurt others, it will make the other person unhappy or cause them to cry. The variety of practical play resources that children use helps them to begin to value others regardless, of colour or ability. For example, children learn to care for all the dolls in their roll play and photographs of children from different cultural backgrounds help children to understand about similarities and difference. Children explore and experiment in their play. They use resources such as sand and water often. Children use resources such as magnifying glasses and tape measure in their explorations. They develop number, colour and shape recognition as they use a variety of

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and outcomes for children

construction materials, shape sorters, interactive playcentres and puzzles. Children are building good skills for the future. Children develop their physical health as they eat balanced and nutritious meals and snacks. They further promote their health through a wide range of physical activities. In addition, they use a variety of large equipment as they play in the garden and visit local the parks and open spaces. Through creative play children explore many areas of learning, for example, they dress-up as their favourite super heroes, such as Spiderman and pirates, they make and listen to music, and make marks as they use a range of resources, including coloring pencils and sand. Familiar stories such as "We are going on a bear hunt" put actions to words and extend their imagination.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides children with many good and fun learning experiences indoors and outside of the home. Children are enjoying and achieving as they learn through play. However, the childminder's observation of children is irregular, and she does not maintain a record for every child. Therefore, she cannot be confident that children are getting the appropriate level of support they need help them to progress towards the early learning goals in a timely manner. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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