Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318454 Inspection date 24 April 2006 Inspector Janet Marie Thouless

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives her partner in Merstham, Surrey. The whole of the house is used for childminding. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor. Toilet and sleeping facilities are available on the first floor. A secure rear garden is used for outside play. The family own a rabbit and a budgerigar. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children on a full and part-time basis.

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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 childminder attends local groups, soft play areas and takes children to local parks and places of interest. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where their individual needs are met. They learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle and personal care. The childminder herself demonstrates good hygiene awareness and her practice helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Children receive nutritious snacks that help them to begin to understand foods that are good for them and individual diets are respected. Children receive regular drinks to ensure they do not become thirsty or dehydrated. Children have opportunities to rest and sleep according to their individual needs in comfortable surroundings. A clear sickness procedure ensures parents are aware of the need to keep children at home when they are unwell, and protects all children from the spread of infection and illness. The childminder holds a current first-aid certificate and keeps all necessary medical and accident records. Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and physical activity on daily outings and

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Helping children to be healthy

during outdoor play. For example, children regularly use the garden and equipment in the local parks and groups. Resources and equipment allows children many opportunities to develop their control, co-ordination, fine motor and manipulative skills effectively.

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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 and welcoming home suitable for its purpose. They are able to select from an adequate range of resources from the playroom, freely and independently. Children benefit from a good level of supervision from the childminder, enabling them to enjoy a wide range of experiences with confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives high priority to safety, ensuring children are well supervised both in the home and when on outings, with clear consistent routines being upheld. Checks are carried out daily to minimise risk; and safety equipment such as safety gates, socket covers and smoke alarms are used to ensure safety. Children are encouraged to behave and play in a safe manner, for example, the childminder reminds children to ask for help when getting down from the table.

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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 are extremely well protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She has clear knowledge of the local area child protection procedures, with up-to-date contact details to hand to enable her to act in the best interest of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in the childminder's care because she has an excellent understanding of their developmental needs. She uses written plans drawing on her knowledge of Birth to three matters to effectively meet the needs of all the children to ensure they make progress, and uses effective assessments to identify the next steps in their development. Through her dedication, children gain the full benefit of the play opportunities provided. Children eagerly learn through interesting and practical activities such as train sets, role play and construction. They plant seeds with confidence, nurturing to gage their progress. Younger children enjoy the use of treasure baskets where they are able to explore the texture, shape and size of everyday objects. They have opportunities to use their imaginations whilst playing with the train set and within role play. They enjoy singing rhymes and looking at books. This helps children to share their thoughts,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

feelings and ideas through play. Children gain in independence and self-esteem as they select their activities for themselves from choosing books, puzzles and construction. Children are valued as individuals and the childminder takes into account each child's ability and needs. The children are sociable, happy, have fun and enjoy quality time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are well supported, because the childminder is fully aware of children's individual needs. Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has with their parents. Parents receive comprehensive information about the provision and are kept fully informed about their children's care and progress through daily discussions and the daily exchange of the diary. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest, local shops and parks. The childminder provides meaningful activities to promote the children's learning about the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Resources that reflect culture are adequate. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities. The childminder manages children's behaviour calmly and appropriately and this

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Helping children make a positive contribution

enables them to know what is expected of them. Children benefit from guidance and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 support, and the childminder sets clear boundaries and uses effective strategies that help children to understand right from wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well-organised environment and daily routine. They receive good adult support and attention to make them feel happy and secure in their surroundings. Space is used well and children are able to initiate their own play from the good range of resources on offer in the playroom. The childminder displays her registration certificate when childminding and has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. All required documentation is well maintained, held confidentially, and the childminder understands and complies with mandatory requirements. Children are supervised well at all times to ensure they are protected from visitors. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The childminder 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 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):

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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 • continue to extend the range of resources that reflect culture and diversity.

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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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