Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 507347 Inspection date 24 June 2005 Inspector Ann Moss

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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 April 2000. She lives with her husband and two school aged children, in a semi-detached house in the village of Fetcham, close to local shops and schools. The childminder uses most of the ground floor for childminding. There is a designated play room, lounge / dining room, hall and bathroom. Children use a bedroom for sleeping. There is a secure rear garden available for outside play with fixed equipment and a playhouse. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a 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 family has two cat and it is a non-smoking household.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them to develop control of their bodies. They are competent when using wheeled toys. They show good co-ordination when running, jumping and walking on their heels. Garden games and visits to local parks and music to movement session improve children's physical skills. Children become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and known when to rest. Younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder has a good understanding of appropriate activities and level of support. This gives them confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene practice. They have a clear understanding of why they wash their

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Helping children to be healthy

hands after playing in the garden and visiting the toilet to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to drinks throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the parents wishes and the children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meets their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises risk for children in the home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder give a high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety both inside and outside the home. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are appropriate for the age and stage of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and has clear and consistent policies and procedures in place. For instance, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 Children settle well in the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at toddler groups. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and plans interesting activities, which she adapts to meet the individual needs and interest. All children spend their time purposefully. They participate in a wide range of activities, and use their imagination well during role play activities for instance; camping and picnicking. Children learn about nature as they explore their environment. Children are confident speakers, good listeners and express their views well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder finds out about children's needs from parents and uses this information to provide appropriate care, this helps children feel settled. Children play with purpose, confidently deciding what to do and feel important. They access a wide range of resources which help them to develop a positive attitude to others. They gain an understanding of their local community as they visit local schools, toddler groups and parks. The childminder observes, participates and supports children where appropriate. Children thrive on well-placed praise and respond positively to the childminder. Children show care and concern for each other, they play together happily. They behave very well. Children have the security of the close relationship between parents and childminder. The daily diary is an effective record and this supports continuous two-way dialogue about all aspects of childcare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a homely atmosphere and creative use of space. They receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well, helping them to feel settled and secure. The childminder uses her own experiences and updates her knowledge through liaising with the Early Years on future courses. She is keen to provide a stimulating environment for children and plans to build upon her current practice through training of the framework of Birth to Three Matters. The childminder has a friendly business like approach to her childminding and maintains all regulatory documentation to a good standard. Parents are not provided with written polices and procedures but the childminder takes time to discuss her provision prior to the start of childminding. However, a written complaints procedure has yet to be developed. The good relationship with parents gives children continuity

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Organisation

of care. The childminder liaises with them each day and fully involves them in the daily programme for their child.

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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 meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to review and updated the contents of her first aid box. First aid contents have now been replaced. This ensures children's health in the event of a minor accident.

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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): • make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedures to be followed if they have a complaint

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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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