Childminder, Out-of school day care in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY242300 Inspection date 09 August 2005 Inspector Liz Denston

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 18 months and 5 years, in Horsell, close to Woking town centre. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for minding; sleep facilities are provided upstairs. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child on an occasional basis. The childminder is within walking distance of local schools and other local amenities such as shops and parks. She attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. The family has a

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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 dog and two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to learn about physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle through having regular opportunities for fresh air; for example, toys and equipment are brought outside so that children can have maximum benefit from the good weather and they are able to chalk circuits on the patio and learn good control and co-ordination following each other. Children play in a clean environment, where they have opportunities to learn about personal hygiene as the childminder leads by example, such as washing hands after changing the baby’s nappy or dealing with the pets. The childminder's up to date knowledge of first aid ensures children receive prompt treatment in an emergency. Children receive a varied diet; the childminder is aware of their likes and dislikes and meets their individual needs. Children are learning to enjoy food, by having experiences such as a picnic in the garden. Drinks are freely available and children

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Helping children to be healthy

know when they are thirsty and help themselves. Children’s routines are carefully followed by close liaison with parents; this ensures continuity of care and contributes to the children’s well being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from good supervision and procedures that are in place to maintain their safety. The childminder has a risk assessment, however, this needs updating as she has not practiced her evacuation plan with the children, which could compromise their safety in an emergency. Children use the whole of the ground floor area of the home and have easy access to a secure back garden, which gives them the freedom and independence to access a wide range of activities. Babies sleep upstairs in a cot and a baby monitor is used to ensure their safety whilst the childminder supervises older children. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues; she knows who to contact if she has any concerns and she keeps a record of incidents. This promotes and safeguards the children's welfare within the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a wide variety of materials to stimulate their development

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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 and imagination. Children play well together and are able to build relationships with other children and adults. Children were observed chatting and laughing whilst playing with 'Barbie' dolls and playdough; their co-ordination was good. Children enjoy music and have the opportunity to play the piano and read pretend music from story books; they happily all sit on bench together to do this activity and socialise well. Children are confident in their use of space and are developing large and small muscle control from the wide range of planned or spontaneous activities. Good photographic evidence showed activities available to stimulate children of different ages at different times of the year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play well together and are learning to respect each other; they know each other's likes and dislikes, for example, one child not liking a story with witches in it. Children have good opportunities to learn about other cultures and the diverse world around them from the available resources. The children's behaviour is good and they play well together. The positive attitude of the childminder and clear explanation and negotiation mean that children receive clear messages and know what is expected of them. Partnership with parents is good, which fosters a consistent arena for children to develop and grow in confidence. Good daily communication and the use of daily diaries promote this trust, and children blossom in the childminders care. Most documentation is in place to safeguard children, but not all required items are displayed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Documentation is kept up to date and in a file to ensure it is available in an emergency or when being visited by new children and their parents. This ensures that children’s welfare is paramount and consistent. Photographic evidence of activities provided ensures that parents have plenty of information about the service she provides to help their children develop. The childminder has clear procedures to protect children from unvetted persons to ensure their safety. 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 was asked to obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and for transporting children in a vehicle. This is now in place to ensure children's safety and wellbeing is ascertained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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 a child evacuation procedure and update risk assessment • ensure parents are informed of complaints procedure and display registration certificate

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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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