Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331586 Unique Reference Number 15 September 2006 Inspection date Ann Moss Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her husband, who may act as her assistant, and their three children aged one year, four years and six years. The home is situated in a residential road in Ashtead, Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding four children part time. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and take children to the local park. The family have two cats.

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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 satisfactory. Children develop well emotionally in the warm and caring environment, where they receive cuddles and praise. They settle well as their individual routines are taken into account, such as sleep time. They receive appropriate support to develop personal hygiene skills. They learn the importance of hand washing after toileting. However, the childminder does not provide individual towels to minimise potential cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's training in first aid, ensuring that they receive appropriate care in the event of a minor accident. However, written parental permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency advice or treatment has yet to be obtained. This means parents wishes are not fully met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to develop a positive attitude towards healthy eating because the childminder has an appropriate knowledge of nutrition and encourages the children to eat a varied diet. Children enjoy freshly prepared meals. They maintain good hydration because the childminder monitors their intake of drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to active outdoor play, helping them to develop physical skills and benefit from the effects of fresh air and exercise. They also attend local groups and parks where they can use large equipment to climb and slide on.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play indoors in a safe, secure and welcoming environment. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring the children's safety at all times, and risk-assesses the home and outings sufficiently. For example, there is suitable fire safety equipment, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket, and gates to prevent children from gaining access to less secure areas, such as the hall and kitchen. The childminder accompanies children in the garden. She supervises children closely on outings such as, toddler groups and ensures they are always in her sight or hearing. Children use toys and equipment that is in good condition, sufficiently stimulating, and suitable for their ages and stages of development. Children gain independence as they safely select resources from easily accessible storage containers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children begin to learn about the importance of keeping themselves safe because the childminder offers gentle reminders, such as no climbing on the furniture. They avoid dangers when outdoors as they follow the childminder's rules for example, they hold onto the buggy when walking along the pavement and cross the road safely, using the green cross code.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is able to protect children through her awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Although she is not clear about the procedures to follow she is aware of the Government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried a Child Is Being Abused' and knows

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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 whom to contact if concerned about a child. However, she does not inform parents of her responsibility to protect of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a warm positive relationship with the childminder. They approach her confidently and show their affection with cuddles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder knows them well and shows interest in what they do and say. The childminder devotes her time to being with the children. She talks to them and asks questions promoting their language for communication. She recognises opportunities to extend children's learning. For example, during mealtime, colours are discussed. When a child asked for more 'smiley faces' the childminder asked 'how many are there'? and 'how many are left'? The childminder helps them to be considerate to others. As a result, children learn to negotiate and share. Children participate in regular outings, such as visits to local groups where they have opportunities for creative play and meet other children, which helps to develop their social skills. There are times for children to enjoy free play, explore and investigate their environment. They make choices and decisions as they select

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

or change their activity from the acceptable range of toys and resources, which are easily accessible from low storage containers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework but has not yet accessed the training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude to inclusion. She treats children with equal concern and values their individuality. She plans activities and outings that take account of children's individual needs. For example, visits to the park. Children have opportunity to learn about diversity as they enjoy regular outings and access a suitable range of activities and resources that reflect positive images of the wider society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has not cared for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities but displayed a positive attitude to caring for children with such needs

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well with the childminder being a good role model who speaks calmly and consistently to the children. She has a good understanding of encouraging good behaviour and this includes occupying the children and changing their activities to maintain interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Daily conversations with parents, and the sharing of a daily diary, allow a good exchange of information to take place and supports consistency of care. Parents receive some information about polices and procedures, however, the complaint procedure does not fully take account of the changes to the National Standards, and as a result parents are not informed of how their concerns will be handled by the childminder.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home and resources to offer a welcoming environment. As a result, children settle well to their activities. They enjoy the close relationship of the childminder, who is able to ensure they receive plenty of support due to her maintaining good ratios. They feel secure through the familiar routines which supports their needs around sleeps or snacks, or physical or quiet activities.

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Organisation

The childminder has most of the required documentation and procedures in place. Parents are not provided with written polices and procedures but the childminder take times to discuss her provision prior to admission. She maintains a record of children's attendance, although she does not record their times of arrival or departure. Records are kept secure. Parents can access their child's details at any time upon request. This ensures that confidentiality and privacy is respected for all children.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider 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 satisfactory. 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing

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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 • further develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures, and share with parents • make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint • ensure a record of children's daily attendance is kept up to date, including their hours of attendance.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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