Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290098 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Joanne Lindsey Caswell

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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 2004. She lives with her pre-school age child in a residential area of Cranleigh, Surrey. Childminding takes place on the ground floor with toilet and sleep facilities provided. A fully enclosed garden provides an outside play space. The childminder attends local groups and is willing to collect children from local schools. The childminder has a number of small pets. The childminder is registered to provide care for four children. At present, she is caring for four children, who attend on a part time basis throughout the week.

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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 good. Children's health needs are met well. The childminder is very attentive to each child's welfare needs and incorporates these into her daily routine. Children are protected well against illness and infection as the childminder ensures that parents are made fully aware that their children cannot attend the setting if they are suffering from an infection. The childminder ensures that she maintains a very clean and hygienic environment. She is fully aware of relevant measures for infection control and understands how to minimise children's risk of infection. This ensures a healthy and hygienic environment for children. Children enjoy many opportunities for physical play. They undertake many physical activities, such as visiting the park and dancing. They play in the garden, where they have opportunities to use the swings, slide and wheeled toys, and regularly go for walks. This enables children to benefit from regular fresh air and exercise to promote

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Helping children to be healthy

their good health. Children clearly understand the importance of personal hygiene and hand washing. They recognise they must wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet, after playing in the garden and before all meals. The childminder uses effective strategies to protect children against cross-infection as she ensures all children have their own towel. Children's dietary needs are met well. The childminder offers a healthy range of freshly-prepared nutritious meals and snacks. Children receive a well-balanced diet and healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit and raw vegetables.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are secure and most precautions are taken to ensure children's safety. For example, children cannot access the kitchen, and all medication and cleaning materials are stored out of children's reach. However, there are some outstanding safety issues in the garden which restrict children from playing outside safely. Children play with a range of toys and play materials which have been checked to ensure they are safe and fit for use. Older children understand that they must not play with toys with small pieces when babies and younger children are present as those may pose a choking hazard. There are satisfactory arrangements in place to ensure that sleeping children are closely monitored and regularly checked. Children are protected in the event of an emergency as the childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan. She has identified all exits from her premises to

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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 ensure children's safety in the event of an evacuation. She has made arrangements with local childminders to ensure that children are appropriately cared for in the event of an emergency. Most fire precautions are taken, although the smoke alarm is currently not in a condition to ensure full working order. Children are protected against harm and abuse as the childminder has completed child protection training and is currently completing the Educare NSPCC awareness programme to update her knowledge and skills of relevant policies. This ensures that she is familiar with the procedures to follow should she ever have any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, settled and secure in the childminder's care. They undertake a wide range of play activities which stimulate their overall developmental needs. They play enthusiastically with small world resources, such as the train and roadway set, and enjoy using their imagination to extend their play. Children have many opportunities to socialise with other children. They regularly visit the local toddler and pre-school groups and undertake many outings to broaden their experiences. For example, they enjoy attending story time at the local library and visit the local shops to develop their understanding of the local area. Children develop their interests in learning. They observe the weather and talk about the days of the week. Through practical activities, the childminder encourages children's understanding of numbers and colours. This introduces children to learning in a fun

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and practical format. Children's language and communication skills are encouraged as the childminder talks to children and engages in conversation with them. She extends children's vocabulary effectively by asking open-ended questions and encourages babies to develop language skills by looking at picture books and reinforcing words. Children enjoy very close relationships with the childminder. She interacts with them closely and children approach her confidently for comfort and physical affection.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated equally and fairly as the childminder is committed to respecting each child's individual needs. Children develop positive attitudes towards diversity as they play with toys and resources which reflect positive images of gender, disability and culture. Children learn the importance of respecting diversity as the childminder gives children clear explanations. For example, during visits to the town, the childminder uses first-hand experiences to explain to children why some people need to use guide dogs or wheelchairs. This enables children to develop respect for diversity and understand the importance of equality.

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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 The childminder is not currently caring for a child with special needs; yet, she demonstrates a very positive attitude towards welcoming all children into her home. She is committed to ensuring all children's needs are met fully. Children behave very well. They enjoy high levels of praise and benefit from positive interaction with the childminder. She joins in games with children and encourages sharing and co-operation enabling children to develop good social skills. The childminder develops strong partnerships with parents. She provides them with a very informative information pack giving full details of her childminding service. This enables parents to fully understand all childminding policies and procedures. Children's care routines are regularly discussed with parents, which ensures

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Helping children make a positive contribution

consistency for children between routines they follow at home and those with the childminder. Parental consent has been obtained for most care routines but permission for the use of public transport has not been obtained in writing. As a result of this, children may be using public transport with the childminder without the consent of their parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder demonstrates a very organised approach to all areas of her childminding practice. She is dedicated to providing a high quality service and is committed to caring for children in a very relaxed, fun and loving environment. She demonstrates a very proactive approach to updating her knowledge and skills of childminding practice by attending meetings and workshops with other childminders. Children are protected from adults who have not been vetted as effective procedures are in place and all necessary checks are carried out. The childminder is aware of the national standards and ensures that she complies with all conditions of her registration. The daily routine is organised well to meet the needs of the different children. As a result of this, there are many opportunities for children to play, rest, relax, enjoy outings and mealtimes. The premises are organised very well enabling children to be

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Organisation

fully supervised at all times. All regulatory documentation is maintained in full and is stored confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints 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 There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 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): • ensure parents agree to their children using public transport as part of daily care routines • ensure the garden is made safe for children and the smoke alarm is maintained in full working order

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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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