Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY268465 Unique Reference Number 09 November 2006 Inspection date Ceri Ann Mills 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 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 2003. She lives with her partner and their two school age children in a house in Coulsdon, Surrey. The property is within walking distance of a local bus route, shops and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Childminding is carried out on the ground floor with sleep and toilet facilities provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has one cat and a selection of tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She currently has four children under eight years on roll who attend on a part time basis and after school. The childminder may at times agreed and confirmed in writing by parents, leave an assistant in sole charge of children.

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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 outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder consistently applies highly effective procedures and practices which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. The health and hygiene needs of children are met extremely well as a result of the childminder obtaining comprehensive information from parents such as allergies, and securing their consent to seek treatment in the event of an emergency and to administer medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Younger children sleep at times which meet their individual sleep patterns and are comfortable because their nappies are changed as often as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive plenty of fresh air and have regular opportunities to be active as they walk to and from school each day and are taken on outings to the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in scrupulously clean and well maintained surroundings. Toys and nursery equipment are regularly steam cleaned and during nappy changing the childminder wears gloves, thoroughly sanitizes the mat after use and disposes of nappies effectively. These measures prevent cross contamination so protect children from illness. Children are extremely well supported as they learn the importance of personal hygiene. The childminder acts as a good role model which encourages children to adopt good practices, such as washing their hands before handling food and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished throughout the day and their individual dietary needs are met in accordance with parents' wishes. Food and fluid brought into the home by parents for their younger children is stored and prepared correctly. Older children receive a varied and well balanced diet. They enjoy healthy snacks after school and look forward to their evening meal which is home cooked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety and security is effectively promoted by the childminder who is vigilant and thorough in assessing risk. This is evident in the management of children on the stairs and in the childminder's decision not to use the garden until work is complete.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder shows a good understanding of how children achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits. Children of all ages have immediate access to a broad range of play materials which are well maintained in a clean and safe condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective fire safety measures are in place. An evacuation plan is displayed and children regularly practise fire drills which help them to understand the importance of fire safety. An established system ensures younger children are supported by older children in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is assured when being taken out of the premises by foot and in the car. Children are closely supervised at all times and have an increasing understanding of road safety.

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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 For example, the childminder uses a series of books, produced by the local authority, to support children's learning of road safety, which she reinforces as children walk to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well being is safeguarded because the childminder clearly understands her responsibility to protect children and knows what action to take if concerned about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and extremely settled in the childminder's home. They benefit from a warm, relaxed and well organised environment which helps them to develop a sense of trust and feel secure. Children enjoy a very supportive relationship with the childminder who knows them well and is attentive to their individual needs. Younger children greatly benefit from the frequent cuddles and comfort they receive from the childminder, particularly as they become tired. They listen and imitate sound when the childminder talks to them during everyday routines, such as nappy changing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show great interest and are eager to explore the varied and appealing play materials which are readily accessible. Older children develop their own interests and initiate their own play which promotes their confidence and independence. They are consistently supported and challenged as a result of the childminders' understanding of child development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have wonderful opportunities to take part in outings which extend their learning of the world around them. For example going to Tilgate Park and sound and movement sessions, where they socialise with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel included and part of the family because the childminder warmly welcomes them into her home. She values their individuality and treats them with respect and equal concern. Children develop a broad understanding of the similarities and differences in society as a result of the childminder's positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in a fair and respectful atmosphere where good behaviour is consistently promoted and praise is frequently given. Effective strategies are in place for managing behaviour which results in older children behaving well. They know what is expected of them and have regard for the "house rules" which are displayed and used as a gentle reminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder builds with parents to ensure continuity of care. The childminder shares children's personal care routines, achievements and activities with parents at collection, which ensures they are fully involved in their children's day. Parents receive substantial details about the service because the childminder has devised an informative range of policies and procedures which cover all aspects of the provision.

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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 good. Children benefit from the childminder's organised and conscientious approach to childminding. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to continuous development and improvement through training. She is currently updating her first aid knowledge and has secured a place on the Birth to three matters course, the framework for promoting younger children's learning.

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Organisation

Children receive good levels of support and attention because the childminder fully understands her conditions of registration and is compliant. Consequently, children's general welfare, care and learning are promoted well.

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Organisation

Effective planning of time, space and resources ensure children's varying needs for play, rest and meals are appropriately met.

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Organisation

Children are protected well, as all adults living in the household have been suitably vetted. The availability of an assistant enables the childminder, where necessary, to undertake the school run without compromising younger children's daily routines for sleep.

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Organisation

All required documentation is maintained which contributes to children's health, safety and well being. Paperwork is securely stored, however details are not always recorded in a permanent format.

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Organisation

The frequent exchange of information between parents and the childminder ensures both parties are fully aware of children's progress and their changing needs, which are met accordingly.

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Organisation

As a result 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 before administering medication to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed the recommendation by ensuring documentation is in place for recording children's medication requirements and prior consent is secured from parents in writing.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This measure ensures children's safety needs are assured

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted which required the provider, or Ofsted, to take any action 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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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

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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 daily record of attendance is maintained in a permanent format.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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