Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336584 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2007 Inspection date Anne Jacqueline Nicholson 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and four school-aged children in a residential area close to Knaphill, Brookwood and Bisley in Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group, takes children to the library and to local play parks. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder has a dog and a hamster.

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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 receive encouragement and support with developing good personal hygiene skills. Each day they participate in a range of physical activities that help to promote a healthy body. They walk to the local schools each day and enjoy playing in the local play parks. Children present demonstrate a good understanding of personal hygiene practices and display increasing personal independence skills, for instance, by washing hands after creative play and using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and ensures that policies and documentation is in place to meet children’s health and welfare needs. Parents, children and the childminder all benefit from there being comprehensive and clear written documentation and policies in place recording accidents and medication. Medication is only administered with parental consent and then the dosage and time is clearly recorded and acknowledged with parental signatures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a very varied menu that takes into account their individual preferences and dietary needs. Both parents and the childminder may provide food depending on their wishes and the age of their children. They always have ready access to drinks. Meals are social occasions providing an opportunity for them to develop good table manners and to communicate with each other and the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enter into a clean, light and tidy environment. Prior to their arrival the childminder checks to ensure that there are no potential hazards so they can enjoy their play in a safe area. Children can move freely and safely between rooms and resources promoting independent play. Toys and resources are freely accessible in low level storage boxes. These are regularly checked to ensure they remain in safe usable condition. Children gain an understanding of how to keep themselves safe both inside and outside the home. The childminder discusses both personal safety and road safety with them all and encourages older children to assist younger ones whilst out. The childminder has an awareness of child protection and provides a written policy of her obligations for parents to read.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder currently caters for part time children who attend for short periods at a time. She ensures that there are planned and pre-prepared activities and play opportunities available to meet their needs. Children are actively encouraged to contribute their own ideas on activities and places they would like to visit. They enjoy a varied range of stimulating activities using resources appropriate to their ages. They freely choose from the available resources and remain purposely occupied. A child was enjoying painting with different sized sponge brushes at the table, she was creating a 'rainbow' and talked about the brushes and colours being used with

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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 the childminder. When tired or wishing to rest and relax they have access to a quiet area away from the main play room. After a busy session at pre-school children enjoy relaxing on the settee watching television. Children enjoy going out and about in the local community.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder having a very good knowledge of their individual stage of development. They receive encouragement to try for themselves first and are confident to ask questions and for help. Children develop good relationships with each other and the childminder and receive very good support in their learning and play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a written equal opportunities policy in place. Children receive encouragement to be respectful towards others. They gain in self-esteem through contributing their ideas and being positively praised during the day. They are beginning to gain an awareness of other countries through some play opportunities and activities. There is a policy in place promoting the inclusion of all children including those with disabilities and learning difficulties. Currently the childminder provides limited activities that positively promote children's awareness of this area. Children display good manners, saying "please" and "thank you" without prompting. They respond well to the consistent praise they receive and co-operate with helping to tidy up.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is very good. Parents written commendations report they are very happy with the service they receive. They benefit from a friendly and professional relationship with the childminder. They receive either written and/or verbal daily feedback depending on their child’s age. They observe registration information on display in the entrance hall and written policies, including the complaints procedure, in the childminder's operational folder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a professional service and ensures there is well presented information, policy documentation and record sheets available for parents to see. Children quickly settle, assisted by the well-organised play space, resources and good interaction they receive from the childminder. The childminder is currently undertaking additional training to further her own professional development. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. The provider is

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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 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): • increase the range of practical activities and resources available for children that positively promote an awareness of disabilities and other cultures.

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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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