Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

507227 Unique Reference Number 15 February 2007 Inspection date Ann Moss Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered 1987. She lives with her husband who is also a registered childminder and their four adult children in Dorking, Surrey.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five both of whom attend part-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect the children. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups and takes children to the local library and park. The family has four dogs, four cats, and a caged bird.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn about the importance of personal hygiene through the routines encouraged by the childminder. For example, she monitors hand washing after toileting and before eating. She provides individual towels and the sick child policy, which is shared with parents before admission, ensures children are protected from cross-infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and maintains a well stocked first aid box. This means children have access to appropriate care if needed.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from meals and snacks that are nutritious. Although these are provided by the parents the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of nutrition. Drinks are freely accessible and the childminder monitors children's intake to ensure that they remain refreshed throughout the day.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical exercise. They play in the garden when the weather is fine. They enjoy outings to the park or toddler groups where they can run and jump and climb on a range of equipment. This helps them to further develop their physical skills and co-ordination and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder makes sure that children have opportunities for rest and sleep, contributing to their physical wellbeing.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children gain a sense of belonging as they are welcomed by name into the childminder home. Children have safe and easy access to a range of suitable play materials and resources that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Space is organised effectively according to children's needs. For example, if children need to sleep a quiet, secure area is provided.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has given due consideration to safety and has taken steps to minimised potential hazards within her home. For example, less secure areas, such as the kitchen has been made inaccessible through the use of a safety gate. There is good fire fighting equipment in place. This contribute towards keeping children safe. The childminder considers children's safety and raises their awareness of keeping themselves safe. For example, she encourages them to keep a tidy environment and put toys away so other's do not fall. When out walking they practice crossing the road safely using the green cross code.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection and knows who to contact if she has a concern. However, she does not have the appropriate guidance in place for safeguarding children.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a relaxed, homely environment. They settle well because the childminder gets to know them well through discussion with parents. This helps to build trusting relationships. The childminder provides a sufficient, suitable range of activities to meet the individual needs of children in her care. With support, children learn to make decision about what they want to play with from the toys and equipment, which are stored for easy access and to develop independence. Children show curiosity and watch things that go on around them. They explore and investigate and try out how things work. For example, as they manipulate objects, such as construction. The childminder talks to them about what they are doing helping them to make sense of their activity. This develops language for communication and promotes self-esteem. Children benefit from regular outings to the park or toddler/childminding group where they

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

can enjoy different play experiences, such as painting, craft and physical play. This provides opportunities to adapt to different social situations, develop social skills and build new friendships. This helps to support children's enjoying and achieving.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children play contentedly because the childminder has an appropriate understanding of equal opportunities and how to treat children as individuals and respond to their needs. For example, children are given a cuddle when they wake from a nap and are engaged in conversation and supported. Children's awareness of their local environment is developed through trips within the community, for example, to the park. They are beginning to learn about diversity because the childminder talks to them about similarities and differences. They play with some resources that reflect positive images of culture. However, resources do not reflect disability. As a result, children's awareness is not sufficiently promoted.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties/disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder sets clear, realistic boundaries, which are based on their age and level of maturity and understood by children and parents. For example, praise and explanation. They respond well to praise and are learning to act responsibly as they tidy away toys after use. Encouragement is given so children develop good manners, for example, to say please and thank you.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder makes time for daily conversation with parents and provides additional information through the use of a daily link book. In this way, she exchanges information about children and can consider any changes in their routine. A positive relationship is fostered and the children benefit from continuity of care, which promotes their wellbeing.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well organised home, regular routines and continuity of care. They learn through active and quiet play as they make good use of space and efficiently stored resources.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder keeps all required documentation and permission, which is adequately maintained and stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. However, she does not display the certificate of registration during childminding hour. This is a breach in regulation and a warning letter has been sent. The childminder is complainant and proactive in rectifying this situation immediately, to ensure that this breach does not occur again.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to keep a record of children's GP contact details. The childminder has now obtained this information updated the children's records. This helps to safeguard children's welfare. The childminder was also asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. This has been met in part. Children have access to a range of toys, artefacts and musical instruments that raise children awareness of diversity. However, they do not include disability. This means children's awareness is not being fully promoted.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standard: 7 Health. The complaint related to a dog chewing on a cup. We asked the provider to investigate the concern raised in August 2004. The provider has now reviewed procedures for sharing information with parents and as a result has implemented a link book. The provider remains qualified for registration. The provider has made a record of the complaint in their complaints record.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 children have access to resources and activities, which positively promotes their awareness of disability • ensure the certificate of registrations is clearly displayed during hours of childminding

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6