Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333433 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2007 Inspection date Carol Newman 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 and three pre-school and school aged children in Chessington in Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding four children either on a full time or part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group, takes children to the local library and to the local park.

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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 play in a clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. For example, the childminder reminds children to wash their hands after using the toilet and each child has their own towel. The poster above the sink also serves as a reminder to older children to wash their hands. Effective daily routines and the childminder’s own good practice prevent cross infection. For example, the childminder cleans the high chairs with anti-bacterial spray before lunch and nappies are disposed of hygienically in a labelled bin.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents give prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a suitable range of balanced sandwich lunches, that include fruit, to encourage them to develop healthy eating practices. Plain biscuits are offered to the children as a snack and children can freely access drinks in suitable containers throughout the day. Food provided by parents, for children under one year, is stored suitably to prevent spoiling. The childminder does not devise menu plans as she currently does not provide cooked meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activities that help keep them in good health. For example, they attend the mother and toddler group, visit the local park and walk to and from school to collect older children. Under threes develop warm relationships with the childminder who is responsive to their needs. The childminder follows babies’ individual routines for eating and sleeping and babies receive lots of warmth and affection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate for their age. The childminder organises the indoor space effectively so that children can play safely and independently. However, the wealth of resources in the playing area sometimes prevents younger children from moving around freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Gentle reminders to play carefully help children learn about safety within the setting and the childminder has taken some very positive steps to ensure the children play in a safe environment. For example, the greenhouse has been removed and the pond has been filled in, safety gates are fitted at the doors to the kitchen and the hall and the lounge area is sectioned off by the travel cot.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Smoke alarms are fitted throughout the house and a fire blanket and carbon monoxide detector are suitably sited. The childminder has thought about suitable emergency evacuation procedures. However, these have not been practised with the minded children, to ensure that they know the procedures to follow.

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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 The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. This ensures she quickly recognises when a child is in danger and can act in the child’s best interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Babies and young children gain from being together. They learn to communicate and develop good relationships. The childminder shares her time effectively to meet all children's needs. for example, she ensures that older children using the computer can complete the simple programmes whilst giving babies, who are new to the childminder's home, support to develop confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit and learn from a varied range of activities. For example, they enjoy playing musical instruments, dressing up, completing puzzles, riding in the car, colouring, playing board games and playing on the indoor slide. Children independently choose from a range of activities that are easily accessible and provide stimulation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are settled and comfortable in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to develop respectful relationships with adults and each other. They are beginning to build their confidence and self-esteem. Children have access to some resources that promote an understanding of today's diverse society, such as books and dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder does not have experience of working with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, all children progress well due to her consistent encouragement and support. She willingly discusses any concerns with parents to ensure the children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, help children understand right from wrong. Children learn about themselves and their own capabilities and respond well to the childminder's calm and patient approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are friendly and supportive. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home for the benefit of the children and strives to provide continuity of care. However, at inspection, the childminder was in breach of her conditions of registration in relation to the number of children under five years that she can mind at any one time and a warning letter has been issued. She is compliant and proactive in relation to rectifying

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 this situation immediately, to ensure that this breach does not occur again. Ofsted has decided to take no further action on this occasion.

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Organisation

Most mandatory records are in place, confidential and well maintained. This contributes to the safe and effective management of the setting in order to promote children's welfare. However, the attendance register is not maintained on a daily basis and written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment has not been requested. This compromises the care the childminder offers.

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Organisation

The childminder shows a clear understanding of her role in supporting the children in their play and learning. The childminder attends training whenever she can. This ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 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): • ensure an accurate record of attendance is maintained on a daily basis • ensure written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment is requested • ensure emergency evacuation procedures are regularly practised so that children are aware of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.

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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 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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