Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341116 Unique Reference Number 19 January 2007 Inspection date Patricia Jane Daniels 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 two pre school aged children in West Molesey, Surrey. The whole of the childminder's home is used for minding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for three, who attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted effectively through good hygiene procedures used by the childminder. All areas and equipment are kept in a clean condition and the childminder makes

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 sure that children wash their hands before eating. This routine helps the children to learn the importance of personal hygiene. A suitable policy for the exclusion of sick children ensures that they are not a source of infection for others. Children have access to appropriate treatment if they have an accident, because the childminder has up to date training in first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted by opportunities for play in the park or garden, when the weather permits. Sometimes they visit a soft play centre, so that they can enjoy physical play indoors if the weather is poor.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is happy to provide meals if parents wish. She follows any dietary requirements and offers a healthy menu that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. She makes a note of meals given for parents, so that they are informed of their children's diet. Children have regular drinks provided and can help themselves at any time. In this way, they learn to consider their personal needs and do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around freely between the lounge and dining room and sometimes play in a bedroom on the first floor. The childminder supervises children directly in all rooms used, to ensure their safety. A welcoming environment is created through displays of toys for children's selection in the lounge. The childminder selects toys to be safe and suitable for the ages of minded children, and provides a child-sized table and chairs so that they can sit comfortably.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has assessed her home for safety and taken steps to minimise identified risks, so that children can play safely. Steps taken include the provision of socket covers and cupboard locks to prevent children's access. The childminder has a written procedure for the evacuation of her premises if there is a fire. However, she has not practised this yet with minded children. Children develop an awareness of safety for themselves through explanations and routines. For example, the childminder tells them "let's put the mat away so that you do not slip", and talks to them about walking along safely when they are on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in safeguarding children and the procedures to take if she has concerns. This promotes the welfare of the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a homely, stimulating environment and they enjoy a close and supportive relationship with the childminder. This positive relationship is an important factor when young children are developing the skills needed for communication. The children enjoy investigating the interesting range of toys provided, which the childminder rotates to keep the play provision fresh. She gets to know the children's preferred toys and makes sure these are provided within the selection. The childminder anticipates the short attention spans of young children and quickly offers new toys or activities to maintain their interest.

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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 Children have choices about what they want to do and the childminder becomes involved in their play. She explains how the toys work and takes advantage of the learning opportunities presented within an activity. For example, she talks about the colours and shapes of the toys and encourages the children's developing language by putting their words into context.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes children to a local toddler group every week, where they can develop their social skills. She makes sure that the daily routine includes regular sleep and mealtimes for the young children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Relevant information about children's needs is sought initially from parents, so that appropriate care is offered from the start. This helps the youngest children develop a sense of belonging and settle as quickly as possible. The childminder has a range of resources that represent different cultures and disabilities, so that children can begin to learn about the diversity within our society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is a positive role model for children's behaviour because she has a calm approach and treats children with respect. She offers simple explanations that young children can understand. She encourages children to share and when they find this difficult she gently but firmly reminds them what they should do. She then distracts them for their behaviour by offering alternative suggestions. The children benefit from the strategies used by the childminder, and she manages their behaviour well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

New parents are encouraged to read the childminder's policies, so that they understand the procedures that underpin her practice. The childminder makes time for conversations with parents when they drop off and collect their children, and records general information in individual diaries. A positive relationship is fostered and the exchange of information promotes continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All required checks on household members are in place. The childminder has completed the initial training programme. However, her knowledge of the issues surrounding current childcare practice for children under three years old, for example, as documented in the Birth to three matters framework, is limited in some areas. She organises her home effectively to be safe and interesting for minded children and plans her routine to meet their needs.

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Organisation

Regulatory requirements are met and documentation relating to the safety, health and welfare of the children is in place. All documentation is well maintained and stored securely. The certificate of registration is displayed in the hall for parents' benefit. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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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 any 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 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): • improve fire safety precautions by practising the evacuation procedure regularly • develop knowledge of the issues surrounding current childcare practice for children under three years old, for example, as documented in the Birth to three matters framework.

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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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