Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY219079 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Sue Boylan 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight and six years and four months old in the borough of Epsom and Ewell. All areas of the house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children and goes to the park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for two children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part-time basis.

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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 benefit from opportunities to lead a healthy lifestyle, for example, they walk to and from school and exercise when they get home, by dancing to music. Children look forward to their evening meal when they sit at the table chatting together. The food is freshly prepared and the menu balanced and nutritious. Children know why it is important to eat fruit, because "it gives you energy before dinner". They are keen to talk about breathing and how the body works when they ask the childminder to read a book called 'how does my tummy rumble'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning the importance of personal hygiene. For example, when they wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. They talk about using their own towels, because "of the germs". This prevents the risk of cross contamination. Children's health is protected because the childminder has a system to record accidents and any medication administered. However, parents have not been asked to sign specific consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This means parent's wishes are not clear. The childminder's first aid qualification has expired, however, she has taken every step to book onto the next available course.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being in a safe, child-oriented environment that allows them to move around freely and independently. The play-room is well resourced and provides opportunities for children to self-select from a range of toys that are in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are appropriate fire safety precautions in place which reduce the risk of children being exposed to harm from fire. The childminder has thought about evacuation of the premises and written an emergency escape plan, however, children have not had the opportunity to practise, so are unfamiliar with the procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant in her supervision and children learn the importance of keeping themselves safe, for instance, they are reminded "to take off your socks when dancing because you might slip". Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection. She knows who to contact if she has concerns a child is being abused or neglected. However, she does not have the latest 'safeguarding children guidance'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and happy. They feel at home and benefit from the structured but relaxed, flexible routine after-school, this fosters positive well-being. Children like to choose an activity and confidentially settle down to design and make their own photograph frame using cardboard and felt. They proudly show it to the childminder who displays it on the side,

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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 this promotes their self-esteem. Independence is encouraged, for example, getting changed from their school uniform and helping to tidy up.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are good opportunities for children to create, for instance, collage, baking and jewellery making. They like to make up their own games and particularly enjoy playing schools and presenting a cheerleading show. The routine includes time to complete any homework, the childminder helps and encourages with spelling, reading and mathematics. She often uses props when telling a story and children enjoy a favourite book, 'there was an old woman who swallowed a fly'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and individual needs met because the childminder spends time getting to know them. Children are well behaved and respond to praise and support offered by the childminder. She uses positive strategies that are appropriate to the age of children. For example, giving a time reminder about putting away the toys for dinner, this is reinforced with a countdown from one to 10, children then excitedly, quickly tidy up. This contributes to consistency in care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are given good opportunities to learn about the local community, for instance, the journey to and from school, going to the library and park. The childminder likes children to learn about other cultures and traditions, so they regularly look at books of different countries, get out the talking globe, answer it's questions and listen to the music.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is good partnership with parents which promotes consistency in care. They are kept well informed about their child's day with verbal feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is committed to the role of ensuring children have a stimulating and interesting time in her care. The home is well organised and children know what to expect. They receive good adult support and activities planned are suitable for the ages minded. There is an effective procedure so children are not left in the care of any person not vetted. Most of the required records are maintained which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. Overall 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 maintain a record of children's hours; all accidents and the administration of medication. The childminder keeps accurate records of children's arrival and departure times and has the required documentation to record any accidents and medication given.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder 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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure children are familiar with the emergency escape plan • obtain a copy of the local safe-guarding children guidance.

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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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