Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY257813 Unique Reference Number 17 May 2007 Inspection date Ann Moss 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 one child aged seven years in Woking, Surrey. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. When working with another childminder a maximum of six children may be present. The childminder is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. She takes children to the local park and the library.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about simple hygiene practice through the childminder's support and daily routines. They are encouraged to be independent in self-care skills and know they need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder reduces the risk of

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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 cross infection by ensuring that children are provided with their own hand towels and bed linen. Although the childminder does not have a current first aid certificate, she is booked onto a recognised training course. She has a suitable policy for sick children and information about exclusion times, which she shares with parents prior to admission.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and hydrated. They are becoming aware of good nutrition as the childminder discusses healthy eating and selects healthy options such fresh fruit and vegetables. Drinks are freely accessible and the childminder monitors children's fluid intake to ensure that they remain refreshed. Babies have regular feeds and sleeps as agreed with their parents. This reflects the care given at home.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to develop their physical skills through the activities offered by the childminder. For example, they attend toddler groups, soft play and play in the childminder's garden where they can use a wide range of equipment to build muscles and improve co-ordination. Babies move freely with pleasure and confidence in a range of ways such as using their arms and legs when crawling.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a child centred environment where toys and resources, which are safe, suitable and appropriate to their ages and stages of development, are displayed for easy access. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring the safety of children indoors and less secure areas, such as the stairs and kitchen are made inaccessible with secure gates. However, she does not risk-assess the outdoor environment sufficiently, to minimise any potential hazardous. As a result, children's safety is not fully promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has given due consideration to fire safety and evacuation and shares her written evacuation procedures with parents. Children learn how to be safe through the consistent rules in place. For example, older children know to be careful when using certain resources near the baby, such as pens. When out walking, they understand they need to hold hands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands the importance of child protection, although her knowledge and understanding of the procedures to be followed in reporting concerns to the appropriate authority is less secure. She does not record existing injuries; these records might be needed for future reference. The childminder does not inform parents about her responsibilities in this area. As a result, parents are not aware how concerns will be handled.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in relaxed child-orientated environment. Older children settle to watch television. Sometimes they take part in other planned activities. For example, children are encouraged to spend time on drawing. The childminder shows interest and praises the child for achievements. Children become independent because resources are plentiful, and displayed freely for their selection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a warm relationship with the children who are happy and content. For example, toddlers sit happily on the childminder's lap. Babies move freely with pleasure and confidence. They hold out their hand across a shape sorter and post shapes using trail and error mainly managing the square block. This indicates they are becoming competent learners.

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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 opportunities to build relationships with their peers through the many outings such as to Rug Rats and Little Angles. They learn social skills, because they have opportunities to join in. This helps them to recognise the rules such as waiting to take a turn. The childminder has not attended the 'Birth to three matters' training; however, she has researched the framework and is looking at ways to implement this into her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the good relationships the childminder establishes with parents. Children and parents have their individual needs met well through the sharing of information and the childminder's flexile approach. Parents learn about the provision through sharing a folder containing information, such as written policies, sample, menu and activity plans. This supports children's care and wellbeing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have good opportunities to participate in all activities as the childminder adapts them to suit the different ages and abilities. They develop some awareness of diversity through the childminder's explanations and using a satisfactory range of resources such as dolls, books and television.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's behaviour positively and has suitable strategies for dealing with unwanted behaviour. Children are encouraged to consider the effects of their behaviour on others. This helps them understand what is expected of them.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has some regard for regulatory requirements and documentation, however, she is exceeding her registered numbers. This is a breach in regulation and a warning letter has been issued.

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Organisation

Children receive satisfactory levels of support which make them feels safe and secure. However, the names and times of attendance of adults looking after the children are not routinely recorded. This is not completely effective in ensuring that the correct adult child ratios are maintained at all times of the day. The childminder is generally well organised and keeps all necessary contracts and permission forms in a safe and accessible folder. Parents receive some information on the way the childminder runs her services because they have access to her policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the required training and she is motivated to continue to develop her knowledge and skills through research, training courses and workshops to improve her practice. 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 comply with any recommendations made by the local fire safety officer in connection with overnight care. The childminder has now sought advice from the local fire safety officer and no recommendations have been made.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder also agreed to ensure children's details are completed on the relevant form. Appropriate documentation is now in place.

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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 The childminder also agreed to keep a record of children's hours of attendance. Children's hours of attendance are clearly record and available for inspection. This helps to promote children's safety and wellbeing.

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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.

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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): • Complete a first aid course, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure children can play safely outdoors and unable to leave the premises unsupervised • further develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and ensure that parents are aware of your responsibility with regards to child protection issues • further develop the record of attendance to ensure that the names and hours of attendance of all persons, looking after children, are recorded

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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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