Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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507487 Unique Reference Number 07 June 2007 Inspection date Debbie Molly O'Callaghan 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 has been registered since 1990. She is registered to care for six children under eight, not more than three under five years. There are currently five children on roll. She lives with her husband and two older children in a house on the outskirts of Redhill. Within the local area there are schools, shops, parks and other child centred amenities. The childminder cares for the children using the lounge/dining room. Toilet facilities are upstairs. Children sleep in an upstairs bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean, well maintained environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a worthwhile range of activities which help to promote their good health. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet or before eating food.

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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 Lunch is provided by parents which the childminder heats and serves. This is supplemented with nutritious snacks such as fruit and yoghurts. Children are learning independence skills as they are encouraged to feed themselves. Children know when they are thirsty and have access to drinks at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a current first aid certificate and the necessary permission to seek emergency medical advice if necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. They attend drop-in groups, visit the park and have regular access to outdoor play. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe, well maintained environment where they can play and move around safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Play materials and equipment are of good quality, age appropriate and easily accessible to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a range of safety equipment including interlinked smoke alarms and safety gates. The childminder has thought through fire evacuation in the home and identified fire exits, however, fire safety equipment is not correctly sited.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The outdoor play area is safe and fully enclosed, however the side gate is not fully secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a good range of outdoor play equipment enabling children to develop their physical skills including jumping, pushing and climbing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning about safety as the childminder reminds them to be careful on the steps into the garden, talks to them about road safety and that small parts must be kept away from the babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and has made parents aware of her responsibilities, she is aware of procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. She is attentive and gives regular praise and encouragement which increases their self esteem. Children are familiar with the daily routine and feel confident in their environment. Babies receive cuddles and attention as they play happily on the floor with push a long toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Outings to local drop-in groups, parks and regular meetings with other childminders are built into the daily routine. This helps to ensure that children develop good social skills and a sense of the world around them.

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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 are encouraged with the childminder's help to build towers and complete puzzles, they are being introduced to colours and learning to count as the childminder talks to the children about 'how many' and 'what colour is this one'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language is being developed as the childminder talks to the children about their day and helps them to recall events such as what they were doing at playgroup.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children learn about the world around them through outings to local drop-in groups, parks and the library. The childminder is aware of the needs of the children in her care but her resources do not include equipment to promote diversity and awareness of disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive praise and recognition for their achievements. The childminder manages their behaviour through distraction and explanation, she gives the children frequent praise and encouragement. Children are well behaved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder keeps parents well informed verbally of children's progress which has a positive impact on their overall well being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has written a daily routine of her day to share with parents, she has a good relationship with parents, she discusses any issues and allows time at the end of the day for this.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to play in a well organised environment that is uncluttered and child friendly. Children can reach toys and resources easily as they are stored in low level containers. The time children spend with the childminder is well organised, providing a varied daily routine that allows children to engage in free flow play in the home and garden and outings in the local community.

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Organisation

Children's progress is verbally discussed through daily feedback. There are sound procedures in place for recording accidents and medication administration.

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Organisation

Children are protected from adults who have not been vetted, as the childminder ensures that all relevant checks are completed on members of her household.

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Organisation

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 ensure children have access to an expanded range of toys and resources that reflect positive images for children of culture/ethnicity and disability. The childminder has obtained some resources however the range is still limited.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to ensure that accurate records of the administration of medication are kept; and that individual written permission from parents is sort for the giving of medication. Accurate medication records are now in place and consent has been obtained from parents, this helps to safeguard children's welfare.

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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 was asked to improve fire safety precautions by ensuring a smoke alarm is in place and maintained on each level of the setting. The childminder has two interlinked smoke alarms in place ensuring children's safety in the event of a fire.

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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 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): • ensure the side gate is secure • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and play opportunities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. • ensure fire safety equipment is correctly sited.

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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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