Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276785 Unique Reference Number 17 April 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 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 2003. She lives with her husband and four children aged 4 and 12 years and two aged 15 years in the borough of Epsom and Ewell. The whole of the ground floor, one bedroom and the bathroom upstairs is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to the school to take and collect children. She attends a local toddler group, goes to the park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and warm home where they receive good support to develop appropriate personal hygiene. For example, washing their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. The childminder has effective procedures in place so children are not at risk from

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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 contamination, for instance, wiping the table, high chair, nappy changing mat with anti-bacterial spray and ensuring children have individual bed linen and towels.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children lead a healthy lifestyle because they have good opportunities to play outside. When the weather is fine, the patio door leading to the garden is left open and children can come and go freely. They love to use the equipment which is changed often to offer variety and stimulation, such as the climbing frame, small trampoline and small world castle. Children enjoy walking to and from school, sometimes stopping to feed the ducks on the way.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an up-to-date first aid qualification which means children are treated quickly if they have an accident or minor injury. However, parents have not provided written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice which means treatment being delayed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy menu with fruit and vegetables daily. The childminder is careful to take into consideration children's individual dietary requirements. Some food is provided by the parents, it is stored appropriately to prevent spoiling. Drinks are available throughout the day, this helps to ensure children do not become dehydrated and think about their personal needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a safe, child orientated environment, for example, toys are arranged to look exciting and inviting for children's arrival in the morning. They can move around easily and self-select from a range of good quality resources suitable for their age and stage of development. Children are kept safe because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce potential hazards, for instance, the house and garden are checked regularly. Security is good, children are unable to leave the house without a known adult and there is a procedure to follow if a child is uncollected or gets lost.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good fire safety precautions in place which means the risk to children being exposed to a fire is minimal. The childminder has written an emergency escape plan, however, the children do not have the opportunity to practise so they become familiar with the routine. Children are learning to keep themselves safe, for example, before crossing the road, looking and listening for cars.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection. She knows who to contact if she has any concerns a child is being abused or neglected. There is a written policy so parents are aware of the childminder's responsibility and she has attended some training to update knowledge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure, settled and benefit from the warm, caring approach of the childminder. Their self-esteem is fostered when she encourages conversations about children's home life and what they like to do. Children love books and like to choose from the range available, asking the childminder to read a story to them, enthusiastically pointing at the pictures. There are good opportunities for children to be creative, for instance, making collages, flowers and

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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 Easter eggs. The resources on offer allow children to use their imaginations, for example, cooking the dinner, pushing the cars around and dressing up.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities are planned taking into consideration children's likes and dislikes, for instance, decorating cakes, squashing the play dough into different patterns and drawing. The childminder has just started to use the Birth to three matters framework. She makes and records observations of children's achievements in order to identify the next steps in learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There is good partnership with parents which contributes to children's well-being. The childminder works closely with parents ensuring she is clear about normal routine, likes and dislikes. Parents receive good information about the setting and a daily diary is completed in detail so parents know what their children have been doing. The childminder encourages parents to make suggestions on how to improve the care offered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the opportunities to extend their learning about the local and wider community with regular trips to toddler groups, shops, library, watching for the squirrels and deer on the common. The childminder plans activities which help children appreciate different cultures and traditions, for example, talking about other countries and making collage candles for Diwali. There are resources, such as books and dolls to enhance children's awareness of the world around them. All children are included in the day-to-day routine and individual needs are taken into account at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is fostered well because the childminder is consistent in her approach to managing behaviour. She is a positive role model, talking to the children at every opportunity, listening to and responding to their requests.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good levels of adult support and time allows for quiet and active play. Space is organised well so children can play, rest and eat comfortably. Children are kept safe because they are not left in the care of any person not vetted. The childminder attends training whenever possible, she is keen to keep her childcare knowledge updated so she can evaluate and improve the service provided. There is a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures which are available to parents. The required records are well maintained and contribute towards children's safety, health 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 position the fire blanket in accordance with fire safety recommendations, ensure the lock on the toilet door was inaccessible to children and obtain a list of notifiable diseases. The fire blanket has been fitted to the wall in the kitchen, the door of the toilet has been made safe so children are unable to lock themselves in and the childminder is aware of the notifiable diseases.

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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 the last inspection 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 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): • obtain written parental consent to seek medical emergency advice or treatment • ensure the children are familiar with the emergency escape plan.

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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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