Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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160412 Unique Reference Number 25 May 2007 Inspection date Hazel Stuart-Buddery 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and their four children in Ashford, Middlesex close to local shops, parks and schools. Children have access to the whole of the house with sleeping facilities available upstairs. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder currently supports children who speak English as an additional language. The childminder may care for a maximum of four children and currently has three children on the register.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of an accredited childminding network and the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good daily routines and explanation from the childminder help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and before eating reduces the risk of passing on germs. Some children explain that they wash their hands after playing in the garden because it keeps your

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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 hands clean. Children play in a clean environment. There are effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection as all the children use paper towels to dry their hands. Children receive appropriate care if there is an accident as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. All required documentation is in place and accurately maintained. This means that children are cared for in accordance to parents' wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy, nutritious meals provided by the childminder. They wash their hands before snack time and sit on low tables and chairs together. Not all children decide they would like to have a snack and the childminder suggests they play in the lounge. Children choose Satsuma's and grapes and have independent access to drinks. Children enjoy playing outside in the garden. They have a wide range of activities to help them develop their physical skills. Some children like to ride around on bikes as fast as they can, taking great care to negotiate the obstacles. Other children like to look for snails and bugs, they find a spider in the playhouse and carefully hold it to have a closer look.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in an organised and accessible environment. This allows them to move around freely and safely. They have easy and safe access to a good range of resources and activities that are age appropriate. Children play in a safe and secure environment. The childminder is currently having some building work in her home, she ensures that children are safe at all times and that hazards are minimized.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about keeping themselves safe. The childminder explains to them the importance of putting on sun cream before they play outside. Children are protected from the risk of fire, interconnecting alarms are fitted and a fire blanket is appropriately fixed in the kitchen. The fire escape plan is displayed and practised regularly with the children. Children's welfare and safety is promoted. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues and of the procedures to follow. A written policy informs parents of the childminder's responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy a good range of activities that are appropriate to their stage of development. Children play enthusiastically, particularly outside. They enjoy the freedom to run around and use the bikes. They enjoy sponge painting and eagerly put on aprons. They print different shapes onto paper and smile proudly as they are praised by the childminder. Children enjoy exploring the sand, they are encouraged to touch the sand with their hands and describe how it feels. The childminder helps them to develop their imagination, she gives them shells which she tells them is treasure, the children bury the shells in the sand and pretend to hunt for treasure. They confidently use small spades to dig the sand and find the shells. The childminder interacts well with the children and also provides opportunities for them to build on their own independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children. She is committed to providing a good range of opportunities for the children and offers a variety of activities every day. Children make good progress in their learning and demonstrate good levels of self-esteem.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated fairly and with respect. A good range of resources that reflect diversity help children learn about the wider world. Children are encouraged to learn sign language to support children who speak English as an additional language. Children benefit from the childminder's clear guidelines for behaviour. They learn about sharing and taking turns and right from wrong because the childminder is consistent in her behaviour management and gives clear explanations. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement and are safe and secure in a loving environment. Children play well together and those who are familiar with the home routines and house rules, gently remind some children who may have forgotten.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive relationship with parents. She discusses children's needs thoroughly to ensure individual needs are met and continuity of care is offered. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents. However, a complaints policy is not fully in place and does not reflect current regulations. All required consents are in place. Parents are given opportunities to comment on the care of their children, all of which are positive. Parent's are kept up-to-date with their child's progress and achievements with written daily diaries.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children make good progress in a child friendly and loving environment. They are happy, relaxed and benefit from an organised home. Children receive good levels of support while being encouraged to be independent. Children confidently communicate with the childminder and good relationships are fostered.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving her practice and attends courses and workshops on a regular basis to enhance her knowledge and understanding. All documentation is well maintained, although some record forms lack detail in some areas. The childminder has an awareness of the National Standards, although is unaware of the October 2005, addendum to the National Standards and as a result is not aware of the new complaints procedure. 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 ensure a lock was placed on the shed. The is now been addressed which has improved the safety for the children while they play in the garden.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. 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 then those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints 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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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): • ensure a complaints procedure in line with the October 2005 addendum to the National Standards is implemented and shared with parents.

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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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