Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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153799 Unique Reference Number 15 June 2007 Inspection date Joanna Scott 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 2001. She lives with her two children aged 11 and nine in Reigate, in Surrey. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with sleeping facilities provided upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local toddler groups, the library, and the park. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children's good health is promoted. They enjoy daily opportunities to be out in the fresh air. They play in the garden, riding bikes and playing ball games and this develops their balance and co-ordination. They walk and run around in the park, and this improves their fitness. These experiences help children to become aware of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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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 The children play in a home which is clean and well maintained. The childminder has regular routines which ensure that the premises is ready for the arrival of the children. Children learn about personal hygiene as they wash their hands at key times such as after using the toilet. This protects their health. The childminder has a very clear sickness policy, which protects children from being exposed to other children's infections. All medical permissions and records are in place which means children's health and welfare needs are met. The childminder has attended up to date paediatric first aid training, and this ensures she has the skills to deal with any accidents appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy a range of home cooked meals which the childminder provides. Parents may provide their children's meals. All food is stored, prepared and served safely to protect children's health. Children's cups are kept visible, and this allows them to access drinks independently, and recognise their own needs when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a home where most risks have been identified. The childminder uses safety equipment such as cupboard locks and socket covers, and has additional equipment such as stair gates available for use when needed. All toys are stored in cupboards and boxes, and the childminder selects resources which are suitable for the age of the children in her care each day. This ensures that children do not access toys which are unsafe for their age, and may present a choking hazard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The garden is secure, however the bolt on the gate does not prevent unauthorised access from the front of the property. The shed is not locked which is a potential risk to older children who may be able to reach the catch and gain access to the gardening equipment stored inside. The childminder supervises the children in and out of the house, and this helps to keep them safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are learning how to keep themselves safe. They learn how to use the un-netted trampoline with due care, through discussion with the childminder. She has developed an evacuation plan, which she has discussed with the children in preparation for practise, although they have not experienced a drill yet. They have daily walks where the childminder talks to them about keeping safe, for instance keeping away for the building works which they pass. This helps the children to think about what is going on around them, and teaches them to be more aware.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her responsibilities regarding child protection, and has a written policy to reflect this. She is aware of the procedure to follow should she have a concern about a child in her care. This safeguards children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and settled here. The childminder finds out about each child's care and development before they start with her, which enables her to meet their individual needs. Children have a settling in period which enables them to become happy and comfortable with the childminder before being left in her care full time. The childminder and the children enjoy a warm and nurturing relationship, which helps children to feel cared for.

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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 able to choose what they wish to play with from a selection of resources which the childminder makes available to them. She chooses toys which she knows are of interest to them, such as the trains and railway track. She sits with the children, and encourages them to recognise the numbers on the engines, and talk about colours as they move the trains round the track. This helps the children to learn through play. The children enjoy a range of activities outside the home, including walks in the park. This provides opportunities for them to play in different environments, and contributes to their overall development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are valued. The childminder encourages good relationships with parents which ensures that information is shared and she is able to meet the children's needs. Parent's find out about their children's day through verbal feedback, and there are systems in place to record younger children's care and development should parents request this. The childminder has developed a comprehensive set of policies and procedures which make clear links to Ofsted. This helps parents to understand the childminder's role, and that of regulation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are confident. They build good self esteem through the constant encouragement and praise they receive from the childminder throughout the day. The children behave well. They understand the childminder's expectations and they abide by house rules such as not playing upstairs, and this helps children to feel secure. The childminder has appropriate methods for managing behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are becoming aware of their community and the people around them as they make regular visits and trips. Through discussion with the childminder they are starting to build positive attitudes. Some resources are available to the children such as books and a world puzzle, and some activities are planned such as making dragons for Chinese New Year. However, there are not regular opportunities for the children to learn about the wider world, which limits their awareness of other cultures and countries.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and are confident here. This is because the childminder organises her home, and day well. The children have opportunities to play inside and out. Their home routines are taken into account, and the childminder ensures that sleep times and times for quieter activities are provided which enables children to rest or be active in line with their needs.

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Organisation

Required adult to child ratios are maintained at all times, which ensures that children are well supported. The childminder demonstrates her commitment to providing a professional service through the use of comprehensive policies, procedures and a "welcome pack" that she has developed. This ensures that parents know about all aspects of the provision. All required records and documentation are in place which enables the childminder to meet the children's needs, and are beneficial for their welfare and care. She has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities as a registered childminder. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete a paediatric first aid course. She has attended training, which has developed her skills to enable her to provide suitable treatment if a child is injured. She was asked to devise an emergency escape plan. There is now a written plan which she has discussed with the children although this has not been practised. She was asked to update written agreements, these are now reviewed annually. She was asked to inform parents about the provision including her policies and procedures. She has developed a comprehensive list of written policies and procedures and gives parents written information about the service she provides. She was asked to improve the format of the daily attendance record. She now uses the NCMA attendance book to record each child's hours of attendance on a daily basis. Finally she was asked to increase her knowledge and understanding of child

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Improvements since the last inspection

protection issues and local procedures. She has developed a written policy, and has clear procedures to follow should she have a concern. These improvements help to safeguard the children's welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 1 2004, Ofsted has received one complaint relating to National Standards 1: Suitable Person. This involved information received about an injury to a child cared for by the childminder. Following an investigation actions were raised: National Standard 1 to submit evidence of current first aid training; National Standard 14 to submit copies of records relating to current childminding arrangements; and National Standard 7 to submit copies of current accident records. Appropriate documentation was submitted to Ofsted, including confirmation that the childminder was booked to attend paediatric first aid training in June 2007. The childminder was found to be meeting the National Standards and remains qualified for registration.

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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 that any risk assessment of the premises takes full account of the security of the garden to prevent unauthorised access, and the storage of gardening tools • develop further the range of resources and activities provided to enable children to build their awareness of the wider world

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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 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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