Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY265380 Unique Reference Number 15 October 2007 Inspection date Maureen Edith Sinclair 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 lives with her husband and school age daughter in a semi detached house in Redhill. The property is situated in a residential cul-de-sac close to East Surrey college.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years and is currently caring for two children under five years on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to all areas on the ground floor, with toilet and sleep facilities provided on the first floor.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is an enclosed rear garden and the family have a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home that is very clean and hygienic. Their health is safeguarded as the childminder has effective procedures to prevent the spread of infection. Children are learning

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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 to wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. The childminder has good hygiene procedures for changing nappies, using changing mats and wearing gloves. She has a clear sick child policy that is shared with parents. Children who are infectious do not attend, ensuring children's health is protected. The childminder has comprehensive consent forms for giving medicines and seeking emergency medical treatment. She records any medicines given and obtains parents' signatures, ensuring parents are well informed and the risk of an overdose is minimised. The childminder has a current first aid certificate, which means she knows the appropriate action to take in the event of an accident. A procedure is in place for recording accidents and the childminder has a good understanding of what needs to be recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing good eating habits. Parents provide meals, which are stored appropriately. The childminder is very aware of what foods constitute a healthy diet. Parents are informed there is a no sweets policy and the childminder ensures food provided from home is healthy and nutritious. Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks including raisins, fruit and occasional plain cake, provided by the childminder. The childminder obtains details of children's dietary needs and any allergies through discussion but does not keep a formal record of these. Children can easily access their own drinks and are offered them regularly, if they do not ask for them. This prevents them from becoming thirsty and dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy lifestyles and the importance of exercise. They enjoy a wide range of outside activities including a trampoline, bikes, slides and play house. They go out to see ducks at the local pond or to the park daily and visit local parent and toddler groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, well organised home, where the childminder takes positive steps to protect them from harm. They have the use of a dedicated playroom where their work is displayed on the walls and plenty of space to move freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to develop independence as they make choices about what toys to play with. They have easy access to a wide range of high quality toys that are well maintained. The toys are well organised on easy to reach trolleys, so that even the youngest children can choose for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety measures reduce risks to children, for example, there are locks on kitchen cupboards, safety gates to prevent children accessing the stairs and fire safety measures in place. The childminder has good procedures in place to supervise when children are using large equipment in the garden. Children are developing a good understanding of emergency procedures through practises of the evacuation drill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a thorough understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She is knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of abuse and who to contact about any concerns. This promotes children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They confidently move around the room, selecting the toys they want and seeking help and comfort from the childminder when needed. The children play happily on the floor with small world figures, cars and trains

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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 suitable for their stage of development. They take great delight in choosing musical instruments and sharing them out, then shaking and banging them in time to the childminder's singing. They put dolls to bed, then get them up to feed them, asking the childminder for help in finding the spoons. The childminder helps children to develop their vocabulary by talking to them about the puzzles they are doing. Children enjoy a wide range of craft activities, including making mobiles from leaves or hand prints, collage or painting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and plans her routine to meet their needs and ensures that children have time to sleep and rest as well as play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Regular visits to carer and toddler groups enable children to develop their social skills and to play with their peer group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children well and takes care to get to know them by having settling in sessions before they start with her permanently. She discusses details of their likes and dislikes, allergies and any medical needs with parents and obtains written details of their routines. She works closely with parents to ensure that these routines meet the needs of the children and that any changes are agreed with them. Children benefit from the comprehensive daily exchange of information, both at the beginning and end of the day. This ensures that they receive consistent care. Parents are given a folder of children's work at the end of each term, along with photographs of their time in the childminder's care. Parents are confident to telephone the minder during the day if they are anxious about their child in any way.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder values all children as individuals and ensures that all can take part by adapting activities to meet the varying ages and stages of development. Children are learning to value difference through using a wide range of books, toys and other resources that value and promote diversity. The childminder has had some experience of working with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder is a good role model. She is calm and polite and considerate towards the children, whilst firmly ensuring children learn about acceptable behaviour. The childminder uses a range of age appropriate strategies such as explaining to younger children that they cannot snatch a toy and offering an alternative. Children respond well to her clear guidance and praise and encouragement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She is committed to updating her knowledge and practice through ongoing training. She organises her home and space well allowing children to enjoy their play. She plans her day to give children a wide range of experiences.

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Organisation

The childminder has some written policies and procedures that are shared with parents and children's information is easily accessible and stored confidentially. The childminder has all legally required documentation in place, however the information on children lacks some detail.

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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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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 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 information kept on children contains all relevant details to enable their individual needs and medical requirements to be met.

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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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