Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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507430 Unique Reference Number 25 March 2008 Inspection date Pauline King 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 two teenage children in a house in West Molesey in the borough of Elmbridge. The whole of the ground floor plus a toilet on the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. She is currently caring for two children on a part time basis. The childminder takes children to the local library, parks and activity centres.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and cared for in a clean home where they begin to learn about hygiene practice. They begin to understand why washing their hands can reduce the risk of cross infection. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet through discussions between the childminder and parents that ensure their dietary needs are met throughout the

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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 day. The childminder keeps records in children's daily diaries, for example, written permission from parents to administer medication, which ensures that children's health needs are met and information can be effectively shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities in the garden and regular outings to a local toddler group, which contributes to their good health and physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit by being cared for in a safe environment, where space is well organised to meet their needs and enable them to play safely. The childminder takes effective safety precautions, therefore minimising the risk of accidents. For example, a safety gate fitted to bottom of the stairs to prevent children gaining access to the first floor unsupervised. The childminder has a good understanding of fire evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children make independent choices from a range of age appropriate play items, which are safe and well maintained. They enjoy a good amount of clear play space. There is a good variety of equipment to support the individual needs of children. For example, puzzles, musical toys, shapes, push along trolley and books to increase children’s development. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sufficient understanding of the fire evacuation procedure and practise with the children to ensure they are familiar with the procedure in the event of a fire. Children sleep downstairs so that the childminder can check them routinely to ensure they are safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has all the required documents to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a copy of Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy themselves in a happy, homely environment. The childminder is kind and caring and supports children's emotional well-being. She gives them encouragement and praise, enabling the children's confidence to develop. Children have access to a variety of play materials; they make their own decisions about what they do, which enables them to extend their learning and experiences. For example, discovering different sounds and kicking and rolling a ball along the ground. The childminder rotates toys to maintain children's interest and to help keep their play provision fresh.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They have opportunities throughout the week to mix with other children as the childminder takes them to a local toddler group regularly. This enables them to develop their social skills, confidence and experience different environments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met, because the childminder spends time getting to know the parents and children. Parents' views are sought and the childminder takes onboard any concerns

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 they have, and adapts the care provided to meet their wishes and the child's needs. For example, the childminder finds out if the children have any special dietary or cultural needs. Children have access to a range of activities offered and the childminder makes sure resources are available that promote a positive view of the wider community. However, there is limited amount of resources available to children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder uses age appropriate strategies to deal with negative behaviour. Children's self-esteem is raised by use of praise by the childminder. Children's progress of development is shared with parents. For example, through discussions at the beginning and end of each day and daily diaries, which are shown to parents regularly. The consistency of care enhances children’s security and promotes their well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an understanding of her role in relation to complaints. However, there is no system in place to record any complaints made.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Appropriate checks for suitability were carried out at registration. The children feel at home and at ease within the friendly environment. The childminder displays her certificate of registration, which reassures parents that she is complying with her conditions. Children's confidence and independence is supported by the childminder's organisation and daily routine. The childminder dedicates her time and attention to the children when they are present.

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Organisation

Children have sufficient space because the environment is organised to make the most of the available space, for children's play opportunities and care needs.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps most of the required records that contribute to children's health and well-being. She shares them with parents, which keeps them informed about the care that is provided. However, some documents have not been updated.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication and to keep a written record signed by parents of any medication given to the children, which has now been obtained. The children's safety has improved as the childminder has completed all of the issues raised.

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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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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): • devise a system to record any complaints • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • obtain written permission from parents to allow photos to be taken of the children.

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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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