Surrey House Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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116135 Unique Reference Number 17 July 2007 Inspection date Sandra Laura Bates 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 has been registered as a childminder since 1995. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a full time basis. There is a time limited dispensation in place at this time, in relation to named siblings, to allow for the care of four children under five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and two of their three children, all of whom are aged over eight years, in a quiet residential road on the borders of Feltham and Bedfont. The property is close to local amenities, schools and pre-schools. The minding is generally confined to the ground floor of the house where there is a dedicated play room during childminding hours. There are washing and toileting facilities on the ground floor also. Children have access to a securely enclosed rear garden and the childminder makes regular use of other play venues and groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and her local Childminding Network.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play and rest in very clean and well maintained surroundings. The childminder has high standards of hygiene throughout her home. Children begin to learn how to manage their own personal hygiene needs such as washing their hands before a snack for instance. The childminder monitors children's needs carefully to ensure that children in nappies are clean and comfortable. She ensures that children are not exposed to contact with any hazardous plants by checking against information from professional sources. Children are protected from the risk of cross infection due to the childminder's clear policy regarding the exclusion of children with infectious illnesses.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play energetically outside. They run around and play with bats and balls for example. Children of all ages have comfortable and safe places and facilities for rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sit together at the table to enjoy the range of nutritious meals and snacks provided by the childminder. For example, children serve themselves from a plate of fresh fruit at their morning snack time. The childminder has a very good awareness of the importance of healthy eating for children. She has a good understanding of food allergies that ensures that any children with such a problem are catered for appropriately. Children are introduced to new tastes and regularly try the foods of a variety of countries and cultures. They enjoy the opportunity to take part in cookery activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children receive their care in safe and secure surroundings. The childminder provides versatile and well managed spaces and facilities where children can play freely and access suitable resources independently. Children use play materials that are in good condition and that help to develop children's early learning. Children can access the well resourced washing and toileting facilities independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder identifies all potential hazards and takes appropriate steps to reduce risks to children. She puts in place the recommended fire precautions and appliances, and regularly practises her evacuation plan so that children will know how to behave in the event of an emergency. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder encourages them to observe safe practices such as not running in the house.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted due to the childminder's secure understanding of child protection issues and the related referral procedures. She is very confident in her ability to recognise any signs or symptoms of abuse and knows the steps to take if she has concerns. The childminder's knowledge is underpinned by a clear policy that is shared with parents so that they understand her responsibility towards their children in this respect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a full and varied programme of activities planned by the childminder, both at her home and on regular outings to play venues and other places of interest. The childminder

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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 evaluates how successful the activities have been to ensure that children's interest is sustained and early learning promoted. She reviews the play materials and equipment on a regular basis so that children are presented with new and exciting options. Resources are presented to attract children's attention, and bold labelling on storage boxes helps children to link the printed words with the materials within.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy singing and the childminder joins in enthusiastically with them. They sit together companionably with the childminder to share a story. Children play together well and often show affection and care for one another. They play outside in the play house using the equipment within it to make imaginary meals for each other and the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder keeps colourful scrap books that contain many examples of the children's art and craft work, as well as work sheets that show how well their literacy and numeracy skills are developing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop an awareness of social diversity in a variety of ways. They use play materials that reflect positive images and take part in a range of interesting activities linked to the festivals and traditions of various cultures. The childminder knows the children's individual needs very well and encourages them to value one another's needs and differences. The childminder has an accommodating personal attitude towards the care of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to behave well because the childminder has clear and simple ground rules that children can understand. Pictorial material helps to reinforce these messages. The childminder manages any challenges calmly and fairly. Children are encouraged to recognise how their behaviour affects others and to apologise if they behave in an unacceptable manner. The childminder gives lots of praise and positive reinforcement when children behave well or show care for each other. Children respond very well to the childminder's wishes and are generally eager to please.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the consistency of care achieved through close liaison with parents. Parents have comprehensive initial information about the setting and ongoing information about how the children have spent their time is shared every day. The childminder makes time away from the children to discuss with parents any problems or issues that may affect their care. Parental feedback is very positive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises the space and resources very well and displays items of the children's own art work to create a welcoming and child friendly environment. She has a professional approach to her business. The childminder is committed to on-going training to enhance her practice and keep her up to date with current legislation and new initiatives. She clearly relishes her role.

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Organisation

The childminder provides a comprehensive portfolio of supporting policies and procedures that underpin her service. Children's personal details are carefully recorded but are not always stored in such a way as to preserve confidentiality. All the regulatory documentation is in place and

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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 is well maintained. However, the certificate of registration is not prominently displayed. A clear complaints policy gives parents details of relevant contacts and summarises how any complaints will be handled and recorded.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 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.

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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 documents relating to children's personal details are stored in such a way as to preserve their confidentiality • ensure that the certificate of registration is prominently displayed during minding hours

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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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