Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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507160 Unique Reference Number 29 October 2007 Inspection date Ann Moss 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 1985. She lives with her husband in Tadworth, Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for two children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park and library. The family have a dog and three cats. The childminder occasionally works with a co-childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's emotional needs are well supported because the childminder recognises and responds to their range of emotions. For example, children who are a little unsure receive a reassuring cuddle.

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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 Children play in a environment which is bright, clean and well ventilated. They stay healthy because the childminder follows effective daily procedures and practices, which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children are familiar with simple good hygiene routines and automatically wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. They have their own towel, flannel and bed linen and the well-written sick child policy ensures others are protected from cross-infection. There are clear systems in place to record the administration of medication. The childminder has attended a recognised course in first aid and this coupled with a well-stocked first aid box means any minor injuries to children are dealt with quickly and appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy, varied and nutritional diet such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Children are becoming aware of eating healthy options because the childminder involves them in activities such as growing beans and tomatoes and talks about which food is good for the teeth. They learn about food and tastes from different cultures through first hand experiences, such as visits to Chinese restaurants. Mealtimes are planned as a social occasion when children can relax, enjoy their food and learn about acceptable routines. Children are becoming aware of their own needs and remain refreshed as they independently help themselves to an easily accessible drink bottle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is very well supported by opportunities for daily outings. For example, children walk to and from school, they visit the local park and play in the garden where they are provided with a range of equipment at a different level such as wheeled toys, swing, slide and over head ladder and play tunnel. This helps children to build on existing skills and build new skills whilst enjoying the benefits that fresh air and exercise has on their body.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and parents benefit from an environment made welcoming through the displays of children's artwork, photo's and activities, which are set out and ready for use. Space is organised effectively around children's individual needs. For example, if they need to sleep a quiet, secure areas is provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder is vigilant about potential hazards in and around the home and ensures risks to children are minimised. Children play safely because the childminder selects play materials that are of good quality and appropriate for their ages and stages of development. These are stored in suitable containers, low down for ease of access, to promote children's free choice and independence. Children increase their understanding of potential dangers as they learn to cross the road safely and practise fire drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from abuse and neglect. The childminder has attended a course in child protection. She has a good understanding of her role and is confident in her ability to follow procedures if she had a concern about a child in her care. Good reference materials and a well-written child protection policy, which is shared with parents, help to promote children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are at ease and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy a warm, close and secure relationship with childminder; they approach her freely for cuddles and play, indicating that trusting relationship have been established.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy their play and learning because the childminder plans a wide range of activities and first hand experiences based around their individual abilities, likes and interests. They visit the local park and enjoy outings to the seaside and places of interest such as Longleat Safari Park and the Sea Life Centre. The childminder plans opportunities for children to take the initiative in their learning. For example, she organises resources so they are easily accessible. This promotes children's natural curiosity as learners and develops independence. Children confidently explore their environment, choose and change resources according to their interests. Children are beginning to develop their creativity because the childminder provides opportunities for messy play such as gluing and sticking that support their imagination and fine motor skills. Children show enthusiasm, they smile and chatter as they role-play making a cup of tea and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

invite the childminder into their play. The childminder understands how children learn, for example, she asks questions, such as 'is there any milk', extending their play and learning. This helps children to consolidate their learning and make sense of their experiences. Children develop self-esteem as the childminder praises their efforts and displays their work for others to see.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with equal concern and respect. She works in partnership with parents to ensure children's changing needs are identified and met. For example, around potty training. Children are actively encouraged to talk about home and their experiences. As a result, they are learning to appreciate and value each others' similarities and differences. The childminder provides many positive images of cultural diversity to encourage a positive view of the wider world and increase their understanding of others. Children's awareness of disability is increasing through a range of planned visits. However, the childminder is aware of the need to develop resources reflecting positive images of disabilities. The childminder supports children with English as an additional language through working in partnership with parents and attending courses.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has high expectations and sets clear, consistent and realistic boundaries for behaviour, which are understood by children. She understands children's individual needs interests and anxieties and responds to these appropriately, therefore, children behave well. Children recognised right and wrong as they observe the behaviour of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the very good working relationships developed between the childminder and their parents. Individual children's files, well written comprehensive polices, procedures and permissions, which are shared with parents and regular reviewed and updated, in addition to, daily verbal communication ensure parents are well informed about their child day and fully involved in their learning. Past parents and children remain in contact indicating that lasting relationships have developed.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's effective organisation of space, time and resources. She plans a daily routine that takes into account children's individual needs, interest and routines such as school collection. The childminder carefully manages the number and ages of children attending so that she can support them well during their activities. The variance of childrens ages has a positive impact, providing them with good opportunities to learn from each other. The childminder takes into consideration the needs of working parents by providing a flexible approach to her childminding service.

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Organisation

The childminder is careful to maintain all required documentation, policies, procedures and permissions as required by Ofsted, and shares these with parents as well as keeping them well informed about their child's progress. Documentation is accessible, stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. The childminder is aware of the need to retain certain documents. 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 agreed to keep daily written record of persons looking after children and an accurate record of children's hours of attendance. Obtain written permission to seek emergency operative treatment and review all procedures for recording children's details, and ensure written records are easily accessible and well maintained. In addition, to review sleep routines to reflect children's individual needs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made improvement to documentation. There is a clear system in place for parents to give written permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. A daily record of children's hours of attendance and the persons looking after them is in place and up to date. Children's records have been reviewed, are up to date and stored for ease of access. Children's sleep routine reflects their individual needs. These changes to childminding practice help to ensure children's safety and welfare.

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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 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 children have access to resources and activities, which positively promotes their awareness of disability.

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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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