Taylor, Alison Elizabeth Gratwick

Inspection report for early years provision

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507585 Unique Reference Number 20 August 2007 Inspection date Joanne Lindsey Caswell 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 since 1994. She lives with her husband and grown up child in a residential area of Lingfield, Surrey. The local shops, school and park are within walking distance. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding. 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. She is currently caring for seven children who attend throughout the week. The childminder is willing to collect children from local schools and attends local toddler groups. The family have one dog, a cockatiel, tropical fish and tortoises.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. There are good procedures in place to promote children's healthy development. The childminder ensures her home is consistently clean and the pets pose no risk to children. The childminder helps children to understand the importance of washing hands, particularly after toileting and

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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 handling the animals and before meals. Effective procedures during nappy change routines help to prevent cross-infection. For example, the childminder wears gloves and cleans the mat thoroughly with anti-bacterial spray. This helps to safeguard children.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are many opportunities for physical play and activity. Children spend a good amount of time outside and walk to and from school and nursery each day. In addition, children regularly undertake walks within the local area, helping them to benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise. In the garden, children play with resources such as wheeled toys, rockers and small slides. They dig in the sand and enjoy many outings to the park to use playground equipment. This helps children to benefit from different forms of movement, improving their balance, muscle control and co-ordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate provision is in place to promote children's dietary needs. The childminder has formed agreements with parents regarding children's meal times. Foods provided by parents are stored safely and in accordance with Environmental Health regulations. Snacks are mainly healthy and nutritious and drinks are freely available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is aware of safety and takes most precautions within the home to protect children from hazards. For example, the front door is secure preventing children from leaving unsupervised. All hazardous items, such as medication and cleaning materials, are inaccessible to children. Access to the rear garden is restricted and children only use this area under the supervision of the childminder. However, only temporary action is taken to ensure that the garden pond is inaccessible to children whilst they play in the rear garden. This does not sufficiently ensure that the pond is permanently safe for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder offers a warm and welcoming home where children are regarded as members of her family. Toys and play materials are stored at low level, enabling children to access them easily and safely. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring that babies and toddlers are unable to access toys with small pieces to prevent choking hazards. All relevant equipment and furniture is available to support the care needs of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about safety routines during outings. For example, the childminder teaches children about the importance of road safety and effective procedures are in place to ensure that children remain safe at all times. The childminder has considered emergency arrangements and has clearly identified a fire evacuation plan. Children's welfare is fully supported as the childminder has agreed procedures with other local childminders to offer support in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She has completed appropriate training and is aware of relevant procedures to implement, if she ever had any concerns about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in the childminder's care. She develops extremely close, loving and very warm relationships with all the children she minds and they are regarded as members of her family. There is an exceptionally homely and relaxed atmosphere and children benefit from an excellent

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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 selection of activities and opportunities for play. Full use is made of exciting and well-planned outings for children to develop wider interests and benefit from new experiences. For example, children go on walks and then make collages of all the sounds they heard, helping children to benefit from active learning and rich first-hand experiences. For example, children record that they heard cars, trains, aeroplanes and lawnmowers. Children visit local places of interests and parks and excitedly recall their experiences. For example, the childminder organised a visit with another childminder to the local fire station to help children develop an understanding of the role of the fire service.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy exciting and stimulating activities which bring learning alive and enable children to be thoroughly engaged and continually having fun. For example, children create their own number lines, using familiar every day objects, such as hair bands. This helps children learn the concepts of number and value in a practical and fun context. The childminder uses story sacks to re-tell stories and help children develop imagination and interest in familiar tales. For example, she uses props, masks and puppets to narrate the story of the Gingerbread Man. This encourages children to interact fully and enjoy excellent opportunities to bring stories alive.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of how children learn and develop. She uses the Birth to three matters framework exceptionally well to plan for, and closely monitor, children's individual development and progression. As a result, all children flourish as all activities are appropriately planned to meet children's individual needs and offer relevant challenge and stimulation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a real sense of belonging with the childminder as she clearly listens to them and forms very positive relationships. As a result, children feel secure and valued as individuals. Children have full choice of all activities and the childminder responds positively when children offer their own suggestions for alternative activities. There are resources available which help children to learn about the needs of others. For example, the childminder uses small world toys to help children to learn about disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is dedicated to working closely with parents and obtaining all necessary information to support children's individual routines. Babies and younger children follow their own sleep and feeding patterns and the childminder is dedicated to adapting her routine to accommodate this.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is good support in place for children with individual needs. The childminder ensures that all children can participate fully in all activities, offering an inclusive and equal environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and clearly understand acceptable boundaries. The childminder implements consistent strategies and gives children explanation as to why some behaviour is unacceptable. This helps children to clearly differentiate between right and wrong. There is a very positive atmosphere within the home and children are fully engaged and stimulated, helping to prevent the need for any unacceptable behaviour. Children receive high levels of praise, positive attention and close interaction, resulting in a very happy and fun environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents fully appreciate the level of service the childminder provides. Written feedback from parents compliments the childminder's dedication and commitment to high quality. The childminder ensures that she works closely with parents to address individual wishes and personal

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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 care routines. All necessary parents' consent is obtained in writing and a comprehensive childminding portfolio helps parents to understand the requirements of the National Standards and the written policies relating to daily practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is a dedicated and committed early years practitioner who fully understands her regulatory responsibilities. She demonstrates a proactive approach to raising standards and regularly attends training to update her knowledge and awareness of current practice. All relevant vetting procedures are in place to fully safeguard children in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder plans her daily routine effectively to accommodate the needs of the children. She successfully organises an excellent range of activities at home, together with local outings and visits to offer children a busy, stimulating and varied day. As a result, children clearly enjoy their day and benefit from an exceptional range of play and learning experiences.

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Organisation

Comprehensive documentation mainly supports the organisation of the childminding service. Written procedures reflect the requirements of the National Standards and help to inform parents of daily care routines. An attendance record is maintained, although this is not always completed as soon as children arrive and therefore, does not always reflect an accurate record of which children are present.

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Organisation

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, two recommendations were raised. These related to the recording of accidents and the procedures for checking the first aid box. The childminder has addressed both these issues. Documentation relating to accidents is now detailed and includes written records of children's existing injuries. This ensures that a full and accurate record is made of children's health and welfare needs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has updated the contents of the first aid box to ensure that all items are suitable for use. This ensures that appropriate resources are available in the event of an accident and supports the care and welfare needs of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted which 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): • review safety arrangements in the rear garden to ensure that the pond is made permanently safe for children • ensure the attendance record is accurate at all times

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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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