Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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507619 Unique Reference Number 18 January 2008 Inspection date Patricia Jane Daniels 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 1993. She lives in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. The whole of the childminder's flat is used for childminding and there is a communal garden available for outside play. The childminder has a pet dog and cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently minding five children of varying ages on a part and full time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children. She visits the local park and attends the toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where effective daily routines and the childminder’s own good practice prevent cross infection. For example, children have their own towel on a named hook and a hygienic nappy changing procedure is in place. Sick children are excluded in line with guidance recommendations, which prevent the spread of illness to others. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication, which ensures children receive the correct

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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 dosage according to their needs. The childminder has current training in paediatric first aid and she has obtained written parental consent to seek emergency treatment. This ensures that children have access to appropriate treatment, if they have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a healthy diet of nutritious home cooked meals and snacks. She encourages children to eat a variety of fruit and vegetables. This helps children develop good eating habits. Children have free access to drinks, which helps them to consider their personal needs and ensures that they do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children visit the local park on the way home from school, when weather permits. When the weather is poor, the childminder takes children to indoor soft play venues. Babies and young children have plenty of space to practise their developing physical skills and the childminder ensures that they have regular sleep and rest, as part of a healthy lifestyle. Babies receive lots of warmth and affection. This supports their emotional well-being and gives them the confidence to explore new experiences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Displays of toys create a welcoming and interesting environment for children. The childminder provides an excellent range of toys, which are maintained in a good condition. Toys and resources are carefully selected to ensure they are suitable for children, with small items kept out of reach of babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has developed a written risk assessment and makes daily checks to ensure that her home is safe for children. She has recently purchased a new fire blanket, although it is not fitted to the wall. Regular fire drills are held and the childminder ensures that all children experience these. This ensures that the children learn how to evacuate the premises if there is an emergency. Children's safety is given a high priority on outings. The childminder supplies them with distinctive baseball caps for easy identification and she teaches them about road safety, to develop their awareness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to safeguard the children in her care. She makes sure that parents are aware of her role by providing them with a written policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy warm and loving relationships with the childminder. She supports young children's developing communication skills by close interaction and by talking about what is happening. Young children are able to make themselves understood through language and actions because the childminder responds to their sounds and gestures. The childminder anticipates and responds to young children's needs, helping them to feel settled and confident in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A good balance of supported activities and opportunities for free play help children to make progress and develop independence. For example, the childminder sings action songs to the young child and joins in play with dolls. At other times, the toddler investigates the range of interesting toys alone. The childminder rotates the toys regularly, to keep the play provision fresh and stimulating.

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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 Children visit toddler groups and other childminders, and they enjoy regular and varied outings. For example, the children write a list and they go shopping for the items, or they visit venues further away with other childminders. This helps to develop their social skills and provides them with a broad range of experiences. Older children have the opportunity to relax after their busy day at school and they particularly enjoy the craft activities provided by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to have respect and consideration for others because the childminder encourages them to share and she is a good role model herself. Some activities and resources are available to help children learn about the diversity within our society. The childminder has an in depth understanding of the children's individual care needs and understands any issues that might affect them. The childminder is proud of the children's achievements, and development and she shares these with parents. She has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed using appropriate strategies, according to their ages and stages of development. A list of house rules is displayed for older children's reference, so that they understand the boundaries. Unwanted behaviour is managed by distraction and children's good behaviour is endorsed with praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds very positive relationships with parents. She uses a diary to exchange information but also recognises the value of daily conversations. She seeks parents' views about her service through feedback forms and has a procedure in place to deal with any complaints. Parents' responses indicate that they are very happy with the service provided. Written business agreements are in place and parents are provided with a range of policies for reference.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a professional and enthusiastic approach towards minding. She identifies areas for her development and regularly attends training to update her knowledge and skills. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. These policies are shared with parents, so that they understand all aspects of the provision.

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Organisation

Regulatory requirements are met and documentation relating to the safety, health and welfare of the children is in place and well maintained. The childminder displays her certificate of registration prominently for the benefit of parents. Overall, 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 previous inspection, Ofsted requested some improvements. The childminder has developed her understanding of child protection issues by attending a relevant course. She has a system in place to record any incidents and ensures that medication and accident records are confidential. As a result, the standard of care for children is improved.

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Improvements 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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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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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): • fit the fire blanket in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions • improve the range of activities and resources that develop the children's understanding of diversity

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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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