Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296635 Inspection date 05 May 2005 Inspector Ann Moss

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2004. She lives with her son who is of preschool age. They live in a ground floor flat in Reigate within easy walking distance of the local shops and amenities. All areas of the property is being used for childminding. There is no garden available for outside play, however, children have regular outings. There are local parks close by.

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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 satisfactory. Children play happily in a clean and welcoming environment. Children benefit from a caring relationship and form a close bond with the childminder, this supports their emotional well-being. Older children are beginning to gain a clear understanding of why they wash their hands after playing outside, and after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children benefit from food that is prepared hygienically in a clean, suitable kitchen. The childminder provides freshly prepared meals, linked to children's particular dietary needs, as discussed with parents, to ensure the meal are balanced. Drinks are always accessible. Younger children learn independence as they reach their own beakers which are placed on a near by table. Children have opportunities to develop their physical skills both indoors and outdoors. They participate in a variety of activities, for example, babies and toddles crawl, roll

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Helping children to be healthy

and gain control of their bodies. There is no outdoor play area, however, they go out for local walks enabling children to enjoy the fresh air and play outdoors. Children's health benefits from the childminder's training in first aid, she is able to administer first aid in the event of an accident. However, medicine can not be administered as written parental permission has not been obtained

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe environment where good steps have been taken to minimise risk. Safety features such stair gates, smoke alarms and fire blankets are installed which help keep children safe. Children develop independence, as they play feely in the lounge, clear of hazards, and they can easily reach their toys. The childminder checks the safety aspects of all toys and resources so children do not have access to any unsafe equipment. Babies and young children move around freely to explore toys specifically chosen for their age and stage of development. Children are developing an awareness of keeping themselves safe. When out walking the childminder explains why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety. The childminder has attended child protection training and has a sound understanding of the appropriate procedures to be followed if necessary. This ensures the children's safety and wellbeing

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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 The provision is satisfactory. The childminder plans her day around the needs of the children. She has a sound understanding of the different stages of development. Children settle well and are very at ease in the childminder's home. The childminders warmth and affection helps the children to feel secure and builds their confidence and self esteem. Children participate in activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. They spend time talking and reading stories with the childminder which helps with their language development. They are content and choose and use toys and resources for themselves. They learn through their own curiosity. There is no garden for outside play. However, children enjoy regular outings for school collection, local walks, parks and activities to help them develop large muscle

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

control, for example, as they run and ride on wheeled toys. Children benefit from wider groups and social interaction with their peers. They become familiar with the local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle into a homely environment. Children feel good about themselves as the childminder respects each child's individual needs and treats them all with equal concern. The childminder has a positive attitude to diversity this helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children develop a sense of place and learn where they live through regular outings. Children occupy themselves contentedly and respond well to praise. Children play with some resources that reflect positive images of gender, culture and disability. However, the childminder is aware that these resources require development. Children share well. They respond to suitable behaviour management strategies such as distraction. Children begin to understand the effect of their actions on others and how to consider each other's feelings through the childminder's clear explanations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are patient when the childminder is meeting the needs of their peers. They know the childminder ensures she shares her time appropriately between them. Children thrive through continuity of care and established routines. The childminder consults with parents about their individual needs on a daily basis. This enables children needs to be identified and met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a homely atmosphere and creative use of space. They receive sufficient support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well helping them feel settled and secure.

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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 The childminder has a friendly business like approach to her childminding and maintains her records to a satisfactory standard. Parents are not provided with written policies and procedures but the childminder takes time to discuss her provision prior to childminding. However, a written complaint procedures has yet to be developed. The childminder discusses all aspects of the children's care with parents to keep them informed of their child's achievements to enable continuity of care. The childminder has not yet obtained a copy of the Birth to Three matters, but plans to use this to reinforce her working practice for younger children. Over all, the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 Ofsted have not received any complaints about this provider.

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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 written complaints procedure, including full details of the regulator, and make it available to parents/carers. • obtain written permission from parents before administering medicine to children

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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