Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY245095 Unique Reference Number 06 November 2007 Inspection date Lynne Elizabeth Lewington 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children, in Lightwater, Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding; there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Local parks, shops and schools are within easy walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. There are currently six children on roll who attend on a part time basis. The childminder can collect and take children to the local school. She attends local toddler groups and children's activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Good care is taken to ensure the children play in a clean and fresh environment with plenty of natural light which boosts a sense of wellbeing. Outdoor shoes are removed to ensure the play areas are clean and hygienic for babies to crawl and play on the floor. Good care is taken to

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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 follow hygienic routines at nappy changing and meal times in order to prevent the spread of germs. Clear information is gathered from parents regarding health and dietary needs enabling children's individual needs to be carefully met. Whilst medication administered is recorded in a child's individual communication book, the childminder does not maintain a detailed medication record including details of the medication, the amount administered, the time administered or parental acknowledgement. Therefore it does not provide sufficient detail to provide a long term record of her actions to promote the child's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy continuity in their diets as they enjoy food provided by their parents. This is stored appropriately in order that it remains fresh and appetising. Children enjoy healthy snacks of fruit provided by the childminder who also encourages them to drink frequently to prevent dehydration.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children and babies have very good opportunities to safely develop their early physical skills as they move freely around the indoor environment. The layout of the furniture enables babies to safely crawl, reach for items and pull themselves to standing. Attractive interactive toys encourage hand and eye co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is promoted effectively both in the childminders home and on outings. Good care is taken to ensure the environment is safe for children's use and children are encouraged to develop their awareness of safe behaviour. For example, they learn to take appropriate care when crossing roads, and to follow simple safety routines when they get in and out of the car. Clear evacuation plans ensure that the premises could be evacuated swiftly if necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is actively safeguarded by the childminders understanding and awareness of child protection issues. A clear policy informs parents of her role in protecting children and the action she would take if she was concerned about a child in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment provides a safe well maintained and attractive environment for children's care and play. Children have access to all the facilities they require on the ground floor, where they can be supervised easily in their play and rest times. Children have access to outside play space with close supervision for their own safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The good quality toys and equipment encourage the children's interests and development. The childminder ensures they have access to appropriate toys that are suitable for their ages. Equipment is checked regularly to ensure it remains in good condition and suitable for the children's use.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very confident and content in the childminders care. Each day they experience a variety of experiences which encourages their all around development. The good routine to the day enables them to feel secure as they have stimulation, nourishment and rest appropriate to their individual need. Outings each day enable the children to meet with other adults and children and develop their social skills and awareness of the world around them. They visit toddler groups and enjoy music sessions.

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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 independently access the toys making choices in their play from a selection of good quality toys. They enjoy the childminders interaction as she sits with them and, listens and responds attentively to their needs and requests. Development is encouraged by the childminder as she responds to each child as an individual. For example, a baby learning to stand is praised and encouraged as they hold onto her hands and takes steps. Older children enjoy make believe play as they act out life experiences using the baby dolls and pushchairs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Good care is taken to enable children to develop a positive understanding and awareness of others. They go on frequent outings in the local community where they meet other adults and children enabling an understanding to develop of people's differences. They use toys and resources which reflect a diverse community and the childminder takes time to explain and help them understand cultural differences. The childminder is conscious of ensuring all children have equal opportunities and so adapts her activities to enable all children to participate at a level suitable to their individual need.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to share and take turns in their play gradually developing an awareness of right, wrong and fairness. The childminders confident handling of behaviour issues and clear boundaries enables children to develop a good understanding of acceptable behaviour. She distracts children, talks to them about their behaviour and dependant on their age uses time out. Stickers and frequent praise and encouragement help to promote children's positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good communication with parents enables the children's needs to be fully understood and met appropriately. A communication book ensures that information about very young children's diet, sleep, activity and nappy changes is maintained to meet parent’s wishes. The childminders comprehensive policy documents enable parents to fully understand the care and service the childminder provides to them and their children. Photo albums for each child provide a memorable keepsake of the children's development. Whilst a complaint record is maintained it does not currently promote confidentiality.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children are happy and settled in this caring homely environment where the childminder enjoys her work. Children benefit from the childminder's clear understanding of her role. She attends training opportunities to develop her understanding and skills and to keep up with current childminding practice. Good use is made of all the available space to provide the children with an attractive, interesting and safe environment for their play. Positive communications with parents ensure the children's needs are always paramount.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the requirements of her registration, maintaining all the relevant documentation and displaying her certificate clearly for parents to see. However, medication records and complaints records do not provide sufficient information.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were made regarding obtaining consent for emergency advice or treatment and ensuring that information regarding dietary needs is obtained and

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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 recorded. Children's welfare is now promoted because consent for emergency advice or treatment is sought for all children and parents provide written information about dietary needs.

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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): • improve record keeping in relation to medication administered • improve complaints record to promote confidentiality and enable parents to clearly see the nature and outcome of the complaint.

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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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