Durrant, Hazel Catherine

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY219622 Inspection date 19 August 2005 Inspector Rachel Elizabeth Bent

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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 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 lives with her family in Weybridge. She is registered to care for five children under the age of eight, of whom no more than three may be under five years, and of these no more than one may be aged under one year. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor, including the enclosed back garden. Toilet and sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care for two children. Some small caged pets are kept.

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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 good. Children play in a clean and relaxed environment where they learn the meaning of good personal hygiene. Effective daily routines and the childminder's own good practice prevent cross infection. Children enjoy healthy, balanced, meals and all dietary requirements are taken into account. Children learn about healthy lifestyles as they can independently help themselves to drinks and the childminder encourages them to make healthy eating choices for their snacks during the day. Children enjoy regular exercise that contributes to their good health. The equipment in the garden as well as outings to parks and playgrounds, give children the opportunity to practise and develop physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming and child friendly home where children feel safe and secure. Children enjoy their play in a safe environment. Babies and toddlers are able to move freely and independently as the floors are free from obstacles. Children can access the available toys easily, which are safe and clean. Children are well protected as the childminder keeps up to date with current child protection procedures and sensitively introduces them to issues relating to their personal well-being and safety. Children are protected from fire hazards in the home; however, they are not given the opportunities to take part and practise emergency drills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Younger children enjoy exploring a wide range of activities and resources; they develop their independence as the childminder helps them choose between the toys, books, and activities offered. Older children benefit from the choices, enjoy their time during school holidays with a good range of resources and creative activities to keep them interested and occupied. Children confidently approach the childminder for support and she is receptive to their needs. Children are given opportunities to play together and relate well to each other, they enjoy their play and are able to initiate and self direct some of the activities.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats minded children as family members, which makes children feel confident and relaxed. Constant praise and encouragement helps children develop a positive self-image. The childminder meets the needs of the minded children. She has resources for the children to access, to promote and increase their awareness of diversity. All children welcomed into the home have the opportunity to learn about themselves, each other and the wider community. The children benefit from the childminder's positive partnership with parents, she works closely with the parents of the children under three and keeps them informed through verbal exchange, which helps the children to settle well and contributes to their well-being. The childminder gathers all relevant information before children are placed in her care. This ensures that individual routines are in place immediately. Appropriate

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour management strategies help children understand right from wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder seeks out relevant courses to support her practice. This ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. Good planning allows children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has purchased a new hooded litter tray and has removed it from children’s reach. This ensures children play in a clean environment. The childminder has addressed the hazards noted at the last inspection. Children can enjoy playing in safe premises.

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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): • develop children's understanding of fire safety procedures.

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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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