Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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160755 Unique Reference Number 31 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 outstanding. 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 1998. She lives with her partner and school aged child in Weybridge, Surrey. The whole of the childminder's ground floor flat is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder's excellent hygiene practice and proactive approach effectively limit cross infection and promote children's good health. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene and self-care skills through well-organised routines and explanations. For example,

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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 they learn how to wash their hands properly before snack time and they clean their teeth after lunch. The childminder extends children's understanding through activities about good health and hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder anticipates the potential need for non-prescriptive medications and has prior consent to administer pain relief to children, if needed. She has current training in paediatric first aid and she has obtained written parental consent for emergency treatment. This makes sure that the childminder can offer effective care in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents supply baby food and milk and the childminder provides all meals and snacks for older children. The children receive a nutritious, varied diet that is very well balanced to include all food groups. The childminder prepares meals using fresh ingredients and the wide range of healthy meals encourages children to develop healthy eating habits from a young age. Children learn the benefits of a healthy diet through discussion and a sticker chart that displays how many pieces of fruit and vegetables they have eaten in a day. Children can help themselves to a drink at any time, which helps them to consider their personal needs. The childminder monitors the amount that children drink and encourages more in hot weather, to ensure they remain well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play outside in the garden or local park, where they enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise. At other times, children visit an indoor soft play venue. Babies developing physical skills are supported. For example, the baby has opportunities to practise sitting in the baby nest cushion and enjoys bouncing up and down while being held by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder makes her premises particularly child-friendly and welcoming. She displays children's name cards in the hall and a poster about the hand washing routine in the bathroom, all at children's eye level. Toys are displayed and others are stored in boxes labelled with pictures and words, to help children make their selection. In this way, children have safe and easy access to a wide variety of resources. The toys are in good condition and carefully selected to be safe and suitable for the ages of children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder undertakes a comprehensive daily risk assessment of her home to ensure that children are safe. Children are closely supervised at all times to ensure their ongoing safety. Regular, frequent fire drills help children become familiar with the procedures, so they learn how to leave the premises quickly and safely. Children's safety is also given a high priority on outings through the childminder's considered, proactive approach. Children develop an awareness of safety for themselves and others through gentle explanations from the childminder. For example, she tells children about 'stranger danger' and explains that some toys might not be suitable for babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder because she has a thorough understanding of safeguarding children procedures. The childminder's responsibilities regarding child protection are shared with parents through her policies, which ensures their understanding.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very settled and confident in the calm, stimulating environment. The childminder records detailed and extensive observations and assessments of children. She uses these to plan and provide activities that support and extend the children very effectively. This gives the children excellent opportunities for stimulating, worthwhile play and learning experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become engrossed in the activities and spend long periods playing and investigating individually and together. For example, the childminder provides a treasure basket for the baby and the older children are interested in the contents too. They enjoy asking questions and listening to the childminder's explanations about the items. The childminder is skilled at promoting learning within a play activity, to support the children's development and interest. The baby investigates the different textures that include natural materials and watches the older children with interest. The childminder balances the needs of the children very effectively, ensuring that they all receive her care and attention.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have excellent opportunities to develop independence and make choices because toys and activities are easily accessible. They help themselves to threading activities and musical instruments. The childminder supports the young children's developing language well. She is attentive and responsive to the different sounds made by the baby and encourages all the children to express themselves freely.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish because the childminder has an excellent understanding of their needs and development. She uses this to nurture the children and provide care that is extremely well suited to meet their needs. Children's wishes are respected and all children are encouraged to play with all the resources. Children learn about the diversity within society through everyday resources and themed activities. The childminder recognises the importance of focusing on similarities to help children develop a positive attitude.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The stimulating environment keeps children busy and purposefully occupied and prevents inappropriate behaviour from developing. Children's good behaviour is endorsed with praise, reward charts and stickers. Unwanted behaviour is managed sensitively, to protect children's self-esteem. The children learn to consider each other and right from wrong within a gentle and loving atmosphere.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a detailed brochure for parents so that they are fully informed about her routines and policies. She uses daily diaries for all children and makes time for conversations with parents when they drop off and collect their children. Children's progress files are shared with parents. Parents' views and suggestions are obtained through feedback sheets and the recorded comments indicate that they are very happy with the service provided. The partnership with parents is fostered very effectively and the consistent two-way flow of information successfully promotes continuity of care for the children.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. All aspects of the setting are exceptionally well organised. All required checks on household members are in place, indicating their suitability. The environment is welcoming and homely. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities and a proactive approach to childminding. She values her professional development and has an action plan in place to identify areas for improvement. She attends regular training and workshops to refresh and update her knowledge of childcare.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place and accurately maintained. The written policies effectively underpin the childminder's practice. Regulatory requirements are met and the childminder displays her certificate of registration prominently for the benefit of parents. 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 that the childminder should develop the child record form to include more detail. This has been achieved, improving the standard of care for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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