Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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507434 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 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 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 was registered in 1989. She lives with her two adult children in West Molesey, Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding one, who attends on a part time basis. Sometimes the childminder cares for her young grandchildren and this is reflected in her conditions of registration.

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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 satisfactory. Children learn the importance of good hygiene through the daily routines established by the childminder. For example, she ensures that children wash their hands after visiting the toilet

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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 and before eating. She provides individual towels and wipes, to prevent cross contamination. The childminder reinforces the routines with explanations, to help develop the children's understanding.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder does not always obtain prior written parental consent to administer medication. This is a breach of regulations. However, the childminder has agreed to amend this practice and obtain written parental consent immediately. The childminder has written parental consent to seek emergency treatment and she has current first aid training. This means that children have access to appropriate care if they have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Meals and snacks are supplied by the childminder, in accordance with parents' wishes. The minded child has sandwiches for lunch, with a selection of healthy fillings. Fruit and raw vegetables are included and these are also provided as a snack. The childminder encourages children to try different, nutritious foods to help them adopt a positive attitude towards healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children go for a daily walk and sometimes they visit the local park to use the play equipment. In this way, they benefit from regular fresh air and exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to all areas of the ground floor. They generally play in the dining room and can rest undisturbed in the lounge, if needed. The childminder makes the environment welcoming by displaying toys for children before they arrive. Children have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate for their age. These are stored in low-level cupboards, so that the children can help themselves. The childminder checks the toys and resources to ensure they are safe and suitable for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and the splash pool in the garden is fenced to prevent children's access. Children benefit from a range of safety measures, such as cupboard locks, a stair gate positioned at the foot of the stairs and an emergency evacuation procedure. Older children learn about road safety and to walk safely when out with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in safeguarding children, although she has not clarified this with parents. She knows the possible indicators of abuse and the procedures to take if she has concerns. The welfare of the children is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The minded child is settled and confident. There are opportunities to relax and talk with the childminder about what happened during the busy morning at nursery. The childminder is interested in what the child has to say and she knows about activities provided at nursery. The minded child enjoys a warm, positive relationship with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The minded child enjoys selecting from the range of toys and resources provided and concentrates well on the puzzle chosen. The childminder sits with the child and supports play. She praises and encourages the child's effort and achievement. This helps the minded child to feel good and develops the child's self-esteem. The childminder makes use of some of the

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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 learning opportunities presented within play, such as naming colours of the puzzle pieces. At other times, the minded child plays independently.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a balance of activities within her home and tends to structure her day according to the preferences of the children in her care. She takes children to toddler groups and mixes with other childminders, to develop their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder helps children to learn respect and consideration for others because she is a positive role model. Children learn about the diversity within society through everyday activities, such as visits to the toddler group. The childminder uses resources such as small world toys, puzzles and books to support this. Some of the older resources depict a slight stereotype.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She works with parents and outside agencies to offer appropriate support and care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Praise and encouragement are used to endorse good behaviour, such as sharing. The childminder sets boundaries, so that children understand what is expected of them. She manages behaviour positively by diverting children to avoid any issues whenever possible and offers explanations to help older children understand.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises the importance of good communication as a basis for positive relationships with parents. She uses diary sheets outlining the children's daily routines and events for parents. Written business agreements are used, so that all parties are aware of arrangements. The complaints procedure is displayed in the hall, for the benefit of parents. The childminder has a portfolio of her policies relating to the national standards. She tells parents that this is available, but does not share it formally, so that they understand the procedures that underpin her practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All required checks on household members are in place, indicating that they are suitable to work with children. The childminder has recently completed an Early Years Foundation Degree and she attends various workshops to build on her knowledge of childcare.

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Organisation

The attendance register is accurately maintained and countersigned by parents. The majority of the required documentation is in place, but records relating to medication are not organised in line with regulations. The childminder keeps her records for long periods, but she does not have them organised to be available for inspection. This is a breach of regulations. Children may be at risk because of Ofsted’s inability to check necessary records are in place. However, the impact is minimal because the childminder will amend the situation immediately. 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 that the childminder should develop knowledge and understanding of special needs. This has been achieved through the childminder's degree course, which has improved the standard of care for children.

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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 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): • obtain written parental consent to administer medication • make records available for inspection

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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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