Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY256253 Unique Reference Number 28 November 2007 Inspection date Amanda May 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 has been registered since 2003 to care for a maximum of four children under eight years. The registration does not include overnight care. There are currently four children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her two children aged six and 10 years, in a semi-detached house in Woking. The house is close to local amenities and parks and is within walking distance of Woking town centre. Children have access to most areas of the home except for the garage and utility room. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has effective procedures in place to protect children from the spread of illness and infection. Children who have contagious illnesses are asked to stay home with parents in

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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 order to ensure the other children the childminder cares for are protected. The childminder has appropriate nappy changing facilities in place in order to care for babies and young children. Nappy changing mats are used, and potties are cleaned with bleach or anti-bacterial spray after each use. This ensure the spread of illness and infection is minimised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about personal hygiene as they use anti-bacterial hand gel to clean their hands after giving a treat to Toby the dog, and before eating meals. Children eat their meals together at the table, and develop their social skills as they talk with their friends and the childminder, whilst enjoying well-balanced and nutritious food, such as pasta and roast chicken.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is happy to administer medication to children when necessary and parents are asked to give their written consent along with specific details of dosage, when children first arrive. The childminder completes detailed written records of accidents which occur whilst the children are in her care, and these are shared with parents effectively. Children benefit from a good range of physical activities which include use of the garden and weekly visits to the local park. Children have access to ride on toys in the garden, along with a slide, swing and covered sand-pit. Older children's interests are also catered for as they play with scooters, skate-boards and crazy golf sets. This contributes to their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a premises which is welcoming, secure and safe both indoors and out. The childminder risk assesses the setting each day, and ensures that resources are well-maintained and appropriate for the children who attend. Children learn about how they can keep themselves safe as they talk about fire safety. Children practise the evacuation procedure monthly, talking with their friends about the importance of stopping what they are doing straight away. The childminder ensures children recognise the sound made by the smoke alarm in order for them to gain an awareness of the noise which may alert them to a fire. Children also learn about keeping safe as they walk to schools and to local shops. The childminder reminds children to walk together, and young children hold hands or onto the pushchair as they walk. The childminder explains to children when they are playing at the park or when on

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

outings that they must always be able to see her, as well as be seen, in order to ensure that they are kept safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected through the childminder's clear and secure understanding of issues surrounding safeguarding children. The childminder has documents in place for her to record any concerns about a child's well-being if necessary, and details of existing injuries are maintained and shared with parents to ensure their safety. The childminder has relevant documentation in place to provide advice and guidance, and knows who to contact to make a referral if necessary. This ensures that children's safety is of a high priority and that the childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities to the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a varied and exciting range of activities which contribute highly to their development both inside and outside the home. Children gain confidence and independence as they choose what they would like to play with, and are encouraged to select their resources as and when they wish. The childminder supports children in their play as they draw pictures with special stamp pens. Children are encouraged to develop their understanding of colours,

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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 and children giggle as they draw a snake together, deciding that the snake will have a sad face. Structured activities are also incorporated into planning for children. Children help to sow seeds and watch them grow in the garden. They take it in turns to water the plants, and then help the childminder to re-pot them. Children gain a sense of pride as they take responsibility for looking after their flowers, whilst gaining a better understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder currently uses the Birth to three matters framework to plan activities, however, her knowledge would benefit from being extended to ensure the learning objectives are made clear for children. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of what children can do, and supports children in their next developmental goals, although these are not always linked to her plans. Children enjoy regular outings and trips to the theatre to see Noddy, as well as visiting toddler groups and parks. Children as a result, enjoy the wide variety of activities on offer to them, and benefit from being able to choose activities which catch their interest and imagination, ensuring they continue to make rapid progress in their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children develop an exceptional awareness of the wider community as they dress up in clothes traditionally worn in other cultures, and practise eating noodles with chopsticks for Chinese New Year. The childminder supports children effectively as they show interest in other cultures and countries, making hot air balloons and thinking about the different places they would travel to in their balloon. The childminder provides activities which she is able to adapt and extend for children, depending on their interests and needs. She shows a clear understanding that some children develop learning difficulties and disabilities, and knows to support these by sharing information with parents, and providing activities which are suitable, achievable and challenging. The childminder explains that she would want to ensure she provides children with effective care, and therefore would access training in order to be able to support them fully in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children at the setting behave very well. They remain focussed and interested as they make choices and confidentially initiate their own play and learning. The childminder ensures children are suitably challenged, and have chance to explore a variety of media in their creative activities. As a result, children remain fully involved in their discoveries. The childminder has some house rules in place, which are discussed and agreed upon with the children. Any issues about behaviour are shared immediately with parents, in order to ensure all children enjoy their time at the setting, and learn to develop an excellent understanding of the difference between right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept fully involved in their child's care, and the childminder ensures that information is shared verbally at the end of each session. The childminder prides herself on offering children and parents a place within her family. Children benefit from settling in visits in order for them to build a secure bond with the childminder before they start at the setting, and parents receive full and detailed information about the provision though receiving a copy of her policies.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her space and time effectively, ensuring that children have space to play freely, and to have time to enjoy a wide range of activities. Secure links are in place for the childminder to meet other childminder's and their children. This ensures she feels

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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 well-supported in her role and has the opportunity to share best practise and activity ideas. Children also benefit from meeting up with new friends, whilst gaining confidence around other adults.

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Organisation

The childminder has effective policies and procedures in place which work well in practise. She demonstrates a good understanding of the National Standards although some documentation, such as the complaints procedure and registers, would benefit from being updated and extended. The childminder demonstrates a keen understanding of the importance of sharing information with parents, whilst keeping documentation confidential where necessary.

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Organisation

Children's contracts are in place and reviewed annually to ensure that parents remain happy with the service which the childminder provides. Children's files also include relevant information about the development of each child, along with parental permission slips for outings and trips. As a result of the thorough organisation of her service, 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 last Children Act inspection, the provider was recommended to ensure that construction materials in the garden were removed or made safe before children have access. This has now been fully implemented.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children have access to a safe and secure outside play area where they enjoy resources such as bikes, trikes and scooters. The childminder demonstrates a secure awareness of the importance of assessing risks, and children are kept safe as a result.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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): • extend documentation such as the complaints procedure and register, in order to ensure details are accurate and informative • continue to develop understanding and use of the Birth to three matters framework to ensure children are consistently supported in their development in all areas.

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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 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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