Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY266522 Unique Reference Number 14 March 2008 Inspection date Teresa Elkington 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 2003. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and one year in Horley, Surrey. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five, all of whom attend on a part time basis, and one child over the age of five who attends after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have a pet rabbit. The childminder is a member of the Surrey Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder ensures children have access to a clean and hygienic environment to help them begin to understand the importance of hygienic practice and keeping healthy. Older children are encouraged to manage their own personal needs which is well supported by the use of

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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 pictorial reminders. Children have use of their own hand towel which ensures that they protected from cross contamination. The use of wet wipes for the wiping of hands after nappy changing routines ensures that children develop an understanding from an early age as to the importance of hand washing routines. The childminder has a clear understanding of the required procedures regarding accidents and the administration of medication, which protects children in her care. The adoption of a clear policy for children who are unwell ensures that those who are infectious do not attend thus preventing the spread of illness. The childminder acquires all relevant information regarding diet and medical history which helps to ensure children's individual dietary and medical needs are met. The good pet routines ensures that children are effectively

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met well. The weekly menu shows a varied and nutritionally balanced diet which the childminder provides using fresh ingredients. The childminder is very aware of children's specific dietary requirements and is vigilant in catering for children with food allergies, ensuring that all food is checked and meets children's personal needs. Access to drinking water is limited, as children are not able to access this independently which prevents them from responding to their bodily needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They have daily physical exercise as they walk to and from school. They enjoy planned outings which take into account their own personal interests and they attend toddler sessions. Children's physical play is further extended by the use of the garden and visits to local parks, where they can use a range of equipment to promote their physical skills. For example, through their use of climbing frames, sit and ride toys and games.

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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 warm and welcoming environment. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of potential risks both in and out of the home. Following recent adverse weather, part of the garden fence had been damaged. The childminder has undertaken risk assessments and appropriate action to ensure children's safety until the garden is made secure. The childminder is aware of the need to supervise children at all times. They are appropriately protected from harm as the childminder uses written risk assessments and implements policies and procedures to ensure that children are safeguarded. This continues whilst on outings and when travelling in the car. For example, age appropriate car seats are fitted and the childminder has contact details for children in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have open access to their environment and are encouraged and supported by the childminder to access all spaces and equipment. For example, the childminder has devised a requests book with pictures where children can point and select resources they wish to play with and explore.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from harm as the childminder has a thorough understanding of safeguarding issues. She has updated her training to compound existing knowledge and parents are fully informed of her roles and responsibilities in this area of her work. This ensures that children are fully protected whilst in the childminder care.

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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's individual developmental needs are very well supported in the childminder's care and this enables them to flourish and make progress in the key areas of their learning. Children are very happy, relaxed and confident in the childminder's care and they benefit from her warm, friendly and caring approach to help them feel secure and have a strong sense of belonging. Story times provide excellent opportunities for children to develop their communication and early language skills. The childminder encourages children to point to pictures and tell the story alongside her which enables them to participate and enjoy their story times together. Children delight in regular singing sessions where excellent use is made of visual aids to stimulate interest and encourage participation as the children learn the actions of the songs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from excellent interactions with the childminder as she constantly talks to them, during their play and during their personal care routines. For example, she talks about the various cars, noting colours and types as a child takes them out of the box, promoting children’s understanding of their purpose in every day life. Children benefit from the childminder's excellent understanding of the Birth to three framework, which successfully promotes children's individual development. The childminder uses effective systems to observe, monitor and record children's achievements in their daily journals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Access to an excellent and extensive range of resources and the good interaction from the childminder sustains children's interest and enables them to successfully develop their play. During the inspection children were highly motivated and actively engrossed in imaginary play as they use a variety of equipment, toys and different areas of the available space to play. Children are offered an extensive range of different play experiences and activities on a regular basis which enables them to learn new skills and consolidate existing ones. For example, children attend a variety of child-centred settings away from the childminding premises. These encourage the development of social skills and range of physical skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides a fully inclusive provision where children are respected and valued as individuals. Activities are adapted to the varying ages and stages of children's development, for example, using differing sizes of paint brushes. The childminder has devised a scrap book of pictures with the children, enabling them to explore different countries, this is used a basis for discussion. Children are learning to value difference through the wide range of resources provided that promote diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has devised a clear written policy regarding behaviour and children understand what is expected of them through the established household rules that are in place. Children are constantly praised and encouraged which promotes their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder has a good understanding of managing behaviour dependent on differing ages and stages of development. She supports parents who are encountering behavioural difficulties with their child by providing written research material for their perusal.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive comprehensive written information about the provision and the service offered. They are kept fully informed about their children's care needs and the activities undertaken through the use of a daily diary and verbal exchange of information. The childminder recognises

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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 the importance of working in partnership with parents and encourages the parents to evaluate her practice through the use of parental questionnaires.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is organised well to ensure that children's needs are met. Parents and children are welcomed into the home, which is a bright and comfortable environment with ample space for children to be able to play together. Children are well protected from other adults because the childminder maintains good supervision at all times and ensures that persons in the household are suitably vetted.

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Organisation

The childminder uses her experiences and training, together with her knowledge of child development, to provide good quality care for children. She has polices and procedures in place which are comprehensive and very well presented in a portfolio. Children's information is easily accessible and stored confidentially. All of the legally required documentation is in place to promote and support children's welfare. 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 inspection the childminder was requested to ensure procedures are in place for regularly reviewing children's health records. The childminder now carries out regular reviews which ensures that all health and care needs are met.

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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. 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): • ensure children have independent access to drinking water

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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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