Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY282286 Unique Reference Number 23 November 2007 Inspection date Ann Moss 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 2004. She lives with her parents, her partner and their two children aged five and one year in Long Ditton, Surbiton. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available 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 five children, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local school to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The childminder works with a co-childminder.

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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 remain healthy and learn to protect themselves from germs because the childminder talks to them about washing their hands carefully before lunch and after visiting the toilet. The childminder reduces the risk of cross infection by being vigilant and ensuring that children are provided with individual paper towels. There are clear systems in place to record accidents and the administration medicine, which are shared with parents. Children receive appropriate treatment in the event of a minor accident because the childminder has attended a recognised course in first aid and maintains an appropriately stocked first aid box.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating and are very well nourished by a wholesome diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder liaises closely with parents to promote healthy eating and talks to children about the foods that are good for them and why. Drinking water is freely accessible, this ensures children remain refreshed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is well supported through the range of garden activities and travelling regularly to visit areas such as the local park or soft play areas. Children develop their skills of coordination, balance and awareness of space by moving to music, running, riding on tricycles and playing games.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children gain a sense of belonging because the childminder welcomes them warmly by name and displays artwork that is important to them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder is vigilant and ensures security arrangements prevent children from leaving unnoticed. She routinely carryies out thorough risk assessments routinely and takes effective steps to minimise accidents. Less secure areas, such as the kitchen and stairs, are made inaccessible with the use of safety gates. The equipment children use effectively promotes their safety, such as: child size tables and chairs and soft floors in activity areas, which reduces the risk of accidental injuries; and an outdoor gazebo that shelters the children from sun and rain. Fire fighting equipment meets with requirements. A planned emergency escape plan, which has been practised with children, helps to raise their awareness about keeping themselves safe. Children develop a sense of road safety because the childminder talks about this subject and supervises experiences when crossing roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant and has policies and procedures in place to safeguard and protect children in line with the local Safeguarding Children's Board requirements, which she shares with parents. This means parents are kept fully aware of the childminder's role and responsibility to protect the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a warm and positive relationship with the childminder; they are settled and confident in her care. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and offers a worthwhile range of activities, that are appropriate to their age and stage of

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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 development and support all areas of development. For example, children learn to be creative because the childminder provides appropriate equipment such as small world toys and musical instruments, as a result, children become engrossed in imaginative play. They make connections as they explore musical instruments and show delight at their sound. Art and craft materials are freely accessible and children spend time drawing, choosing, comparing and using stickers to design a picture of their choice. The childminder introduces seasonal themes, such as Christmas, where children become involved in activities by making an advent calendar and seasonal decorations. This enables them to experiment and learn about the texture, colour and shape of a variety of materials; such as card, cotton wool, glitter, sequins, ribbon and glue.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about language through a suitable range of age appropriate books, talking and listening. Children learn from many first hand experiences such as visits to the park, the library and local outings. This helps children to consolidate their knowledge and skills and to become aware of their local community. Children concentrate well on their play and feel a sense of achievement when they complete their chosen task. They respond well to the praise offered by the childminder. This raises their confidence to try new experiences and builds self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are addressed and respected by the childminder. They learn about their own needs, feelings and beliefs because the childminder encourages them to talk about their home lives and experiences. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and opportunities to promote children's awareness of diversity and the wider world, such as celebrating Divali. Although toys and resources are ample the childminder does not organise these sufficiently for ease of access.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. The childminder is a positive role model who speaks calmly and consistently to children. She has a good understanding of encouraging good behaviour and this includes occupying the children and changing activities to maintain their interest. Children display good relationships with each other; they show consideration, share and take turns well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents. Daily conversation and a child's daily communications book allows a good exchange of information to take place and supports consistency of care. Parents receive clear information about the services provided, policies and procedures. They are given written information, which includes the provision of meals, sickness and complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the attention of a qualified and experienced childminder who has high regard for children's wellbeing. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development. She keeps her knowledge and skills up to date through attending training courses and reading relevant publications. The adult to child ratio positively supports children's care, learning and play and ensures all children receive individual care and attention.

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Organisation

All documentation required by regulation is in place. The childminder has a good range of comprehensive policies and procedures, which cover all aspects of care. She organises her paper work effectively to ensure it is confidential but easily available, if needed. Parent views and comments are welcomed and positively encouraged as the childminder obtains regular feedback. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to improve the knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures. Also, to maintain an accurate and up to date record of attendance that reflects the actual times of arrival and departure.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has now undertaken a course in child protection and is confident in her role in safeguarding children. She has made improvement to documentation. There is a system in place and children's times of arrival and departure are clearly recorded. These changes to childminding practice help to ensure children's safety and welfare.

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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 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 toys and resources that reflect positive images of diversity, including disability, are easily accessible to children.

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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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