Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY287440 Unique Reference Number 18 January 2008 Inspection date Amanda May Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder became registered in 2004. She lives with her family in Walton-on-Thames and has two children aged six and four.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the dining room and conservatory on the ground floor, with toilet facilities provided in this area. Sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor and children occasionally play in a first floor bedroom, with adult supervision. There are currently three children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and regularly attends a local childminding support group and a toddler group.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder follows effective procedures to protect children from illness and infection. Details of childhood illnesses are shared with parents, in order to ensure that children who are contagious are not brought into the setting. This ensures that the health of other children who attend, is protected. The childminder manages accidents and the administration of medication effectively. She includes well-detailed reports of accidents which have occurred whilst children are in her care and parents are kept well informed. Medication records are well organised and parents sign to give their consent for medication to be administered. However, some records lack clarity.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a good range of physical activities such as trips to the local park and access to the garden. Children enjoy playing with ride-on toys and footballs in the garden with their friends, as well as going on 'puddle hunts' as they walk to school in their wellies. Children learn about good health through a ready access to drinks and nutritious foods which take account of known allergies. Children develop social skills as they eat together at the table and when making their own pizzas, adding a variety of healthy toppings. Children have a snack mid-morning of fruit and a drink, where they skilfully peel their own fruit, concentrating and persisting in their task.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe through the childminder's good procedures. Interconnecting fire alarms are in place and the childminder helps children to increase their understanding of how they can take care of themselves, as children begin to practise fire drills. The childminder has an escape plan in place which is shared with parents. Children also develop their understanding of keeping safe as they walk to school. Children wear reigns or hold hands as they keep together. When the childminder takes children to new places such as parks and farms, parents are asked to dress children in a similar colour in order to ensure that they are easily recognisable in crowds. The childminder spends time talking to children about where they should meet if they do get lost or separated. This helps to ensure that children can be re-united with the childminder as soon as possible.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a premises which is welcoming, secure and safe indoors and outside. The childminder has a stair gate in place to ensure children can not access the upstairs, and that they remain in the supervision of the childminder at all times. The childminder demonstrates a clear awareness of safety issues within her home, and has ensured that a recent loft conversion provides children with a safe and secure upstairs play area. However, the cupboard containing the boiler system needs to be made safe. Children are protected through the childminder's understanding of issues surrounding safeguarding children. The childminder has a clear awareness of how to ensure children's safety is protected, and secure procedures are in place to support this.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a varied range of activities which contribute highly to their development inside and outside the home. Children can help themselves to a wide range of exciting resources and toys which are stored at a low level and are labelled clearly. The childminder provides children with help and support in their play, and continuously challenges and encourages children to develop their learning and understanding. Children are confident in their abilities and confidently match colours and complete puzzles with ease.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder visits local toddler groups with children to encourage them to develop their social skills and to increase their confidence around other adults and when facing new challenges. Children enjoy having access to a wide range of resources, and proudly point out their craft work and their friend's robot which they made. Firm friendships are in place, and children enjoy a warm and comfortable relationship with the childminder, who joins in with their play regularly.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children who attend the setting are independent. They confidently access their own resources and explore toys which interest them. The childminder encourages children to take responsibility for themselves as they put on their own wellies and carry their snack to the table before sitting down to eat.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder develops good relationships with parents and children's individual needs are met through sharing information and discussing children's achievements and struggles. Children benefit from settling in visits at the setting, helping them to gain confidence and feel secure in the childminder's care and their new surroundings. The childminder discusses with parents each child's individual needs, and these are incorporated into the childminder's routine as far as possible. The childminder spends time with parents at the end of each session, discussing activities and new achievements. A diary is also completed for each child which allows parents to read about the wide range of activities children have enjoyed that day. The diary system also gives them an opportunity to share observations of children's development, and share experiences. A range of policies and procedures are in place which are shared effectively with

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. However, the complaints procedure does not contain the regulators current address, or details of the steps parents should take if they had concerns about the levels of service and care the childminder provides.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop an awareness of social diversity as they make paper lanterns to celebrate Diwali and other festivals from around the world. Children enjoy dressing up in outfits from other cultures during play, and have access to different toys and resources to extend their understanding further. The childminder does not currently care for any children with learning difficulties and disabilities, however, she demonstrates a clear awareness of how best to support each child in her care. The childminder understands that some children develop learning difficulties and disabilities and knows to support them through providing suitable activities and sharing information with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children who attend the setting behave well, and benefit from lots of input and from the childminder as they play. Children remain stimulated and focussed on their chosen activity as a result. The childminder encourages children to apologise to their friends if they upset them, and talk with them about how the other child may be feeling. Children develop a good

p.4

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 understanding of the difference from right and wrong and begin to show compassion for their friends.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her time and space effectively and demonstrates a clear understanding of the benefits of allowing children to make their own choices in their play. The childminder enjoys accessing courses and training workshops in a variety of subjects, and this benefits the children in her care. The childminder has good links in place with other childminders in the local community, and uses this as an opportunity to share skills and to discuss best practice. Children also benefit through meeting up with other children, and developing their confidence around other adults.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has secure procedures in place which work well in practice to promote children's welfare and development. Signed agreement is in place, giving parental permission for children to enjoy access to outdoor play areas and have the use of the trampoline. The childminder ensures records relating to childminding, are kept secure and are locked away to ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times. As a result, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection, the provider was recommended to obtain a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures. The childminder has now implemented this effectively. Details are in place for the childminder to access for support and further information if necessary. This promotes the safety and well-being of the children in her care.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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):

p.5

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 • ensure that the complaints procedure gives details about the exact steps parents should take if they had a complaint and update the regulator's address details to ensure they are current and correct • ensure that when parents provide consent for medication to be administered, details are documented accurately • ensure that the cupboard containing the boiler on the second floor is made inaccessible to minded children.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6