Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY332599 Unique Reference Number 01 November 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 registered in 2006. She lives with her husband, brother and mother in a house in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. She has three children, two of whom are school aged. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with a bedroom for sleeping children available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding two. The childminder is a member of the National Child Minding Association. (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment, where routines help them to develop good personal hygiene. Children wash their hands before and after eating and have individual towels to minimise cross infection. The childminder excludes children who have a contagious illness to prevent the spread of infection. Parental consent to administer medication is in place, ensuring that children receive medicines in line with parent's wishes. The childminder has current training in first aid for babies and children.

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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 Home cooked nutritious meals ensure children are well nourished. This also helps them to develop good eating habits. Children have their own beakers and can access drinks at all times. The childminder monitors the amount that children drink to make sure that they have sufficient fluids.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted through a variety of activities. For example, children play in the garden, visit the local park or soft play venue and attend 'music and dance' sessions. The childminder ensures children are having sufficient rest and sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space to move around freely in the lounge and conservatory. Displays of toys create a welcoming environment. The childminder has a range of interesting toys in good condition, suitable for the ages of children attending. She ensures that small toys are kept away from young children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has undertaken a risk assessment of the premises. She has taken steps to reduce potential hazards to children. For example, a stair gate is positioned at the foot of the stairs to prevent children's access and socket covers are fitted for protection. The childminder uses a listening device to monitor sleeping babies and young children. Some potential hazards remain in the garden, but the childminder is implementing plans to rectify these and she ensures that children are supervised at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her responsibility to safeguard the children in her care. She is familiar with the possible indicators of abuse and steps to take if she has concerns. Parents are informed of her role and they sign a document to indicate their understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children readily approach the childminder for support, indicating that trusting relationships have developed. The childminder is warm and attentive towards the young children in her care, which helps them to feel settled and confident. She involves the children in action songs and they join in with enthusiasm. They move, point, clap in response to the songs and ask for more when finished. The childminder supports the young children's developing language. For example, she tells children what is happening and repeats the single words that they say in the context of a sentence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy investigating the toys provided for their selection. They spend time playing individually and with the childminder's support. The childminder knows the children's interests and favourite toys. Sometimes the art activities are a little advanced for the young children, such as the colouring a picture activity. The childminder visits the local toddler group every week and meets with other minders and their children. This gives the young children opportunities to develop their social skills.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met because they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed with their parents. Relationships are being forged and social skills developed with the childminder's support. Older children begin to develop understanding of the diversity within society through the resources and themed activities provided by the childminder. For example, she provides dressing up clothes that represent different cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to behave well because the childminder acts as a good role model and she uses praise to endorse good behaviour. She helps young children to say 'please' and 'thank you' to develop good manners. The childminder sets boundaries for behaviour, so that children understand what is expected of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder makes time for conversations with parents when they drop off and collect their children. She uses texts and emails to keep in touch and exchange information. The regular sharing of information promotes continuity of care for the children. Written business agreements are in place, so that all parties are aware of the arrangements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The premises are organised to be welcoming for minded children. The childminder has a positive attitude towards minding. She has completed the initial training course for childminders and is currently taking a level three qualification to develop her knowledge further. The childminder makes sure that children are protected from unsupervised contact with visitors or people who do not have required checks.

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Organisation

Regulatory requirements are met and documentation relating to the safety, health and welfare of the children is in place and clearly maintained. The childminder does not have written policies to underpin her practice or a system for recording evidence of activities undertaken with the children. She displays her certificate of registration prominently for the benefit of parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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Complaints 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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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): • ensure that all areas of the garden are safe for children • develop a range of policies and procedures for parents

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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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