Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276332 Unique Reference Number 08 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 outstanding. 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 husband and two children in Hersham, Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Bedrooms are available on the first floor for sleeping children. The family have one pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding five, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park. The childminder is a member of the Surrey Childminding Network.

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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 outstanding. The childminder's excellent hygiene practice and proactive approach effectively limit cross infection and promote children's good health. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene and self-care skills through well-organised routines and explanations. For example, the childminder explains that washing gets rid of germs to the young child, to develop understanding. She encourages parents to provide children with toothbrushes, so that children can learn to clean their teeth after meals. Sick children are excluded for the appropriate amount of time because the childminder refers to guidance from the department of health. She is aware of any circulating childhood illnesses and warns parents, so that together they can watch for symptoms.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder anticipates the potential need for non-prescriptive medications and has prior consent to administer pain relief to children, if needed. She has current training in paediatric first aid and she has obtained written parental consent for emergency treatment. This makes sure that the childminder can offer effective care in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with nutritious snacks and home cooked meals. They enjoy helping to prepare fruit at snack time. All meals and snack contain fresh fruit and vegetables, so that children develop healthy eating habits from an early age. The childminder documents all food given to children and uses this as a valuable reference tool to observe any developing allergies. Children help themselves to a drink whenever they are thirsty and the childminder encourages them to drink plenty, so that they remain well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise because the childminder walks to and from school every day and visits the local park. Young children learn to control their own bodies, gaining physical skills appropriate to their stage of development. For example, babies are encouraged to pull themselves up to standing. The childminder ensures that young children's routines include a balance of active and restful times, which contributes to their physical wellbeing. Young children's emotional wellbeing is promoted very well by the exceptionally warm, trusting relationships that develop with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The premises are child-orientated and offer an especially interesting and welcoming environment. Young children have opportunities to sleep in bedrooms on the first floor, where they can rest undisturbed. Children have easy and safe access to an excellent range of interesting toys and resources appropriate for their age. Toys and equipment are in very good condition and stored to enable children to help themselves safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder undertakes a thorough risk assessment of her home to ensure that children are safe. She seeks guidance about fire safety in the home from the local fire safety officer, to ensure she is well informed. Regular fire drills help children become familiar with the procedures, so they learn how to leave the premises quickly and safely. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring that children are safe on outings and provides them with distinctive baseball caps, so that they are easily visible for her to see. The considered, proactive approach ensures that all children are safely cared for at all times. Children develop an awareness of safety for themselves in the

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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 context of their play through skilful interaction with the childminder. For example, during role-play with the play kitchen equipment the childminder warns a child to be careful of the hot oven and sharp knife.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder because she has a thorough understanding of safeguarding children procedures. The childminder's responsibilities regarding child protection are shared with parents, which ensures their understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder builds close relationships with the children through her skilful interactions and loving support. The positive relationships help children feel secure and develop confidence to become independent and try new challenges. Children have excellent opportunities to develop independence and make choices because toys and activities are easily accessible. Children become engrossed and enjoy their play because the toys are interesting and they spend time investigating and concentrating. The childminder balances her time carefully with children, to ensure they have time to play and learn independently.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to care for young children and stimulate their learning. She encourages them to be imaginative in their role-play and provides resources and support to enhance the activities. For example, she puts water into the toy teapot so that the child can pour a real drink for teddy and pretends to be a customer at the hairdressers. The child giggles with delight when the childminder decides that teddy is tired and puts him to sleep on the sofa. The childminder is skilled at promoting learning within a play activity, to support the children's development and interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder records observations of young children's abilities and uses these effectively to plan and provide a range of worthwhile play and learning experiences. All ages of children cared for benefit from the rich and stimulating range of activities provided inside and outside the childminder's home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish because the childminder has an excellent knowledge of their individual needs. She uses this information to provide care that is extremely well suited to each child. Children learn about the diversity within society through everyday resources and themed activities. The stimulating environment keeps children busy and purposefully occupied and prevents inappropriate behaviour from developing. The childminder recognises the importance of providing a caring atmosphere and routine and has realistic expectations of behaviour. She takes every opportunity to encourage and praise children, so that they feel good about themselves and their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a detailed brochure for parents so that they are fully informed about her routines and policies. She uses daily diaries for younger children and makes time for conversations with parents when they drop off and collect their children. She seeks parents' views about her provision through feedback forms and has a procedure in place for any complaints. Written business agreements ensure that all parties understand the arrangements. The partnership with parents is fostered very effectively and the consistent two-way flow of information successfully promotes continuity of care for the children.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. All aspects of the setting are exceptionally well organised. All required checks on household members are in place, indicating their suitability. The presentation of resources within the playroom enhances children's care and learning and supports their free choice. The environment is welcoming and homely. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities and a proactive approach to childminding. She values her professional development and regularly attends training to refresh her knowledge and skills.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place and accurately maintained. The written policies effectively underpin the childminder's practice. Regulatory requirements are met and the childminder displays her certificate of registration prominently for the benefit of parents. 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 previous inspection, Ofsted requested that the childminder should make sure that low-level glass panels are safe or inaccessible. These panels are now covered with safety film, which improves the standard of care for children.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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