Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY294453 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Tonia Chilcott 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 husband and two children both aged under eight years, in Guildford in Surrey. All areas of the childminder’s house is registered for childminding, although this usually occurs on the ground floor.

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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 caring for three children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park. The family has a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Effective procedures are in place and practised by the childminder, to ensure that children are mostly protected from the spread of illness and infection. For instance, whilst washing hands and faces, children access individual towels and flannels. Children learn to wash their hands before eating and preparing meals with the childminder; however, nappy changing procedures

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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 do not fully protect children from the risk of contamination. Written procedures, to protect children from illness infection, are well thought out and understood by the childminder, who ensures that parents are also fully aware of the procedures. Children enjoy a good range of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, all of which are prepared taking into account the individual dietary requirements of each child. Children are given some choices as to the contents of their sandwiches, and enjoy helping the childminder to prepare snacks for all children. Children take part in a range of activities which promote their physical development such as regular outside play.

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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 that remains fully secure at all times. Examples of children’s art work and photos of past activities are displayed on the wall and ensure that children feel valued. Children freely make choices from the good range of toys and materials that are easily accessible to them and presented well. The childminder's effective procedures to maintain and clean toys and materials, ensure that children only access resources that are safe, clean and appropriate for their needs. Children's safety is promoted by the childminder who has a good understanding of safety procedures. For instance, the childminder spends time talking to the children about how to leave the home safely in an emergency. Children are protected by the childminder who has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled within the care of the childminder. Children of all ages are confident and settled and happily engage in activities throughout the day. Children's individual daily routines are supported and acknowledged, through the childminder's understanding of their individual needs and when children need to sleep for instance. Children thoroughly enjoy musical activities. They sit with the childminder, singing along to the music being played, whilst looking at the corresponding book and playing their instruments. Children continue to sing along to the music throughout the morning. Children confidently choose to complete simple puzzles and talk to the childminder about the completed picture once they have finished. Children access a range of art and craft activities and proudly show their finished painting whilst it is drying.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children access a suitable range of toys, materials and activities that enable them to learn about the wider world. For instance, children access craft activities that allow them to learn about the cultures and beliefs of others, for instance, Chinese New Year. The childminder shows a positive attitude towards inclusion and would work closely with parents to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children behave well in response to praise and encouragement from the childminder, who works closely with parents to ensure that a consistent approach to behaviour management is maintained. Parents are provided with comprehensive written information relating to the routines and practices of the childminder, ensuring that they remain fully informed. Children's needs are well met by the childminder's procedures to

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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 share information with parents on a regular basis. Diaries are completed on a daily basis and are used to share written information about the child’s day with the parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the well thought out and planned environment. Indoor space is used very well, allowing children room to play comfortably and freely in defined areas, whilst being supervised at all times. For instance, children undertake messy play activities within the dining room and quieter activities in the living room. The childminder has a range of thorough and well written policies and procedures that are used to effectively promote the welfare and development of all children, all of which are shared with parents. All required documentation is in place and used effectively to promote children's welfare, however, the records of children’s attendance does not provide wholly accurate details of times of arrival and departure of children. 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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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 that the register of children's attendance accurately records the actual times of children's arrival and departure and is completed promptly as children attend • further improve nappy changing procedures to ensure children are fully protected from the spread of infection, with particular regard to the use of gloves.

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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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