Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY282835 Unique Reference Number 28 January 2008 Inspection date Jacqueline Munden 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 their two children in Surbiton, Surrey.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All areas of the childminder’s home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 four children on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging regular physical exercise and fresh air as they have daily walks to and from school and regularly use the garden. Children benefit

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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 from the wide range of play equipment that promotes physical development including wheeled toys and balls.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is promoted by the childminder who has a generally good understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. Children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and have individual bedding. However, children share towels to dry their hands which does not fully prevent the risk of cross infection. Children's health records are suitably maintained. The childminder is well-prepared to respond to emergencies as she has updated her training in first aid and has obtained parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment. Children's dietary needs are met as they enjoy the healthy and nutritious meals and snacks the childminder provides.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have ample space to play and move around safely and can reach the toilet independently. Children freely access a wide range of play equipment and books, all of which are clean, safe, in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder promotes children's safety well. For example, cleaning materials are inaccessible and sleeping children are checked regularly. Children learn about keeping themselves safe when they get in and out of the car and walk to school. Fire safety is well promoted as a fire blanket is available, smoke detectors are fitted throughout the house and children practise the emergency evacuation procedure although this is not recorded. The childminder has appropriate parental consent in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded, such as permission to take children out. She recognises her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm; has attended training, and has a child protection policy which is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home, and happily explore the activities on offer. Their daily routines are maintained well and considered at all times. Children relate well to the childminder who offers a nurturing environment. Young children reach for a cuddle and comfort. The childminder is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework. Children benefit from the wide range of resources provided that meet their interests and developmental needs. Her verbal intervention ensures that young children become skilful communicators. They are becoming confident speakers that are happy to talk to peers and adults. Children are introduced to numbers and counting as the childminder counts grapes she puts on their plates. Children enjoy drawing and using dough. The childminder enjoys being with children and spends her time supporting them well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and play a full part in their day because the childminder respects each child's individuality. The childminder has a positive attitude to supporting children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Children learn to consider others as they are encouraged to share toys. Children have some opportunities to learn about other cultures as they play with dolls

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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 and role play resources. However, there are few resources to promote positive images of gender and those with disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder knows the children well and ensures their needs are met. Children develop independence and confidence as they are encouraged to peel their own fruit and put their coats on and off themselves. They respond well to the childminder's calm and consistent approach to behaviour management and her continual praise and encouragement. Children learn to share, take turns with toys and say thank you when given something.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. Effective communication takes place between the childminder and parents; they work together to meet the children's individual needs. This includes regular discussions upon collection and a daily diary for babies. Parents report they are happy, find the childminder approachable and their children enjoy the meals she provides. Parents are provided with a good range of information, written and verbal, to support the care of children. They are informed of how to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good knowledge of the National Standards and child development and keeps up to date with current regulation and guidance. She is committed to improving her skills as she attends training including that for child protection, behaviour management and creative play. A wide range of documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and shared with parents.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the welcoming environment which allows children to move around and select play materials independently. Children get a wide range of play experiences and are well stimulated. 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 last care inspection a recommendation was made to request written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for existing children, and at the time of any new placements. The childminder is able to respond to medical emergencies appropriately as she obtains the necessary parental consent for each child.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last visit, actions were set to ensure the garden is made safe and suitable for children's play and to ensure all first floor windows are made safe and secure. New windows have been fitted that have restrictors fitted to prevent them opening fully. Therefore children are not at risk. Children can play safely in the garden as it is secure and the pond has been filled in, so no longer poses a risk. The surface of the garden is uneven in places but the childminder supervises closely to ensure they are safe.

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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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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 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): • improve hand drying procedures to prevent cross infection • increase the range of resources that promote positive images of diversity.

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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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