Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288643 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 Inspection date Michele, Karen Beasley 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 school aged children in a house on the outskirts of the village of Claygate in Surrey. Most of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is access to a fully enclosed rear grassed garden for outside play. The family has a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding eight children under eight years on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder implements good health and hygiene policies and procedures to promote their hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. For example, she washes the children's hands before and after changing children’s nappies and disinfects the changing mat after use. Younger children are able to sleep and rest according to their

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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 needs. Written information is obtained from parents regarding children's medical history, allergies and special dietary requirements ensuring their individual needs are fully met. The childminder records accidents appropriately. However, the administration of medication needs to be recorded in more detail.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a nutritious diet because the childminder has a clear understanding of healthy eating. She provides a wide range of nutritional planned light meals such as baked beans on toast with a cheese topping and fruit or yogurt for dessert. The childminder has devised a two week menu. She works closely with parents to ensure the children's individual needs are being met and the parents wishes are being respected at all times. When offering the younger children drinks, the childminder gently reminds them to say 'please' and 'thank you', encouraging them to use their manners and be polite throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy opportunities to play in the childminder’s garden using a range of challenging apparatus such as a slide and trampoline. This helps to develop children’s co-ordination and their understanding of spatial awareness. Children benefit from regular trips to the local parks, the library and a mother and toddler group where they increase their confidence by meeting other children and adults.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are extremely well cared for in a safe and secure environment because the childminder is vigilant, implementing safety checks and risk assessments on a daily basis, and giving high priority to ensure their safety at all times. For example, socket covers and locks on low level cupboards are in place to ensure children's safety. There are good arrangements for the supervision and safety of children such as checking them frequently while they are asleep. Children feel very settled due to the levels of support and supervision provided by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from moving freely and safely within the childminder’s home. They freely access a vast array of highly suitable and safe play materials and resources, developing their independence and encouraging them to make their own choices about their play. Children are well protected and their safety is promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of her role with regard to child protection. She ensures her written policies and procedures are implemented effectively in practice. These include arrangements for the collection of children and emergency cover. The childminder and has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures and how to follow these where concerns are raised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content. The childminder interacts with the children well, talking to them all the time, making eye contact and checking on them if she is out of sight for short periods of time. Toddlers enjoy experimenting and exploring toys, such as pots and pans on the play cooker and pushing a pushchair around as an aid to help them walk. The childminder praises and encourages the children at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental needs. She participates fully during activities, encouraging children to join in. Children have many opportunities to develop a good range of skills such as making trinket boxes for Mother's day. They progress

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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 well in all areas in a stimulating, exciting and interesting environment. Children benefit from the childminder's support. She is affectionate and consistent as she organises the routines to ensure all children have the opportunity for group activities such as sharing a story with the childminder and making Magic Maize collage pictures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and self-assured in the childminder's care. They show a real sense of security and belonging and are confident and valued by the childminder. Older children thrive as they initiate their own learning such as choosing what they wish to play with from labelled storage boxes and washing their hands. Their behaviour is good as the childminder praises and promotes their self esteem at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's interaction with children is good and she has a good knowledge of their individual needs, likes and interests, enabling each child to reach their full potential whilst in her care. Presently there is a minded children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Through discussion the childminder was able to demonstrate a clear understanding of her responsibilities. She would be happy to liaise with other agencies and would always work closely with the parents to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children benefit from the good working relationships between the childminder and their parents. Positive links are in place between home and the setting, for example, through the implementation of daily diary's and informal discussions at the beginning and end of the day. Parents are well informed about the childminder’s service through the childminder's detailed portfolio. This includes training certificates and written policies and procedures about the service the childminder provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children thrive in the setting and receive good quality care because the childminder is well organised and plans her day accordingly to ensure she meets the needs of all children attending. She has a well thought out routine, and adapts this to incorporate those of younger and older children, helping to establish secure relationships and a sense of belonging. Children benefit from the enthusiasm of the childminder. The childminder ensures children receive maximum benefits from their time in her care. Parents are kept well informed about the service provided by regular verbal and clear written communication. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has attended a Child Protection course to up date her knowledge and understanding in this area. The childminder was also asked to ensure a fire blanket is positioned in accordance with Fire Safety recommendations. A fire safety blanket has been made accessible in the kitchen area. This ensures the children's well-being and safety. The childminder was asked to revise child detail forms to include the religion, culture and first language spoken at home. Child record forms have been up-dated to ensure relevant details are recorded.

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Improvements 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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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 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 medication forms are recorded in sufficent detail

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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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