Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360290 Unique Reference Number 13 May 2008 Inspection date Pauline King 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 2007. She lives with her partner and two young children in New Malden, Surrey, within walking distance of shops, a park and school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll who attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor plus one bedroom on the first floor for sleeping are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to drop off and pick up children, plus visits to a local toddler group, and takes children to the park and library.

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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 good. Children are happy and cared for in a clean and well organised home. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, through following the childminder's good hygiene routines. For example, the childminder washes her own and children's hands regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children keep hydrated as they have regular drinks offered to them during the day. The childminder records and discusses with parents the individual dietary requirements for the children. This ensures she has a clear understanding of home cooked meals and additional snacks she can provide for them, such as a good range of fresh fruits.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities in the garden and outings which contributes to their good health. The childminder keeps clear and accurate records. For example, she has obtained written permission from parents to administer medication, which ensures that children's health needs are met and information can be effectively shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play freely around the home. They independently choose activities from a wide range of good quality toys and play materials, some stored on low level shelves in easy reach for children. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder extends children's knowledge through talking and playing with the children, showing them how a train can go along the track.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has effective safety equipment in place. Children's safety is further assured because the childminder has an emergency evacuation plan which is practised with children. However, some safety issues have not been addressed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sound knowledge of child protection issues, knows what to do if she has a concern about a child and all the required procedures and documents to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a copy of local authority guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are occupied and interested in using the wide range of play equipment, and are consistently supported by the childminder, who dedicates her time to playing with them throughout the day. The childminder praises the children continuously, enabling children's self-confidence to develop. They socialise and play well together, learning to share play materials. For example, by taking turns and sharing the music centre. The childminder provides alternative activities for them when they start to lose interest, ensuring children's concentration is maintained. For example, by encouraging and extending imaginary play with a train set.

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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 Children's early learning is very well supported by the childminder, because she continuously talks, listens and explains how things work to children and responds to children's individual skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder records children's progress regularly with photos and daily diaries which are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued because the childminder has clear written objectives which she uses in her practice. For example, working in partnership with parents to find out about family customs and beliefs and supporting children to feel good about themselves. Children learn about differences through a good range of play equipment, books, play people and puzzles that reflect positive images, which are easily accessible in the lounge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and learn to play together very cooperatively because the childminder consistently praises them for their achievements. Children benefit from the good communication which the childminder establishes with parents. For example, their individual progress is regularly discussed. The childminder provides a written daily diary for parents to take home at the end of each day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Appropriate checks for suitability were carried out at registration. The childminder displays her certificate of registration, which reassures parents that she is complying with her conditions. The childminder dedicates her time and attention fully to the children when they are present. Children have access to a good range of play equipment which the childminder makes easily accessible in the lounge.

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Organisation

Children have sufficient space because the indoor and outdoor environment is well organised to make the most of the available space for children's play opportunities and care needs. Children make good progress in their development because the childminder keeps regular written observations of their play and achievements.

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Organisation

Documentation is good, and includes a wide range of written policies and procedures which contributes to children's health, safety and wellbeing.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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 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 locks to cellar plus on toilet door and key in main front door are all made safe or inaccessible to children.

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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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