Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362636 Unique Reference Number 18 April 2008 Inspection date Ann Moss 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 children aged four years and 13 months in the village of Ashtead, Surrey. All areas of the house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight and is currently minding one child over five and one child over eight, both of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park and library. The family have a pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean home, where good hygiene procedures minimise the potential for cross infection. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through discussion, and are reminded to follow hand washing routines through pictorial labels and well displayed photographs so that children can reflect on what they do. An appropriate sick child policy

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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 ensures that children who are unwell do not present a source of infection to others. The childminder maintains an up to date first aid qualification and there are clear systems in place for obtaining parental consents, recording accidents and the administration of medicine. This promotes children well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children remain well nourished and kept hydrated as the childminder understands their dietary requirements and works in partnership with parents to ensure these are met. Children learn about healthy eating options as the childminder talks about different food groups and involves them in activities such as food preparation. Mealtimes are social occasions and children eat very well. They display good social skills, talking confidentially between themselves and say 'please' and 'thank you' when asked if they would like more. Fresh drinking water is freely accessible at all times and children know they ask, if needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is very well supported indoors and outdoors. Indoors they move around freely and show good co-ordination, skills and control as they climb stairs, paint and manipulate small objects. The childminder takes children to the park such as Horton Park, Wisley Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) where children can access a range of large equipment, climb, run, jump and enjoy the benefit that fresh air and exercise has on their body.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children gain a sense of belonging as the childminder makes her home welcoming by displaying information, art work, toys and equipment for parent/carers and children to see. Children play safely because the childminder clearly understands her responsibility to keep them safe. She has a comprehensive written risk assessment in place, which effectively identifies any potential risks and the steps taken to make them safe. For example, children are protected from less secure areas such as external drains through the protective covers in place. As a result, children can move around indoors and outdoors freely and safely, increasing independence. The procedure for evacuation is displayed in the hall and practised with the children, so they understand what to do. Children learn to keep themselves safe. They are taught about stranger danger and road safety when on outing, and the childminder makes sure that the venues are safe and suitable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She gives a high priority to children's safety at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She knows the possible signs for concern and the procedures to be followed. She has contact numbers in case of need, and has informed parents of her responsibilities. This helps to promote the welfare of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children respond positively to the childminder's calm and patient manner. They approach her confidently, share their thoughts and feelings and ask for help, if needed, indicating that a warm and trusting relationship has been developed. The childminder observes children in their play and recognises their interests. She uses this information to plan and provide meaningful play opportunities that cover all areas of development. For example, some children enjoy being creative so the childminder provides a wide range of activities to support their individual creativity such as art and craft, sewing and cooking. Children know their efforts are valued because they can choose to take their work home or keep it in a scrap book to take home at a later date. The childminder uses daily opportunities to talk to the children about the colour,

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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 shape, number, letters and sounds, for example, 'do you reminder you climbed the tree at 'W'. Children concentrate well on their play, they share ideas and explain what they are going to do next. They gain a sense of achievement when they have completed their chosen tasks and acknowledge the achievements of others. Children have many opportunities to develop their social skills through socialising with their peers, visiting friends and attractions such as the Polka Theatre. They adapt well in new situations such as when the 'inspector' visits.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is proactive to inclusion and ensure all children have their individual needs met well as she works closely with parents to ensure their continuity of care between home and childminder. She encourages children to talk about their home life and experiences, raising their awareness of similarities and differences, and plans opportunities for children to enjoy first hand experiences such as exploring a Chinese pagoda and associated exhibits. The childminder has a range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity, however, these do not include disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The atmosphere in the childminder's home promotes good behaviour. This is because children have plenty of interesting activities, are praised for behaving well and are treated with respect. Children learn about rules and boundaries, and they are distracted from any unwanted behaviour. The childminder plans group activities such as painting so that children learn that sharing and taking turns builds relationships, enjoyment and fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are well informed about the childminder's provision. She makes time for daily conversation and uses a daily diary for all children to exchange additional information. The childminder provides parents with a wealth of information that directs her practice, although her complaints procedure lacks some necessary detail. A positive relationship is fostered, and the sharing of information ensures they are fully consulted and involved in the care children receive during the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children take pleasure from the homely environment. They receive good support from the childminder who knows them well, enjoys their company helping them to feel safe, secure and at ease. The childminder is well organised and has a professional approach towards minding. She keeps up to date with current practice through on going training and plans a range of worthwhile activities for the children in her care. She makes her home safe and welcoming to children and provides written policies and procedures for parents.

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Organisation

Regulatory requirements are met and documentation relating to the safety, health and welfare of children is in place, well maintained and stored to ensure confidentiality. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provide 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 then 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): • further develop the complaint policy with particular reference to the regulators address • ensure toys and resources reflect positive images of disability.

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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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