Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360276 Unique Reference Number 23 July 2008 Inspection date Sarah Morfett 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 one child aged four in Oxted, Surrey. The whole of the childminder’s house is 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding two children part time. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean, tidy and comfortable home. Thorough cleaning routines are followed to ensure that the very young children have a safe and hygienic floor space to move about on. The childminder ensures all surfaces are wiped with anti-bacterial spray and effective nappy changing routines ensure that the risk of cross infection is reduced. Children learn about personal

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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 hygiene as they independently follow the good routines and are supported by a range of suitable resources, such as their own hand towel.

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Helping children to be healthy

Systems in place to record accidents are good. Appropriate details are noted and parents sign to acknowledge them. Medication procedures are thorough and written permission is obtained to administer any medicine they may need. The childminder has a clear policy about caring for sick children, which ensures that they are fully protected from the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children follow an active lifestyle with the childminder. For example, they play in her well equipped garden with a range of toys which challenge them physically, go to the local park and enjoy walks within the local area. Therefore, they receive regular exercise. Children are offered a healthy balanced diet. The childminder cooks a good range of meals over the week, which includes lots of fruit and vegetables. Snacks are healthy and the very young children's needs are considered well as the childminder liaises with their parents to meet their needs. Fresh drinking water is always available. Therefore, children benefit from a healthy diet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment, which is bright and airy. They move around easily and have access to a wide range of toys, resources and a secure outside play area. Appropriate risk assessments are carried out each day to minimise all hazards inside and out. Toys and equipment are in good condition and safe for the ages of the children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has developed a pictorial fire plan which the children are able to understand and they practise this regularly. However, fire safety is not fully developed as the fire blanket is not fixed securely and there is no smoke alarm on the ground floor. Therefore, these systems do not effectively protect children in an emergency. Children learn about their own safety when they are out. For example, as they walk to the park they learn about road safety, knowing they have to look both ways before they cross the road. Therefore, they begin to understand how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and follows suitable procedure, for example, recording existing injuries. However, she is a little unsure of the local safeguarding procedures. She has developed a policy informing parents of her duty of care towards the children she looks after. Therefore, they are suitably safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the childminders care. They thoroughly enjoy the activities provided and begin to learn through play. There is a very wide range of toys and resources, which the children can easily help themselves to. The childminder makes the very young children comfortable on a blanket on the floor with bright and exciting toys around them so they can make choices about what they play with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from good interaction with the childminder. She chats away as they play, naming the toys and animals the baby shows interest in. She responds well to the baby’s non-verbal gestures and babbling, therefore, she acknowledges their efforts at finding a voice.

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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 Good relationships are developed, when the baby wakes from a sleep the childminder cuddles and tickles the little one, who responds by smiling and giggling with delight.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder involves the children when planning activities. She asks them what they would like to do and develops a range of experiences for them promoting their interests. Through discussion she demonstrates a good understanding of child development and extends the activities for the children to promote their learning and development. Therefore, children make good progress in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for as individuals and treated with equal concern, because the childminder records relevant details about each child before they start. She gets to know the children and parents through settling-in visits and works closely with the parents to ensure she is meeting their children’s needs. There is a suitable range of resources which reflect positive images of diversity. For example, books, dolls and play people reflect other cultures and religions. The childminder utilises the programmes on television to help promote children understanding of other peoples differences. The childminder has a positive attitude to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Therefore, children gain a wider view of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from clear boundaries. House rules, such as, no running inside, being kind to each other and having good manners help them to understand what is expected from them. Younger children have rules positively reinforced as the childminder says a firm 'no' if they are doing something dangerous. Therefore, they begin to learn right from wrong. Parents are kept well informed of their children's progress as the childminder takes time to chat to them at the end of each day. Firm written agreements are made through the well developed contract and child information forms that she has devised and regularly updates. Therefore, parents receive consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment. Space is utilised effectively and gives them freedom to move around with confidence. Well planned activities contribute to valuable experiences for children. The childminder has attended the Introducing Childminding Practice course and holds a current first aid certificate. She has a positive attitude to developing herself through reading and accessing relevant websites. All adults in the home are suitably vetted and good procedures are followed to protect children from those who are not checked.

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Organisation

All policies, procedures and documentation are maintained to a very good standard; for example, the registration certificate is displayed and the record of attendance is completed daily, noting arrival and departure times. The childminder clearly understands her responsibility to investigate any complaints made under the National Standards and provides parents with a procedure to follow. All regulations are met. Overall, 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 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): • improve fire safety within the home • update knowledge and understanding of the local safeguarding procedures

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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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