Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355572 Unique Reference Number 11 August 2008 Inspection date Patricia Jane Daniels 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 husband and two school aged children in West Molesey, Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. There are bedrooms available for sleeping children, if required.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding two, who attend part and full time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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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 cared for in a clean home, where good hygiene practice prevents cross infection. For example, children are provided with individual towels and they learn to wash their hands before eating. Sick children are excluded to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. The childminder has current training in paediatric first aid and written parental consent to seek emergency treatment for children. This ensures that they have appropriate care if there is an accident. Some parental consent is not sufficiently specific about the type of medication to be administered for pain or fever relief.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a nutritious, well balanced menu of home cooked meals and healthy snacks. The childminder makes sure that young children have plenty to drink during the day, to keep them well hydrated. Children have daily opportunities to play outdoors in the garden or park, to benefit from fresh air and exercise. They practise their developing physical skills on the climbing frame in the childminder's garden, and sometimes visit indoor soft play venues. The childminder ensures that young children have sufficient periods of rest and sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. A very welcoming environment is created, with a large display of interesting toys stored and presented for children's selection in the lounge. The childminder selects toys carefully, to ensure that they are safe and suitable for the ages of children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has undertaken a thorough risk assessment of her home and has taken steps to minimise any hazards. The premises are secure and stair gates are positioned to prevent children's access to the stairs and study. Corner and finger guards are positioned to protect children. Children are beginning to develop an awareness of safety for themselves through simple explanations from the childminder.

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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 and she ensures that parents are informed of her responsibilities. This supports the children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder is fully involved with the child at all times. She skilfully uses the learning opportunities presented within the activities to enhance the child's experiences. For example, she reads the 'Very Hungry Caterpillar' story and leaves gaps in the sentences, to encourage the child to contribute. She helps the child to count and identify the fruit and vegetables and to name the colours. Later, she provides a craft activity that is linked to the story and the child enjoys making a caterpillar and butterfly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Interaction between the child and the childminder is excellent. The child snuggles onto her lap for a story, and there is a close and loving relationship between them. The child loves to feed a glove puppet character with play food and then goes on to pretend to cook some food. The child enjoys investigating the excellent range of toys and is involved and interested throughout.

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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 The childminder provides a stimulating range of activities within her home. She provides outings to toddler groups and within the local environment, so that children begin to socialise and learn about the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder asks parents to provide detailed information about their children, to include their routines and any special comforters. This ensures that appropriate care is provided from the start, which particularly enables younger children to settle and develop a sense of belonging. Children learn about society's diversity through resources such as books and small world toys. The childminder teaches children to speak some words in French.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's behaviour positively and consistently. She recognises that children's behaviour is affected by their stages of development, and uses appropriate strategies accordingly. Children learn to be gentle and to understand the house rules.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive a daily diary that records useful information, such as the activities their children have undertaken and what they have eaten. The childminder makes time for daily conversations with parents when they drop off and collect their children. They receive a copy of the childminder's policies, so that they are fully informed of procedures. The regular exchange of information promotes a positive relationship and enhances continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed the initial training programme and has attended further training to update her knowledge of current childcare practice. All required checks are in place, to ensure the suitability of people within the household.

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Organisation

The childminder is well organised and she provides a safe and secure environment for children to play and learn. She has developed an excellent range of policies and procedures to underpin her practice. She displays her certificate of registration prominently, for the benefit of parents. All required documentation is in place, and well maintained. Regulatory requirements are met and the childminder meets the needs of the 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 that written parental consent to administer medication states named medicines

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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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