Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358689 Unique Reference Number 29 April 2008 Inspection date Amanda May 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. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, and their two children aged eight and nine in a house in Addlestone, Surrey. The whole of the premises are suitable for childminding but most childminding activities take place in the downstairs area of the home. 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 five children when working alone and a maximum of six children when working with another childminder. There are currently five children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups on a regular basis. The family have a cat, rabbit and some fish as pets.

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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. The childminder follows effective procedures to protect children from illness and infection. Children take responsibility for their own self-care as they access the toilet facilities independently where possible and use a small step to reach up to the sink to wash their hands. Children use individual coloured towels to dry their hands on, ensuring that the spread of illness and infection is minimised. Babies and toddlers are also well supported through vigorous nappy changing routines. The childminder wears gloves as he changes children's nappies, talking to children as he does so.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about good health through a ready access to drinks and nutritious foods which take account of known allergies. Meals are provided for children depending on their needs and hours of attendance. Children enjoy fresh home-cooked hot meals such as chicken with vegetables and spaghetti bolognaise. Suitable facilities are in place to ensure that lunches which are brought in from home are stored appropriately in the fridge to keep them cool and fresh. Children develop their social skills as they eat meals together at the table whilst babies are fed their bottles whilst being cradled in the childminder's arms. This helps children to feel secure and relaxed as they feed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Through thorough and on-going risk assessments the childminder ensures children remain safe, secure and happy whilst they are in his care. Effective procedures are in place to ensure that children understand some safety issues as they are reminded during play about being safe and taking care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The setting is safe and secure and contains many toys and resources that suit the different age groups of children who attend. Children are encouraged to develop their awareness of how they can keep safe in an emergency as they practise fire drills with the childminder every month. Records of these are well maintained and include the details of which children were involved in the practise. The childminder demonstrates a clear awareness of potential risks and ensures that all relevant equipment, such as smoke alarms and the carbon monoxide detector, are tested monthly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through the childminder's understanding of issues surrounding safeguarding children. As he works with a co-minder, procedures are in place to ensure information and concerns are appropriately shared and relevant documentation is in place for the childminder to refer to for further support and advice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a varied range of activities which contribute very well to their development both inside and outside the home. Children choose from a wide range of resources and toys which are stored accessibly. The childminder ensures that toys suitable for babies and toddlers are stored within their reach, whilst toys for older children are stored higher to allow older children to access these whilst keeping younger children safe.

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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 are focussed in their activities and play very well together as they investigate the treasury basket which is provided for them. Children enjoy investigating the household objects and peer into a CD as the childminder encourages them to see their own reflection. The childminder demonstrates some awareness of children's stages of development, however, this could be further developed to ensure children are effectively supported and challenged in line with the 'Birth to three matters framework'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Relationships within the setting are close. The childminder spends time talking and playing with the children and actively encourages them in their play. Children are provided with a range of play opportunities which include visits to local parks, farms and soft play areas. Children also enjoy different craft activities and making music with their friends.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder develops good relationships with parents and children's individual needs are met through sharing information via daily journals. The childminder has a selection of relevant signed consent forms in place from parents to ensure that they are fully aware of different aspects of care the childminder provides. Children benefit from settling in visits when they first attend the setting, allowing them to feel secure and build their confidence before attending the setting permanently. Parents are provided with copies of the childminder's written policies and procedures providing them with a clear understanding of the levels of care and service they can expect from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well supported in their individual needs. The childminder spends time discussing with parents about children's experiences and seeks information about their routines from home. The childminder does not currently care for any children with learning difficulties and disabilities, although actively supports children in their individual struggles. The childminder is aware that some children may develop learning difficulties and disabilities and knows to support these through sharing information with parents and adapting activities to provide challenge and stimulate interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour at the setting is good. Children play together very well and are encouraged to share resources with their friends. The childminder resolves disputes between children quickly as he distracts children with other play opportunities. Children are all respected for their differences and the childminder knows the children very well. They are encouraged to develop their awareness of difference as they play with resources such as puzzles, books and small world toys which depict people from different cultures and with different needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises space very well and children have access to a large play area where they can select their own toys and draw on a low level white board. As the childminder works with a co-minder he is very aware of the shared policies in place and works closely with his wife to ensure children are well supported and benefit from the care which is jointly provided.

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Organisation

Contracts for children are in place and these are reviewed annually to ensure the service is evaluated and amended where required. The childminder visits local toddler groups and childminder drop-in centres where he develops links with other childminders, allowing him to

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 seek advice and share best practice. Simultaneously, children develop their confidence as they meet new friends and enjoy investigating the new activities on offer.

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Organisation

The childminder has very thorough written policies in place which are shared effectively with parents. A complaints procedure is in place which explains to parents how he would address any concerns about the service he provides. However, this does not currently include information about how parents can view a log of previous complaints on request. Details of children's personal information is well organised in order to ensure it is kept secure and that confidentiality is maintained at all times. As a result, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom he provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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): • develop complaints policy to make clear to parents how they can access the setting's complaints log on request • develop methods for observing and evaluating children's progress in order for them to be supported in their next stage of learning and development.

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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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