Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY363165 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2008 Inspection date Joanne Lindsey Caswell Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband and family in a residential area of Tadworth, Surrey. The whole of the home is used for childminding. Children have access to a lounge and kitchen/dining area on the ground floor. A first floor bathroom and bedroom are also used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. Schools, toddler groups, the park and shops are close by. The family has a cat.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently caring for one child who attends on a part-time basis. The childminder is willing to collect children from local schools and regularly attends pre-school groups.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and welfare is promoted well. The childminder has many written policies relating to health provision and is very aware of the importance of protecting children against infection. All necessary precautions are taken to minimise the spread of germs, for example,

p.2

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 all highchair trays, work surfaces and toys are regularly cleaned and sterilised. The childminder ensures that nappy change routines guard against cross-infection. She uses individual nappy change mats for each child and ensures that all mats are thoroughly cleaned after use. In addition, the childminder helps children to learn about the importance of personal care routines. For example, after nappy changing and before eating, she helps children to wash their hands. This enables children to develop awareness of hand washing routines from a young age. All necessary precautions are taken to ensure the family cat poses no health risks to children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to play outside and benefit from fresh air and exercise. This helps to promote children's physical development as they play with wheeled toys and resources for pushing and pulling. As a result, children's health is promoted through regular exercise and active play outside.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

All relevant documentation is in place to support children's health and welfare. The childminder obtains written consent from parents for emergency care routines and ensures that an accurate record is maintained of all accidents and any medication administered.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from well-balanced meals and snacks. The childminder is committed to promoting healthy eating and provides freshly cooked, nourishing meals. There is an appropriate weaning programme in place for younger babies and the childminder is very aware of the importance of meeting children's individual dietary needs. Drinks are provided regularly ensuring that all children remain appropriately hydrated.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder offers a homely and welcoming environment for children. She is very aware of the importance of safety and is able to identify most potential hazards and take necessary precautions. For example, all electrical wires are inaccessible, kitchen cupboards have been made safe and all external doors are secure, preventing children from leaving the home unsupervised. However, glass in the internal doors has not been appropriately protected and this poses a potential risk to children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a very good range of equipment, toys and furniture which supports the developmental needs of children. The childminder regularly checks all resources to ensure they remain safe and toys for older children are kept inaccessible to babies and younger children. This protects children from hazards.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about safety through guidance from the childminder. For example, she talks to older children about emergency evacuation routines and helps children to learn about road safety whilst on outings. This helps to raise children's awareness of hazards and how to protect themselves. The childminder has devised many written policies reflecting her commitment to protecting children. For example, she has devised policies for emergencies, such as an uncollected child and managing accidents. The childminder has made arrangements with another local registered childminder to provide assistance in the event of an emergency. In addition, the childminder explains to parents that they must notify her if another person is collecting their child. To ensure the childminder only releases children to an authorised person, the childminder requests that parents provide a photograph or a password. This ensures children's safety and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 has a very clear understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She has completed appropriate training and has outlined her responsibilities and the procedures she needs to follow in a comprehensive written policy, which she shares with parents. All relevant supporting literature is available, enabling the childminder to take appropriate action if she ever had any concerns about a child's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. They benefit from a homely environment and close interaction and attention from the childminder, who knows the children well and is dedicated to meeting their personal needs. Children talk happily about their favourite activities and what they enjoy playing with. The childminder forms strong, positive relationships with children and they interact with her closely. Children's social and emotional needs are met appropriately.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the importance of providing quality play and learning experiences. She uses informal observations of children to plan for their next steps in learning and development and understands the importance of offering children a wide range of play opportunities. As a result, children enjoy activities such as sensory play with sand, water and dough, cookery, arts and crafts, reading books and stories together, playing games and imaginative play. In addition, the childminder regularly attends toddler groups and takes children on outings to places such as the farm to help broaden their experiences.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of providing for children's care, learning and play needs. There is good provision in place to develop children's interests, confidence and independence. The childminder provides play opportunities and a good range of activities to enable children to explore and develop curiosity. Play materials are easily accessible, helping children to make their own choices and develop independence. Toys are regularly changed to ensure constant stimulation.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are clearly valued as individuals. The childminder has a strong commitment to promoting equality and providing anti-discriminatory practice in all areas of her minding. There is a good range of play materials and resources which clearly reflect positive images of diversity and the modern world. As a result, children learn to celebrate differences and respect the needs of others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder helps children to feel good about themselves. She is dedicated to listening to children attentively, respecting what they say and helping to build their confidence and self-esteem. Children's individual routines are implemented as the childminder works closely with parents and is keen to provide security and consistency for children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

There is good provision in place for the childminder to support children's individual needs. She is willing to support all children and offers an inclusive environment. A detailed written policy reflects the childminder's commitment and willingness to adapt her routine to meet all children's personal care needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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 develop a clear understanding of acceptable behaviour. The childminder offers positive strategies and is keen to help children understand right from wrong. She gives clear explanations about why some behaviour is unacceptable and is keen to promote a positive environment. For example, children enjoy close interaction with the childminder and she gives high levels of praise and encouragement. As a result, there is a very positive and happy atmosphere, in which positive behaviour and action is rewarded. The childminder provides a positive role model. Simple 'house rules', such as taking shoes off indoors, not jumping on furniture and taking care of toys help children to take responsibility for their own behaviour and recognise appropriate boundaries.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is dedicated to working closely with parents. She has prepared extensive written information outlining her childminding policies and procedures which gives a comprehensive overview of her regulatory responsibilities. All children's care routines are discussed and formally agreed with parents and all appropriate written consents are in place. The childminder gives daily feedback to parents and ensures that all necessary information is exchanged. Children benefit because the strong links which are established between home and the childminder provide consistency in routines.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder offers a professional and very well-organised childminding service. She takes her responsibilities very seriously and is conscientious about meeting children's personal needs. The childminder has a very good understanding of the National Standards and this is reflected in the extensive written policies she has devised.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder is proactive in keeping her knowledge and skills up-to-date. She regularly networks with other childminders and attends appropriate support groups. She has a positive attitude towards undertaking further training and is keen to keep abreast of changing developments in early years practice.

p.5

Organisation

Carefully planned daily routines ensure the childminder provides high standards of care and sufficient time is planned for sleep, mealtimes, outings and collection from school. This enables children to benefit from consistent routines which provide interesting and varied play activities.

p.5

Organisation

The required documentation is in place and is stored confidentially. Most records are maintained appropriately. However, the attendance record includes children's contracted hours and not their actual attendance times. As a result, this information is not accurate. Accident and medication records, a complaints procedure, children's records and contracts are all in place and have been signed appropriately.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: this is the first inspection since registration.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted which required the provider, or Ofsted, to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.5

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 The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents which they can see on request. The complaints record may complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 all low level glass is made safe • ensure the attendance record is maintained appropriately at all times

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6