Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY366968 Unique Reference Number 15 May 2008 Inspection date Sue Boylan 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 satisfactory. 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 2008. She lives with her husband and five children, aged 15, 12, 11, 6 years and 21 months, in the borough of Reigate and Banstead. The whole of the ground floor (except the dining room), three bedrooms and the school/loft room are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder takes the children to the park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for two children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part-time basis. She is able to provide overnight care. The family has two pet guinea pigs in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The environment is clean and warm. Children have appropriate opportunities to lead a healthy lifestyle because they have some time, weather permitting, to be outside in the fresh air, for example, playing in the garden and going to the park. There are procedures in place so children

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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 are not at risk from cross contamination, for example, they have their own individual colour coded flannels, towels, bed linen and changing mats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has completed a first aid course and so is able to treat children quickly. Parents have not provided written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, which means their wishes are not known. The first aid box is fully stocked and the required records in relation to medication and accidents are maintained, which means children's health is protected. Children are beginning to understand the importance of personal hygiene, with the use of wipes and antibacterial gel for cleaning their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop an understanding of healthy eating. For example, the childminder makes her own bread from freshly ground wheat and offers home-made yogurt. All food is freshly prepared, such as lamb casserole with sweet potato for lunch. The childminder willingly provides all organic food for babies and mostly organic food for older children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies' individual feeding and sleeping routines are maintained at all times; this provides continuity of care and contributes to their health and well-being. The childminder responds appropriately when babies express their needs, for example, rubbing their eyes when ready for a nap.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a home which is safe and secure. They are familiar with the environment and have access to a range of good quality toys and resources that are suitable for the ages of the children attending. The childminder gives high priority to ensuring children are well supervised. Suitable safety precautions are in place and appropriate security makes sure children are unable to leave the premises without a known adult. However, parents have not provided written consent to allow their children to be transported in the car or taken on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is maintained because sleeping babies are checked regularly. There are satisfactory fire safety precautions in place, for example, the smoke alarms are linked to the mains electricity and an extinguisher is located in the loft room. However, the childminder has not practised the emergency escape plan with the children. Children's welfare is safeguarded because of the childminder's knowledge and experience of child protection. She knows who to contact if there are any concerns or suspicions a child is being abused or neglected. The local guidance is available for reference.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit because the childminder works hard to provide a home from home environment. Children enjoy the company of the childminder's own children. They are comfortable sitting on her lap for a cuddle and get down when they want to go and play. Babies enjoy a favourite activity, such as tipping out the plastic bricks onto the floor and taking delight in pushing the empty box along the floor. They are curious and love the freedom to practise their new found walking skills. Babies are beginning to experience natural resources and love the feel and sound of screwing up paper. Older children participate in cooking and other activities, such as drawing on the patio with ice cubes. There are regular story times and children benefit take advantage from the resources in the garden, for example, water play, tunnels and a play house on stilts.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder works hard to make sure she has time to discuss children's likes, dislikes and any favourite comforts, such as a blanket, with their parents. There is a structured but flexible routine where children know what to expect. Older children benefit from opportunities to explore cultural heritage through an educational programme on the television and other resources such as books and dolls. They enjoy the chance to sample menus from around the world, such as Mexican. Children experience the local and wider community through trips to the library, park, local shops, the farm and going to see the horses in the nearby field.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is fostered because the childminder is positive in her approach to managing behaviour. There are boundaries and rules, such as being kind and no climbing on the furniture. The childminder is an appropriate role model, building up relationships with children so they feel secure in her care. The childminder has strong relationships with the parents of the children in her care. She discusses any issues on a daily basis and provides a welcome pack with information about the provision. There is a written complaints procedure and the regulator's contact telephone number is displayed. However, the childminder is not aware of the requirement to maintain a written log of complaints made by parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit because they have sufficient space in a relaxed family home. They enjoy appropriate adult support in a welcoming, child-orientated environment. Children are protected because they are not left with any person not vetted. There is another registered childminder who covers in the event of an emergency. There are some written policies and procedures so parents are clear about the care provided. Most of the required documentation that contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: 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 required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder 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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure parents provide written consent for their children to go on outings and to be transported in the car • ensure a record of complaints made by parents is available.

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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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