Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY355703 Unique Reference Number 20 May 2008 Inspection date Lindsay Ann Farenden 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and one child in Worcester Park, Surrey. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has one cat.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day, and one child over five before and after school on a part time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local toddler group and takes children to local parks.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are nurtured and cared for in very clean surroundings. The childminder carries out effective cleaning and hygiene procedures to protect children from the spread of infection. Children receive good support to develop their understanding of appropriate personal care

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 routines because the childminder ensures they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. To prevent cross contamination each child is provided with their own towel. The childminder is able to respond to minor injuries because she holds a current first aid certificate and has a well stocked first aid box. Parents have provided appropriate consents in relation to emergency medical treatment, so children are safeguarded in the event of serious accidents. The sickness policy informs parents that children who are unwell can not attend, thus preventing the spread of infectious illnesses.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They like playing in the childminder’s garden and are able to use low climbing equipment and a slide. They have fun crawling through a pop up tunnel both inside the house and outside. There is travel cot available so children's sleep needs can be met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a healthy balanced diet, which includes proteins, fresh vegetables and fruit. They access juice and drinking water throughout the day, as their cups are kept within their reach at all times. This ensures they do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm and welcoming home in which toy boxes are displayed at their level. This enables them to access a good range of resources easily and make independent choices. The childminder makes sure they are safe, clean and suitable for their age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has put in good precautions so children can move around the home freely and safely. For example, a safety gate is in place and children are unable to access the computer area of the lounge. However, the knives in the kitchen are not completely inaccessible to older children. Children’s safety in the event of a fire is ensured because the childminder has a fire blanket in the kitchen and smoke alarms in place. She has devised an appropriate evacuation procedure, which has been practised with the children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised because the childminder stays with them all of the time and uses areas of the home in which they can be easily observed. The risks to children outside of the home are reduced because the childminder takes a small first aid box and her mobile phone with her on all outings. She makes sure children sit in suitable seats when travelling in the car and children wear a harness in the buggy and older children hold onto the buggy when walking. Children begin to learn to keep themselves safe, as the childminder explains to them how to cross the road safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected because the childminder has a good awareness of the signs of abuse and what procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child. She has a child protection policy in place to promote children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled within the childminder’s home. The childminder is kind and caring towards the children and offers them cuddles when appropriate. They enthusiastically choose from the very good range of toys which are available to them and quickly become absorbed in their play. Children love playing with diggers and trucks and the childminder makes

p.3

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 sure there are plenty of these for them to enjoy. The childminder further develops their interest in these by pointing these out to them when they are on outings. The childminder devotes her time to being with the children and regularly sits with them and joins in with their play. Children use their imaginations very well using the role play materials, for example, making drinks and food for themselves and the childminder. Children enjoy looking at books and listening to stories read to them by the childminder.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from attending toddler groups, where they have opportunities to play with other children and access play resources, craft activities and singing sessions. This further contributes to their enjoyment and all round development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder makes sure she meets their needs from discussions with the parents when children first start. Parents are kept well informed of their child’s day because the childminder exchanges information with them on a daily basis. The childminder has devised a portfolio about her childminding service which provides parents with information on the training she has attended, the provision of meals, the daily routine and policies, which include her complaints procedure.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved because the childminder ensures they are enjoying themselves and are well occupied. The childminder is a positive and calm role model for the children and uses appropriate strategies to manage their behaviour, such as distraction and simple explanations as to why they must not do certain things.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to some toys and books which portray positive images of diversity. Although the childminder is not currently caring for children with special needs, she demonstrated through discussion how she would meet their needs, by working closely with the parents and attending training courses.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the well organised home which helps them to gain confidence and independence. The environment is laid out to make the most of space and maximise children’s play opportunities.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder keeps all the required documentation. This, along with policies, contributes to children’s safety, health and well-being. Records are neatly kept and stored in a confidential way. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

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.

p.4

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 contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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 sharp knives are completely inaccessible to all children • further enhance the range of play resources which reflect positive images of diversity

p.5

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.5

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.5