Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY260116 Unique Reference Number 07 February 2006 Inspection date Jacqui Lloyd 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 lives with her partner and 3 sons, of pre-school and school age. The house is situated on a residential estate in Horley. There are parks and other local amenities within walking distance of the house.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The main areas used for minding are the living room and dining room, children also have access to an enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children under 8 years of age and is currently caring for 2 children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are several pets in the house, including dogs, fish and birds.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for 3 children under 8 years old.

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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 learn clear hygiene practises that encourage them to understand how to stay healthy. The childminder encourages children to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. She makes learning about good hygiene fun by reminding older children using the toilet independently to 'wipe, wash and flush'. She ensures her home is maintained suitably and that all areas used by the children are clean and hygienic. The childminder ensures the children are protected from the family pets by creating separate areas for the children and animals/birds. The childminder has sought the appropriate permission from parents with regards to medication and administering an inhaler to relieve asthma.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has clear procedures in place with regards to the care of sick children, however, she has not yet developed a written policy to reflect this.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities outdoors which contribute to their good health, such as, walking and playing in the fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides healthy and nutritious snacks, enabling children to develop a positive attitude towards healthy eating. Children recognise when they are hungry and thirsty and are provided with regular drinks and nutritious snacks, such as, fruit and rice cakes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a safe, secure and well-maintained environment where risks have been identified and minimised. The home has been arranged to allow children to play safely, while making independent choices from the accessible equipment. The wide range of toys are suitable for the age and stage of children. They are of good quality and maintained in a clean, safe condition which minimises risks and maximises safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has realistic expectations regarding behaviour and 'house rules', such as not running in the house in case the children fall and hurt themselves. Children are developing an awareness of how to keep themselves safe, as a result of these clear explanations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

To enable her to adequately protect children in her care the childminder is familiar with the basic signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedure to follow. This is in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very sociable as they arrive at the childminder's home after school. They settle very quickly and soon engage in purposeful and enjoyable play. The childminder encourages children to develop their own interests and ideas, especially through creative work in drawing

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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 and painting. She skilfully prepares resources and organises toys and equipment to enable the children to make choices. Children also thoroughly enjoy playing with small world figures and using their imagination to create exciting role play. The childminder has a warm and caring approach, helping children to feel happy and settled in her care. They enjoy close relationships with the childminder and relate very well to their peers. Children approach the childminder happily and receive plenty of physical affection and cuddles, enabling them to feel and happy and secure in their environment. Children are happy, busy and have great fun in her company.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's developmental needs are recognised and addressed as they play with an extensive range of age appropriate play materials, which encourage curiosity, independence and enthusiasm for learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats the children with respect and clearly understands their individual needs. Children are also learning to treat each other with kindness and respect and as a result they play very well together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and know what is expected of them as the childminder manages behaviour consistently. She reinforces appropriate behaviour with praise and encouragement and gives children a clear reason when she asks them not to do something, in case they may hurt themselves. As a result, children are clear about what is expected of them and behave very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong relationships that the childminder builds with parents. Information regarding children's achievements and personal needs is exchanged on a daily basis, which maintains a consistent approach to the children's care and their changing needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder uses her space effectively and provides a caring, child friendly environment for the children. The living room is very child centred, with storage of resources in toy boxes making the access to the toys easy for the children.

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Organisation

The childminder is very clear about her responsibilities and conditions of registration. She organises her service well to ensure she meets the conditions of registration at all times.

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Organisation

Records are well maintained and personal policy statements written by the childminder contribute to the efficient and safe management of the childminding service provided. These are shared with parents and they are also made aware of the complaints procedure should they wish to make a complaint to Ofsted. Documentation is suitably organised and confidentiality is maintained at all times.

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Organisation

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

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, Ofsted have received one complaint. This related to Standard 1 - Suitable Person. Ofsted requested the provider conduct an internal investigation. The provider responded appropriately and demonstrated that she is meeting the National Standards. Childcare Inspectors visited the provider and raised a recommendation for her to ensure Ofsted are informed of any significant events, changes to personal circumstances or to adults living on the premises.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider remains qualified to be registered.

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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): • consider devising a written sick child / exclusion policy to support and enhance the current verbal agreement.

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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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