Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY304222 Inspection date 12 October 2005 Inspector Hilary Knight

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 1 child aged 17 months in a house in Guildford, Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder attends toddler groups and takes children to local parks. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. Regular outings to the park and resources in the garden enable them to develop their physical skills and self-confidence as they climb the climbing frame or use ride on toys in the garden. Children happily explore the garden and delight in ample space to run around in. They enjoy swinging with the childminder and other children on the garden swing seat. Children benefit from relaxed meals times which promote social interaction as they sit together with the childminder at low level tables and chairs. The childminder provides nutritious meals if parents request it, otherwise parents are encouraged to provide healthy food so that all children learn the importance of a healthy diet. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy environment. The childminder has a sick child policy in place which parents receive a copy of which helps to reduce the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

spread of infection. The childminder also ensures that children wash their hands before and after eating, after using the toilet and after playing in the garden, all of which assist children's healthcare.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a comfortable environment with ample space to develop their crawling and walking skills. Downstairs is regularly risk assessed, however children's safety is compromised in the garden as there are two side gates which do not prevent unauthorised access and upstairs does not have a smoke alarm fitted. Children have a dedicated playroom to access an exciting range of toys and resources to promote their development. Toys and resources are rotated regularly for stimulation and children enjoy exploring the resources. Children play safely and independently as toys are regularly checked for damage and are discarded if broken. They learn about the importance of keeping safe on outings by the childminder discussing the 'stop, look, listen' principle and learn what the colours of the traffic lights mean when out in a car. The childminder has sufficient knowledge of child protection issues and procedures

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to protect children from harm and is aware of maintaining confidentiality at all times protecting children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's independence is encouraged as they are able to choose from the wide

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 range of resources available. The childminder guides and supports children's play which extends their investigations and subsequently their learning. Children are listened and responded to with great affection by the childminder, which builds a relationship of mutual trust. Children experience a range of planned activities inside and outside the home. Children develop their creative skills through planting bulbs in pots, baking cakes and bread and leaf rubbings using wax crayons. Younger children enthusiastically express their creativity through painting together and making meaningful marks on paper which are sometimes turned into cards and taken home. Children's social skills are cultivated through relationships with other minded children and stimulating outings to toddler and music groups and singing along to nursery rhymes at home

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder takes extensive steps to ensure that parents are kept informed about relevant policies and procedures and includes Ofsted's contact details at the back of all care diaries and space to include any concerns or complaints. Children benefit from the continuity of care that is established through the diary system and the childminder has detailed child record forms to ensure that children settle quickly into the provision. Written information about her business is also given to parents before children attend the setting. All children are valued and treated equally. Activities are adapted to enable children to participate according to their age, development and interests. Children learn about the diverse world in which we live in through appropriate toys and resources which include books and dolls. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of issues related to special needs. Children are happy, confident, well-behaved and delight in

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The organisation of the home ensures that children are confident and enjoy the space indoors and outdoors to confidently explore. Children benefit from the support and care of the childminder who ensures that she maintains a good adult-child ratio at all times. The childminder is well organised and maintains an efficient system for recording and storing documentation confidentially. Information is shared verbally with parents at the end of the day and through care diaries. Most regulatory paperwork is in place to protect children's welfare; however an attendance register and accident book are not maintained. Overall, however, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend and children receive good quality care.

p.4

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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last registration. 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.5

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 that there are smoke alarms on every level and that side gates prevent unauthorised access • ensure an attendance register and accident book are maintained.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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