Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308949 Inspection date 25 January 2006 Inspector Carol Newman

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 2005. She co-minds with a friend from a private house in Epsom in Surrey. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children, some of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the park and other local

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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 amenities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. From an early age, children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. The childminder’s own good practice prevents cross-infection. Young children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after their nappies have been changed, toys are regularly cleaned and hand towels are changed daily. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. Babies and toddlers are beginning to develop their own preferences and make choices for themselves. However, the childminder does not refer to the Birth to three matters framework to influence her practice. Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals which meet special dietary needs and ensure children remain healthy. Fresh drinks are available at all times and children

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Helping children to be healthy

confidently help themselves. This encourages children to think about their personal needs. Children enjoy regular physical activities that help keep them in good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a spacious, well-organised environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. Children use a wide range of good quality toys and resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. These are stored within the children's reach in plastic crates and the toy chest. Children benefit from some suitable safety measures such as stair gates and a fire guard. However, the fire blanket is not suitably sited in the kitchen, the greenhouse and some electrical sockets are accessible to the minded children and the children are not familiar with the emergency escape procedures. There are clear procedures for outings that ensure children’s safety. The childminder regularly checks sleeping children to ensure their safety and wellbeing. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows how to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care. This supports children’s

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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 The provision is good. The childminder uses lots of praise and encouragement to build children's confidence and self-esteem. Children under three explore and experiment through a range of interesting activities that are appropriate for their stage of development. They use their imagination well as they pretend to make tea at the play kitchen, stirring and adding ingredients. Children are interested in the toys available and spend time concentrating on self-chosen activities. Young children squeal with delight as they build towers and knock them down and when they play with the interactive shape sorter. The childminder maintains a constant dialogue with the children, making sense of their babble as they play. She tells the children which animal makes each sound as they operate the "Old Macdonald" musical toy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children have opportunities to dress-up, be creative, build with lego or engage in quiet activities when they return from school. This effectively meets the children's needs and allows them to make choices about their activities. Children relate very well to the childminder. They confidently approach her for support indicating good trusting relationships are built.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats the children with respect and uses lots of praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem. Children have access to a range of resources that reflect positive images of all aspects of society, including disability, to promote their understanding. Although the childminder has no experience of caring for children with special needs, close liaison with parents ensures all children's needs are well planned for and met. Appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, help children understand right from wrong. Children learn about themselves and their own capabilities. The childminder manages children's behaviour calmly and patiently. This encourages children to respond effectively to any guidance and praise. A good partnership with parents contributes considerably to children's wellbeing. The childminder gives daily verbal feedback to parents about their child's day. This helps

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Helping children make a positive contribution

provide children with consistent care between home and the childminding provision. The childminder has written agreements with parents so that both parties are aware of each other's expectations.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Appropriate policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This

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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 ensures the children's needs are met and relevant information is shared with parents. A good two way flow of information ensures continuity of care. Although the childminder has not accessed further training, for example with regard to the Birth to three matters framework, she is willing to familiarise herself with current guidance so that she can provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. The childminding home is suitably organised and the childminder shows a clear understanding of her role in supporting the children in their play and learning. Children receive good attention from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well. This helps them feel secure and confident. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 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.

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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): • become familiar with the Birth to three matters framework in order to develop further skills when caring for young children • ensure the greenhouse and all electrical sockets are made safe or are inaccessible to minded children

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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 • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards, is easily accessible in the kitchen and by familiarising minded children with emergency escape procedures.

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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

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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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