Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296221 Inspection date 28 November 2005 Inspector Nicola Hill

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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 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her child aged 4 years in an end-of-terrace house in Woking. The property is close to local schools and amenities and there is a park nearby. The ground floor of the house is mainly used for childminding, with toilet and sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has a dog and tropical fish as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local carer and toddler group. She holds a valid first aid qualification. She is

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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 registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children aged 2 and 4, who both attend on a part-time basis. She is not registered to provide overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities which contribute to their good health. They go for walks with the dog and regularly visit the local parks and play centres. Play in the garden with activities such as bouncing on the mini trampoline, crawling through tunnels and riding on wheeled toys improves children's physical skills and helps them develop control of their bodies. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs. The childminder includes time within the day for quieter activities, for example, sitting together and sharing stories, which provides children with periods of rest and relaxation. Nutritious food provided by the childminder promotes good health. The childminder takes into account the wishes of the parents and the children's preferences to provide meals that are appealing. The children enjoy fruit and vegetables that the childminder incorporates into snacks and freshly prepared lunches. Children are beginning to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop an understanding of a healthy diet by being involved in cooking activities and by being offered drinks at regular intervals throughout the day. Good social interaction is fostered as the children sit at the table and eat together. Children's health is promoted by suitable procedures when they are unwell and daily routines to ensure the premises and resources are clean and well maintained. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They know why it is important to wash their hands and do so after visiting the toilet. However, they do not consistently wash their hands before all meals in order to fully prevent cross-contamination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home that is secure and in a good state of repair and decoration. The layout is sufficiently designed to enable children to develop their independence as they explore and play confidently and wander freely between rooms. Sound security precautions also contribute to child safety as the front door remains locked at all times and children are only released to authorised known carers. Children are beginning to learn about the importance of staying safe when the childminder discusses road safety with them when out on walks. However, children do not have complete awareness of how to keep themselves safe if there was a fire as the childminder does not currently practice emergency evacuation procedures with them. Children are able to access a range of safe, good quality toys and resources that are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 age and stage appropriate for the children currently attending. Children are able to independently access some toys that are stored in cupboards downstairs. The children also go upstairs with the childminder to select other toys which are then brought downstairs for play. The childminder regularly checks the toys to ensure they are clean and in a suitable condition. Children are suitably protected as the childminder maintains constant supervision both inside and outside the home. The childminder has the relevant insurance cover and most of the required documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. However, written parental consents have not yet been obtained. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well nurtured and secure in their relationship with the childminder. The childminder finds out about children's needs and interests before they attend. This helps them to settle well and benefit from care that is consistent with their home routines. The children are comfortable and happy within the home. The childminder is kind and caring and her calm manner helps children to feel confident and at ease. The children receive praise and encouragement, which also increases their sense of wellbeing and encourages them to be increasingly independent and self-assured. Children are able to benefit from nature walks and outings to the park, as well as other amenities such as the seaside, which promotes their learning and stimulates their interest in the wider world. They have opportunities to mix with other children through toddler groups and play centres such as Little Angels, which develops their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ability to relate to a wider group of adults and peers. Children are provided with a range of exciting opportunities such as art and craft, internet access, physical play, role play and games. Toys and resources are interesting and suitable to the children's age and stage of development. Many resources are independently accessible to the children encouraging free choice of play and independence. The childminder has started to use the Birth to Three Matters framework to further support babies and young children under the age of 3 years. The children are beginning to make sense of the world and express their ideas as they join in a range of exploratory and sensory experiences. They have opportunities to develop creativity through painting, modelling clay and Plaster of Paris, and other messy activities. They enjoy their time with the childminder who is interested in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and treated with equal concern. Their individual needs are being met as the childminder follows their daily routines and regularly informs parents about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 their care and development. Relationships with parents are friendly and their wishes are acknowledged and discussed. The childminder discusses various aspects of her business with the parents. However, she has not put her policies into writing to further inform parents of her roles and responsibilities and does not yet have a system in place to record complaints if they arise. Children's achievements are recognised and praised which builds their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder has realistic expectations and acts as a good role model which encourages the children to behave well and feel secure in their environment. The children are generally well behaved. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of equal opportunities and special needs issues. Children are learning to develop a positive attitude towards others

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Helping children make a positive contribution

through toys and books that reflect diversity. They are encouraged to discuss and accept differences and learn about familiar and unfamiliar cultures through planned activities celebrating festivals such as Eid and Bonfire Night.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease through the satisfactory organisation of the environment. There is sufficient space to allow children to play freely and they have regular opportunities to relax as well as be active within the daily routine. The childminder organises time sufficiently well to meet the needs of the children she is caring for. Good adult interaction enables the children to be confident and self-assured and they benefit from the sharing of information between the childminder and parents. Required adult:child ratios are maintained at all times, ensuring the children are well supported. The childminder has a range of suitable documentation in place which enables her to meet the children's needs. However, not all records are effectively maintained in order to safeguard the children's welfare and care. For example, there are no parental consents currently in place for taking children on outings, to transport

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Organisation

them in a vehicle or to seek emergency medical treatment. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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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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): • further develop safety policies and procedures with regards to fire evacuation to increase children's awareness about the importance of keeping safe • improve written information provided for parents to ensure they are fully aware of policies and procedures, including details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint, and ensure a system is in place to record future complaints if they arise • ensure documentation is maintained sufficiently in order to safeguard children's welfare and care by obtaining written consents from parents.

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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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