Woking College

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 130105 Inspection date 04 November 2005 Inspector Lindsey Wright

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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?

This childminder has been registered since 1986. She is registered to provide care for 6 children under 8 years, of these, not more than three may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than one may be under 1 year. At present, the childminder cares for a total of eight children aged 1year, three children aged 2 years, a 4year old, two children aged 7 and an 8 year old. The childminder lives with her husband and two adult children. They live in a house in Watford. The premises are within walking distance of schools,

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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 parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor area of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, welcoming and well maintained home. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the daily routine, for example, children wash their hands after using the toilet and have use of personal flannels and towels. Policies and procedures ensure children are protected from illness and infection. All medical records are maintained appropriately and parent's signatures sought to ensure children's health needs are met. Children are provided with a variety of healthy and nutritious foods, for example, raisins and fruit are offered as a snack and meals include meat, fish and fresh vegetables. Children participate in meal planning where their individual choices are agreed, while encouraging them to have a healthy diet. They are offered food in quantities according to their needs and can ask for further helpings as required. The childminder is aware of each child's dietary needs which are adhered to, to meet their

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Helping children to be healthy

individual health requirements. Children access drinks including water, milk and juices when they are thirsty. Children benefit from a wide range of physical activities which contributes to their good health. They enjoy regular visits to the park, activity world and play in the garden using equipment such as tricycles. The childminder's good understanding about appropriate types of activities and level of support gives them the confidence to try out new skills and ask for help when required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. They learn about safety issues through activities and regular discussions. Children have visited the fire station and made road safety equipment to use as props during their play. They learn safety issues in the home, for example, they participate in regular fire drills, therefore children's welfare is safeguarded. Children begin to learn to keep themselves safe, for example, they are asked not to run indoors. Children's safety is a high priority. The organisation of the rooms which are used is effective and ensures children are supervised at all times. The childminder regularly

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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 checks toys and equipment to ensure they are safe and in good repair. Children can access resources independently and move freely in the well organised lounge, hall and kitchen areas. They benefit from safety measures being in place in the home such as socket covers, fire blanket and stair gates. The childminder has updated her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and her first aid certificate is current which further protects the children's safety. All policies and procedures are in place which ensure children's health and well-being is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have access to an excellent range of toys and resources which provides them with an enriched and stimulating environment. The activities and resources offered are well planned to extend and enhance children's skills, abilities and learning, which they actively contribute towards. Children are constantly engaged and absorbed in a range of age appropriate and stimulating activities which meet their individual needs. The childminder is on hand to fully support children in their play and her expert practice allows children to answer questions, recall past events and consolidate their learning. For example, children were able to discuss their Halloween party and recall that they ate bat and pumpkin shape sandwiches. Children use their time purposefully. They enjoy listening to familiar stories and are able to predict the next stage. Children learn to play alongside each other regardless

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of their differing ages. They begin to share and take turns with support from the childminder. The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework, she uses her knowledge of this in her everyday practice to promote younger children's learning. Children respond eagerly to the support given to them during their play and relish this time, for example, exploring play dough using Halloween shape cutters and listening to the 'Gruffalo' story. The childminder is highly effective in developing children's skills and abilities through age appropriate activities and experiences and offers high levels of challenge. A star chart is in place to acknowledge children's individual achievements. Children's work is displayed and therefore is valued, for example, children had made happy faces while exploring the 'emotions' theme, this raises their self-esteem and confidence. Children gain knowledge of their local community through regular trips and outings

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

such as visits to the library, park, museum and shops. They celebrate festivals including Diwali, Halloween and Guy Fawkes night. The resources reflect positive images of culture and diversity including books and dressing up clothes which increase children's awareness.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values and respects the children in her care. Children's individual

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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 needs are met very well to ensure appropriate care is provided. They are offered suitable activities and resources according to their age and stage of development. The childminder creates a very stimulating learning environment which enables children to accomplish achievements. Children play an active part in the setting, for example, they assist with the planning of activities and completing menus. Therefore they have a sense of belonging and feel at ease in the home. Children develop a very good awareness of cultures and diversity through activities, resources, celebrating festivals and understanding cultural differences. Children show care and concern for each other, they play together harmoniously. Children behave very well. They begin to learn boundaries and acceptable

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour. The childminder uses age appropriate techniques to deal with any negative issues, for example, 'time out' is used to allow the child to think about their behaviour. Children are valued and respected; praise and encouragement is given high regard. The childminder has developed an effective partnership with parents. They verbally share information on a daily basis to ensure the children's welfare is maintained. A daily diary is completed with an exchange of information which benefits both the childminder and parents. An attractively presented and well organised portfolio is accessible. This includes all relevant policies and procedures and is available to parents. The childminder receives regular feedback from parents by use of a questionnaire which are used to enhance the provision further. A complaints log is not yet in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder provides a consistently high standard of care for all children. Children are her utmost priority which contributes to their good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. The childminder organises space and resources to meet the needs of the children most effectively. She positively encourages all children to take an active part in the setting. The childminder ensures ratios are consistently met which effectively supports children's care, learning and play. The childminder has an outstanding knowledge of child care practice gained through the extensive range of training courses attended. Her excellent understanding and high levels of challenge ensure all children develop to their full potential. The childminder has high regard for the children and is able to meet each child's needs. The childminder and parents all work together so they are fully involved in the care of

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Organisation

their children. Extensive policies and documentation contribute to children's welfare. They are kept secure and respect confidentiality. Overall the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to include times of arrivals and

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Improvements 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 departures in the records of attendance. This information is now recorded accurately including times of arrivals and departures using the attendance register from the National Childminding Association pack.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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): • provide a complaints log.

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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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