Childminder in SurreyOfsted inspection, 23 Jan 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 507314 Inspection date 23 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 1994. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in Epsom in Surrey. The ground floor of the childminder’s 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 six children all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder co-minds with her husband. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes

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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 children to the local soft play area, park and other local attractions. The childminder has a rabbit and a pygmy hedgehog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Good daily routines and explanation help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and feeding the rabbit reduces the risk of passing on germs. 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. The childminder makes good reference to the "Birth to three matters" guidance to influence her practice. Children receive nutritious snacks, such as fruit and breadsticks, that help them understand foods that are good for them. There are effective storage procedures and reheating facilities for the food provided by parents, to prevent spoiling. Fresh drinking water is available at all times and children confidently help themselves. This

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Helping children to be healthy

encourages children to think about their personal needs. Outings to the park and the local soft play centre, where there is large play equipment, gives children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and learn in a welcoming, secure environment where they can move around safely. They have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for their stage of development. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, for example, socket covers and stair gates. Regular visual checks of toys and resources ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. The childminder is vigilant regarding the security of the front door. This means children are well protected from unwanted visitors and cannot leave the premises unsupervised. There are clear procedures for outings that ensure children’s safety. Good fire safety precautions are in place and the childminder has identified escape routes in the event of fire. Fire procedures are regularly practised to help children become familiar with the routine in the event of an emergency, although these 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 Children benefit from their own cots and bedding, located in separate bedrooms, so that they feel secure and develop a sense of ownership, when resting. The childminder has a very 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 wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities that are stimulating and well balanced for all ages. They enjoy making lanterns, using stickers, sequins and shiny shapes for Chinese New Year. They independently choose from a range of resources that are easily accessible and provide stimulation. The childminder celebrates festivals throughout the year to develop the children's understanding of different cultures and to encourage their creative skills. Children develop their imagination through role play with the dolls. They pretend to feed and dress them and chat enthusiastically as they play. The childminder supports the children's play by joining in and providing additional resources. Children confidently talk about their home life and compare it to the childminding provision. Children enjoy singing along to songs such as "Three Little Monkeys" as they play. The childminder's relationship with the children is very good. The children are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

comfortable, confident and happy in the childminding home. The childminder uses the Foundation Stage curriculum and the "Birth to three matters" framework to plan activities for the children. This ensures that the children's play is suitable for their age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. A good range of activities and resources develops children's understanding of diversity. Children feel good about themselves and learn to show respect for others. They talk happily about their home life and things that are important to them. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs. This means she is able to adapt activities to ensure all children are included. Children behave well and benefit from the consistent praise and encouragement. The childminder supports younger children in sharing and turn taking and helps them to learn about themselves and their own capabilities. The childminder completes care diaries for young children to ensure continuity of care. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for older children. The childminder respects parents' wishes. This enables her to meet individual needs regarding routines.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play contentedly in the childminder's well managed provision. They are cared for according to the written policies and procedures that are shared with parents before childminding commences. The childminder maintains documentation efficiently and she is constantly reviewing her policies and procedures to reflect her experience and developing knowledge. However, Criminal Records Bureau checks are not in place for all members of the household over the age of 16 years. Younger children make good progress because the childminder has familiarised herself with the "Birth to three matters" framework. She has attended additional training in this area. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to keep a sufficiently detailed record of significant incidents and share this with parents. The childminder has implemented a record of incidents but has no entries to date. However, maintenance of this document supports the childminder's good practice in caring for the children and contributes to keeping parents informed of their child's day.

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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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure Criminal Records Bureau checks are in place for all members of the household over the age of 16 years. • ensure that emergency evacuation practices are effectively documented.

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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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