Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY264010 Inspection date 26 January 2006 Inspector Patricia Jane Daniels

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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two school-aged children in a house in Woking. The whole 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding four, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn about hygiene through the routine encouraged by the childminder. She monitors hand washing after toileting and before eating. However, she does not provide individual towels and bedding to minimise potential cross infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means that children have access to appropriate first aid care if needed. Children are provided with nutritious meals that encourage them to eat a healthy diet from an early age. The childminder makes sure that children have plenty to drink throughout the day, so that they do not become thirsty. Children play in the garden when the weather is fine and walk to and from the local school. This helps them develop their physical skills and enjoy the benefits of exercise. Young children are given opportunities to develop independence, and support and

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Helping children to be healthy

help when needed. The childminder makes sure that children have opportunities for rest and sleep, contributing to their physical wellbeing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder displays children's artwork to create a welcoming appearance. Children have easy and safe access to a range of suitable toys and resources appropriate for their age. They sleep in a bedroom, which gives them opportunities to rest in a quiet, secure area. The childminder has identified most potential hazards within her home and has taken steps to minimise identified risks. However, she has not sited her fire blanket correctly for use. The childminder considers children's safety when they are on outings. She encourages their awareness of safety. For example, children learn about road safety and to take care when playing on equipment in public playgrounds. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection. However, she is unsure of some procedures and does not record existing injuries to fully support children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. The childminder provides a wide range of activities to suit the ages of children in her care. She varies the activities and toys to keep the play provision fresh and interesting for the children.

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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 Children select freely from the range of toys provided, which helps them to make decisions about what to do and develop independence. The childminder takes children to the local toddler group, where they can develop their social skills. Children are settled and confident. They approach the childminder freely, indicating that trusting relationships have developed. The childminder spends her time playing with the children. She responds to the developing language of young children and encourages them to develop their skills as communicators. She talks to children about colours and numbers, so that they learn through their play activities. The childminder takes account of young children's sleep patterns and makes sure that they rest when needed. She uses this opportunity to support the older children, extending their play and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder finds out about children's individual needs from parents and uses this information to offer appropriate care. She reassures new children and talks to them about their homes and families. This helps the children to settle and develop confidence. Children develop an understanding of the diversity within society through the range of activities and resources offered. For example, the childminder plans craft activities to reflect a Divali theme. She invites children to bring items from home to share with her and the other children. This contribution helps children to feel valued. The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs. The childminder is a positive model for children's behaviour. She is calm and treats the children with respect, which helps them to understand appropriate behaviour. She manages children's behaviour positively and has strategies for dealing with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

unwanted behaviour. As a result, children learn how to behave well. The childminder makes time for daily conversation with parents. In this way, she exchanges information about the children and can consider any changes at home. A positive relationship is fostered and the children benefit from continuity of care, which promotes their wellbeing.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home to offer a welcoming environment and ensures that children receive her time and attention. As a result, children are settled and confident. She has completed an initial training course for childminders but has limited knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework. The required documentation is in place, but written parental consent to administer medication has not been recorded clearly. The childminder has breached the conditions of her registration in relation to the number and ages of children she can

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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 mind at any one time when an assistant is not present and a warning letter has been issued. However, she is compliant and proactive in relation to rectifying this situation immediately to ensure that these breaches do not occur again. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, Ofsted requested that the childminder should devise and practise an emergency evacuation plan. This has been undertaken, ensuring that children can be safely and effectively evacuated in case of emergency. Ofsted also requested that the childminder should keep a record of food provided. This is now documented so that any developing allergies or intolerances can be identified. Ofsted also requested that the childminder should make a telephone number available to parents in case of compliant. This has been provided, so that parents know who to contact in case of complaint.

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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 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): • provide individual towels and bedding for children's use • ensure that the fire blanket is sited correctly and ensure appropriate child protection procedures are in place

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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 • ensure that written parental consent to administer medication is clearly recorded.

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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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