Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301362 Inspection date 27 February 2006 Inspector Jacqui Lloyd

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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 lives with her family in Fetcham, Surrey. The house is situated close to local amenities and within easy access of local parks and school. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children under the age of 8 years at any one time and is currently caring for 2 children on a part- time basis. Minding takes place on the ground floor, with sleep and toileting facilities located on the first floor. There is also an enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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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 The family have pets, including a cat, gerbils, rabbit and guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the NCMA (National Childminding Association).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, by regular encouragement and support from the childminder through their daily routines. For example, the childminder encourages the children in the process of hand washing after the use of the toilet and at meal times. Children develop their physical skills in many ways. This includes regular walks in the local area and opportunities to play in the fresh air. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet, as the childminder talks to them about the food they eat. They know which type of food is good for them and understand that good food will help them grow and develop in a healthy way. Children have access to drinks throughout the day and enjoy fresh fruit as snacks. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents with regards to food and snacks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy playing in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The available space is organised appropriately, to support the children's needs. Children play with a suitable selection of age appropriate resources, which are safe and present sufficient developmental challenge. They are able to access the well organised toys and play materials easily, allowing them to develop their independence. Children are protected from harm, as the childminder takes reasonable precautions to minimise risks within the home and garden. She supervises children well and encourages them to become aware of dangers. There is currently no written agreement in place and the childminder has not sought permission for taking children on outings or seeking emergency operative treatment. This could delay or prevent her from acting appropriately in an emergency. She has an appropriate understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and feels

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

confident that she would recognise these and understands her role in the protection of children. All of these measures contribute to the safety and welfare of 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 The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a range of structured and free play activities and experiences, which take account of their age and stage of development. Children currently attend pre-school groups in the morning and spend a relaxed afternoon at the childminder's home. Children enjoy warm and close relationships with the childminder and are clearly settled and happy in her care. Children enjoy a variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages and confidently choose from available toys and resources. Children develop good communication skills, as they readily engage in conversation with the childminder. They also enjoy sitting, cuddling and sharing a familiar story book. The childminder understands the needs of the children and responds quickly to them,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

for example providing a pillow and blanket when the child is clearly showing signs of needing a rest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder uses effective strategies to promote children's self-esteem and encourage them to develop self-confidence. Children's individual needs and interests are clearly recognised. For example, the childminder allows children to make their own choices of toys and resources and children select their own favourites, such as sharing special books with the childminder on an individual basis. The childminder uses appropriate strategies to manage behaviour. As a result of her consistent approach, children behave well and respond well to her. The childminder develops strong and effective relationships with parents. She uses a daily 'link book' effectively to share information with parents about all aspects of the children's day. The childminder obtains lots of additional important information about the children. For example, personal details such as their likes, dislikes, favourite toys, routines and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

comforters. This helps her to get to know new children and ensure the children's needs are fully recognised and met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a positive and professional approach towards childminding. She understands and meets the conditions of her registration at all times. The daily routine is organised well to enable her to spend time with the children, playing and interacting with them. She offers an organised childminding service, ensuring she allows adequate time for children to have sufficient sleep, enjoy outings and be

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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 collected promptly from school and nursery. Most of the required regulatory documentation is in place. The childminder maintains clear and accurate records regarding accidents and medication; however, the daily record of attendance lacks detail. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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 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): • maintain and accurate record of attendance that includes actual times of arrival and departure • devise and implement a written agreement that sets out the expectations of both parties and includes appropriate permissions for all aspects of care

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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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