Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY248475 Inspection date 17 May 2005 Inspector Hazel Stuart-Buddery

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2002. She lives with her family in Englefield green, Surrey. Parks, shops and pre schools are in walking distance. The children have access mainly to the ground floor, with sleeping facilities upstairs, there is an enclosed garden area for outdoor play. The family have three cats. The childminder may care for a maximum of three children and currently has five children, on a part time basis, on the register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children of varying ages enjoy a good range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They have daily opportunities to develop their physical skills with a range of outdoor toys, for example riding on the tractor and pushing the car along with their feet. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are aware that they must wash their hands after toileting and before eating to help stop germs from spreading. Younger children are offered water regularly and older children help themselves, this encourages independence and helps them to understand about healthy lifestyles. The childminder provides a range of healthy meals and snacks in conjunction with the parents wishes. Currently the childminder does not keep complete records relating to the administration and consent for medication.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has identified and minimized most risks inside the home. The resources are well organised and stored neatly and there are no obstacles on the floor. This means children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The children are not fully protected from the risk of fire, as the childminder has not provided smoke alarms on all levels of the home. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and equipment. Children are safe as the childminder is vigilant with their safety and ensures they are in her sight or sound at all times. The childminder has not fully safe guarded children's welfare as not all documentation is in place such as, emergency medical treatment The children are well protected. The childminder has up-dated her knowledge and understanding of child protection and completed a first aid course.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show confidence and communicate well with the childminder. Children gain independence by making their own choices from a good variety of age appropriate toys. The childminder obtains information from a variety of books to ensure she offers appropriate activities for younger children, this contributes to the individual needs

p.3

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 being met. Children enjoy reading books with the childminder, they talk about the pictures in the story and the childminder uses this activity to help develop colour recognition. Children enjoy purposeful play. They are able to investigate, explore and use their own imagination, which contribute to their all round development.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about diversity as the childminder provides a good range of resources and activities. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder knows the children well and she works with parents to ensure individual needs are met. The childminder has clear guidelines for behaviour and the children behave well. Children are made to feel welcome, they confidently communicate with the childminder and make independent choices.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in a warm and welcoming environment. This means they are confident to initiate their own play and enjoy time spent with the childminder. The childminder shares her policies verbally with parents to keep them well informed about the service she offers. She discusses most elements of care with parents to ensure continuity. She plans activities and evaluates what the children do to enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Overall the needs of the children are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide play material for all ages, position fire blanket in the kitchen appropriately and develop knowledge and understanding of child protection. Children's safety has now improved as she has sited the fire blanket appropriately and completed a course on child protection. Children's development has improved because a wide selection of resources have been provided.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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 The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.4

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 written permission from parents is obtained to administer medication and maintain written records signed by parents • ensure written permission is obtained to seek emergency medical treatment • improve fire safety by ensuring smoke alarms are fitted on all levels

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5