Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 507228 Inspection date 24 November 2005 Inspector Jacqui Lloyd / Joanne Lindsey Caswell

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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 has been registered since 1988. She lives with her two teenage children, in a semi-detached house in the centre of Capel, Surrey. Local shops, the park and primary school are within walking distance. The ground floor accommodation only is used for childminding, with toilet and hand washing facilities available within this area. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care of a maximum of four children, aged under 8 years. She is currently caring for six children, aged from 3 years to 6 years, who attend on a part-time basis throughout the week.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good hygiene as the childminder teaches children about hand washing and encourages them to develop their general self-care skills. Young children wash their hands before eating and wipe their faces with flannels after lunch. The childminder provides children with liquid soap and individual hand towels, which also helps to prevent the spread of infection. In addition to this, the childminder has made parents aware of her sickness policy, by informing parents that children must not attend if they are unwell. This prevents the spread of illness and infection. Children benefit from fresh air and robust exercise. They develop their physical skills as they have regular access to outdoor play and visit the local park. This contributes to children's good health. The childminder maintains appropriate records relating to children's accidents and medication. This ensures parents are fully informed about their children's care needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are catered for well. The childminder is experienced in working with parents to address children's specific dietary needs. Children access drinks freely and independently, enabling them to respond to their body's needs when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder welcomes children into a safe and secure environment, where they feel happy and settled. They have access to all areas on the ground floor and are able to select freely from an adequate range of toys and resources. There is sufficient equipment available, appropriate for the age and developmental needs of the children currently being cared for. The childminder takes all reasonable steps within the home to ensure children are protected from hazards. Most precautions are in place in the garden, although some low level glass in the greenhouse has not been protected sufficiently to protect children. Children develop an understanding of safety, as the childminder talks to them about danger. For example, whilst on walks, they are reminded to walk sensibly near roads and remain under close supervision. Children are protected in relation to child protection issues as the childminder has a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

sound understanding of her responsibilities in this area. She has also developed her

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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 own understanding further by completing training and is confident about the correct procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. They enjoy a variety of activities that are appropriate for their age and developmental stage. Children make confident choices about what to play with and the childminder is aware of children's own favourite activities. This enables her to provide for them accordingly. Children enjoy regular walks and trips to the local park. This provides children with opportunities to develop their physical skills and also to learn about the world in which they live. The childminder is warm and caring in her approach, making children feel comfortable and valued. She has close relationships with the children and enjoys their company. The childminder interacts with children and spends time talking and playing with them. This promotes children's confidence and self-esteem and helps them to feel settled in the childminder's care. Children talk confidently with the childminder and recall previous events. They show

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

delight in discussing a bulb planting activity and anticipating what colours the flowers might be.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing an awareness of the wider world and the differing needs of others. They begin to understand that some people have specific needs as the childminder talks to children about people with disabilities. However, there are limited toys and resources available that reflect positive images of differences within society. This restricts children from increasing their awareness of diversity. There is provision in place to support children with special needs. The childminder demonstrates a very positive attitude in this area and is keen to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children are developing positive self-esteem and confidence as the childminder uses positive language to encourage them and she praises their achievements. Children behave well and respond positively to the childminder. She has clear expectations regarding behaviour and her consistent approach helps children to learn right from

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Helping children make a positive contribution

wrong. The childminder uses appropriate strategies to manage unwanted behaviour and works closely with parents and the children's school to ensure consistency. The childminder is committed to working in partnership with parents. She ensures all children's care needs are discussed and agreed with parents. This ensures consistency for children. She regularly reviews her written records and parental agreements. This ensures she has the most up-to-date and accurate information to

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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 enable her to care for the children effectively. The childminder has not yet obtained written permission for seeking emergency treatment. This restricts the childminder from acting in the children's best interests or in accordance with parents' wishes in the event of an emergency.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of her regulatory responsibilities. She has sought further training and updated her first aid training to ensure she is familiar with current and correct practices. Most records are well maintained and up-to-date, which contribute towards the safe and effective care of children. These are stored securely, which ensures confidentiality is maintained. There is a written record of attendance in place. However, this does not always accurately reflect the children's actual times of arrival and departure. The daily routine is planned around the needs of the individual children and takes into account nursery/school times, meals and the need for periods of rest and sleep. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection, several recommendations were raised. These related to documentation relating to children’s immunisations and existing injuries, the safety of the fireguard and the childminder’s behaviour management strategies. The childminder has addressed these issues. All children’s records now contain information from parents regarding children’s immunisations and a record is in place for recording children’s existing injuries. This ensures that the childminder maintains appropriate regulatory documentation to enable her to meet each child’s health and welfare needs. The fireguard has now been made safe and is securely attached to the wall. This has improved the safety precautions taken to safeguard children. The childminder has also improved her understanding of managing children’s behaviour. She has developed her knowledge of using appropriate strategies for addressing unacceptable behaviour, enabling her

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Improvements since the last inspection

to manage children’s behaviour effectively.

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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

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Complaints 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 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): • ensure parental consent for all travel and outings, and seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, is obtained for all children • ensure the record of children's attendance accurately reflects the children's actual times of arrival and departure • ensure all low level glass is safe for children • increase the range of resources available which enable children to develop positive attitudes towards diversity

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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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