Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY309361 Inspection date 23 February 2006 Inspector Janet Marie Thouless

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 7 and 10 years in Reigate, Surrey. Children have access to most areas of the home. Toilet facilities are on the ground and first floor. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play and within this area is a swimming pool, which is securely fenced. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child on a full-time basis.

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 The childminder attends local groups, soft play areas and takes children to local parks and places of interest. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where their individual needs are met. They learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle and personal care. The childminder herself demonstrates good hygiene awareness and her practice helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Children receive nutritious snacks and meals that help them to begin to understand foods that are good for them. They are encouraged to enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves. Children receive regular drinks to ensure they do not become thirsty or dehydrated. Clear sickness procedure ensures parents are aware of the need to keep children at home when they are unwell, and protects all children from the spread of infection and illness. Children are supported and supervised as they try out their developing physical skills both indoors and out. They participate in regular exercise and enjoy visits to local

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

parks and places of interest that contribute to their good health.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and welcoming home suitable for its purpose. They move around the home, playing with a good range of resources safely, freely and independently. Children benefit from a good level of supervision from the childminder, enabling them to enjoy a wide range of experiences with confidence. Children are protected from potential hazards because the childminder takes appropriate steps to identify and reduce risks, for example, safety gates, socket covers and smoke alarms. A risk assessment has been made regarding the use of the swimming pool and trampoline in the garden. However, not all written parental consents are in place to ensure children's wellbeing. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has any concerns about a child in her care. This ensures the childminder acts in the children's best interest.

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 Children are settled at the childminder's home. She provides good support as they explore their environment and resources. This encourages them to investigate, which helps them become more confident and skilful. Activities reflect the children's stage of development whilst offering sufficient challenge. For example, babies play with bright and visually interesting toys and resources. They are able to learn through repetition and making connections, which develops their competence and sense of achievement. Children gain an increasing understanding of the local and the wider environment by visiting local groups and outings to places of interest, such as local parks and the beach. This further helps children learn to socialise and enjoy the company of others. They enjoy being with the childminder and have a warm, affectionate relationship

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are meet well as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with parents. They settle well, and are encouraged to build a trusting relationship with the childminder. The childminder respects parent’s wishes. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for the children. Children are happy and behave well. Appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, help children understand right from wrong. Children respond well to the consistent praise and encouragement from the childminder, this increase their self-worth. Regular outings provide children with a view of the local community, and the childminder has a range of resources that reflect a positive view of the wider world. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised environment and daily routine. They receive good adult support and attention to make them feel happy and secure in their surroundings. Space is used well and children are able to initiate their own play from the good range of resources on offer. The childminder displays her registration certificate when childminding and has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Most required documentation is well maintained, held confidentially and the childminder understands and complies with mandatory requirements. Children are supervised well at all times to ensure they are protected from visitors. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

p.4

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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The childminder 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • seek written permission from parents for their child to be transported in a vehicle. • ensure aspects of record keeping are in place, such as the complaints log.

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