Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 507551 Inspection date 13 March 2006 Inspector Janet Marie Thouless

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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 outstanding. 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 1987. She lives with her husband and 2 adult children in Reigate, Surrey. The childminder uses all areas on the ground floor for play purposes and upstairs for sleeping only. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has one cat. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children on a full-time basis.

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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 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). Currently she is studying for a nationally recognised childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children stay healthy and are extremely well protected, because the childminder follows effective health and hygiene guidelines and procedures throughout her practice. Children learn from an early age the importance of good hygiene practice; for example, hand washing after toilet routines, after touching the cat, before handling food and after messy play. Therefore, children increase their independence and personal care successfully through the excellent daily routines and support from the childminder. Children enjoy healthy snacks, which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. They are very well supported in preparing their own snacks, for example, slicing the banana to promote self-help skills. Children are able to access drinks independently throughout the day, which helps to maintain good health. Very effective procedures are in place to ensure the childminder acts in the best

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Helping children to be healthy

interest of the child if they are ill, she holds a current first aid certificate and keeps all necessary medical and accident records. Daily diary books are completed which include nappy changing, sleeping, eating, focused activities and general wellbeing to inform both parents and the childminder. Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and physical activity on daily outings and during outdoor play. For example, children regularly use the garden and equipment in the local parks and drop-in groups. The excellent provision of resources and equipment allows children many opportunities to develop their control, co-ordination, fine motor and manipulative skills effectively. Children have opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs in comfortable surroundings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well cared for in the welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The well implemented policies and procedures, effective use of risk assessment and daily checks identify hazards, which ensure children are safe and well protected at all times. Children benefit from an excellent range of good quality toys and equipment, which are kept clean and well maintained and meet the standards for safety. Children's safety on outings is paramount; road safety is implemented through discussion and

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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 activities and equipment such as buggies and car seats are checked and correctly fitted. The childminder's excellent organisation takes into account all aspects for children's safety; for example, children tidy away toys before selecting others to maintain a safe environment. Activities are age appropriate and extremely well organised, the effective use of safety gates ensure younger children do not have access to unsuitable areas. Children are developing a strong awareness of keeping themselves safe in the home and on outings, under the close supervision of the childminder. Children are extremely well protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She has clear knowledge of the local area child protection procedures, with up-to-date contact details to hand to enable her to act in the best

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in the childminder's care because she has an excellent understanding of their developmental needs. She uses written plans drawing on her knowledge of Birth to Three Matters and the Foundation Stage to effectively meet the needs of all the children to ensure they make progress, and uses effective assessments to identify the next steps in their development. Through her dedication, children gain the full benefit of the play opportunities provided. Young children eagerly learn through interesting and practical activities such as construction, role play and dance. They build with small bricks, counting and identify colours, enjoy locating shapes in the shape sorter, change dolly's nappy and dance with ribbons to music. This helps children to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas through play. Children gain in independence and self-esteem as they select their activities for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

themselves from choosing books and puzzles, and nominate themselves for tasks such as making tea and cakes for all. Children are valued as individuals and the childminder takes into account each child's ability and needs. The children are sociable, happy, have fun and enjoy quality time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well supported, because the childminder is fully aware of children's individual needs. Children benefit from the extremely good partnership the childminder has with their parents. Parents receive comprehensive information about the provision and are kept fully informed about their children's care and progress through detailed daily discussions and the daily exchange of the diary. Children show a true sense of belonging and of feeling part of the family. Children feel valued and develop a full sense of belonging because of the excellent

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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 interactions across the provision. Children know their contribution makes a real difference as they play and work together. Children become aware of clear boundaries and simple rules, which are age appropriate and shared with parents. The childminder's techniques and her calm and sensitive approach help children to understand responsible behaviour, to share and take turns and to play harmoniously with friends. Children have many opportunities to make choices and take decisions in their play, because they can freely access toys and resources and there is a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Children become aware of a wider society and learn to respect diversity through carefully planned activities and topics. For example celebrating festivals using well-chosen books and resources, and outings into the

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder works effectively with parents in order to provide a high standard of care for each child. This ensures all children are welcome, fully included into daily routines and have their individual needs met. Children benefit from the excellent partnership the childminder has with their parents, which ensures they are kept fully informed about the provision and their children's care and progress. Parents appreciate and highly value the quality of care and early education their children receive and the excellent links that are established between the provision and home. Children's care and learning is greatly enhanced by the childminder's excellent organisational skills and her professional approach to childcare. The childminder is extremely well qualified and experienced to provide good quality care for children. She has developed comprehensive planning based around the Foundation Stage

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Organisation

curriculum and Birth to three matters, in order to plan effectively for each child's development and learning. The childminder plans themes and activities meticulously to cover the needs of all the children attending. She provides an extremely welcoming and stimulating environment for children. All the required documentation is in place and very well maintained. Detailed written policies and procedures are available and shared with parents to keep them fully informed about the provision. The childminder's highly professional approach and regard for the welfare of the children, ensures 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 inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure the fire blanket is easily accessible and located in accordance with Fire Safety recommendations. The childminder has now attached the fire blanket to the wall in the kitchen area in accordance with Fire Safety recommendations. This ensures the childminder can access the fire blanket with ease and safety.

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Improvements 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

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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.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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