Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY413024 Inspection date 13/12/2010 Inspector Claire Parnell

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2010. She lives with her husband and their two children, of which one is in the Early Years age range. They live in Oxted, Surrey. The childminder occupies a first floor flat. Access is via one flight of stairs with supporting hand rail. The premises are located close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a communal garden available but children are taken out daily to visit local amenities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. The childminder currently cares for three children ,all within the Early Years age range on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to take and collect children from the local school or nursery and will attend toddler groups and the library on a regular basis. The family have two pet chinchillas.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child and provides a caring support so that no individual is disadvantaged. The childminder gives a very high priority to safeguarding children. Children play in a safe, secure and stimulating environment where they access a full range of play and learning experiences. Children are progressing well due to the childminder's knowledge of systems to aid planning and identifying next steps for learning. The childminder's capacity for maintaining ongoing improvements to the provision is good. Her self devised systems for self-evaluation identifies strengths and weaknesses in the provision. The childminder's positive and professional partnerships with parents enhance the continuity of care and learning for children.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 simplify exisiting individual children's development records to ensure children's achievements can be easily tracked  ensure good hygiene procedures are encouraged at all times. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is very effectively safeguarded. The childminder's robust risk assessment for all aspects of children's care ensures that the premises are safe and any identified risks on outings are minimalised. The childminder actively encourages the children's participation in risk assessments to encourage their understanding of keeping themselves safe. She has a very clear understanding towards her responsibility for the children in her care and is fully aware of the steps to take if she has a concern about a child. Very thorough policies and procedures are effectively implemented to ensure children are able to play in a safe, healthy, secure and stimulating environment. The childminder's home is carefully organised to ensure children can help themselves to a wide range of good quality resources appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are supervised well when out of the house to ensure un-vetted people do not have

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear vision for the future regarding the development of her practice. She is eager to continue her training and has attended local workshops to promote the welfare and development of the children in her care. The childminder effectively evaluates her service using the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Action taken is well targeted to improve outcomes for children, for example changes include reviewing risk assessments when new children start and initiating positive behaviour management strategies to support sharing and cooperation between children.

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the early years provision

The childminder understands the importance of supporting a child's home background and ensure she has sufficient information so that equality and diversity is promoted, for example she plays songs in children's home languages to reflect their culture. The childminder carefully plans celebrations of festivals and customs to promote children's understanding of today's society. The childminder demonstrates an interest in closing the gender gap in play and is keen to promote the development of boy's imagination through their play.

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the early years provision

The childminder has initiated partnerships with other settings including local schools and day nurseries who share the care of minded children. The childminder is aware of the need to share information to promote children's continuity of care and learning. The childminder promotes positive partnerships with parents and provides them with plentiful information about her service and their child's day. Daily communication is provided through contact books and emails. Parents have access to the childminder's policies and procedures on a daily basis as well as visually displayed information in the childminder's house. Parent's written comments are positive and reassuring for others that the childminder shows a great commitment to the children in her care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children's learning well. She helps them to settle into the provision and takes time to allow them to explore and develop confidence and independence. The childminder actively talks to the children engaging their interest in activities and resources that are easily accessible to them .She promotes their curiosity and interest by introducing activities that reflect the world around them, for example the children explore the texture of icing sugar, driving cars throughout to make snowy tracks. The childminder reminds the children about the previous weeks heavy snow and how difficult it was for the cars to move. She encourages them to take turns and share the cars as well as using appropriate language to encourage their communication skills. Children become excited when they sing familiar songs together that have learnt recently about the snow and Christmas season. Younger children squeal with pleasure at the new experiences of their

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and outcomes for children

senses when they taste the icing sugar. Children learn to compare and measure by the childminder's use of mathematical questioning throughout their play. Children have access to interactive resources such as telephones and learn about cause and effect by pressing buttons.

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and outcomes for children

Children experience a wealth of learning situations through visits and outings. The childminder takes children on local buses and trains to amenities such as the library and toddler groups. Children sociaise with other children and adults to encourage communication, confidence and interaction with others.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder plans for individual children on a weekly basis and builds on their existing abilities and interests. She makes effective observations through written comments and photographs and uses these to link their development to the areas and aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, the complicated systems used for planning and assessment does not make it clear for parents or other professionals how to track children's ongoing development and achievements.

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and outcomes for children

Children effectively learn about safety issues throughout their time with the childminder. She actively encourages their participation in assessing risks and constantly and sensitively encourages explanations from the children about hazards. Children demonstrate their understanding through daily routines such as climbing the stairs together to the childminder's home, holding tight to the rail and using one step at a time. Children are very settled and confident in the childminder's care, responding well to the childminder's requests and demonstrating a good sense of belonging.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is promoted well. Children take part in daily routines that promote fresh air and exercise; walking to and from school. They have their own face flannels for washing and children are encouraged to wash their hands after toileting, after nappy changes, messy play and before eating meals. However, hygiene procedures such as washing hands before snack time are not always encouraged or followed through by the childminder. Children who are unwell are required to stay at home with infectious conditions to help prevent spread of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 infection.

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged to eat very healthy options. Children snack on fresh fruit such as blueberries and munch happily on rice cakes as an alternative to biscuits. Freshly cooked lunches are provided by the childminder that contain plenty of fresh vegetables such as home cooked vegetable soup. The childminder discusses weaning with parents to ensure dietary requirements are met and new foods are carefully monitored with regard to allergies. Children have access to fresh drinking water throughout their time with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children are supervised well as they play together. They learn to share and take turns. Positive behaviour strategies are effectively implemented to encourage good social skills and co-operation between children. The childminder acts as a good role model using good manners and showing respect towards the children. These positive strategies help children to develop good levels of confidence and self- esteem. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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