Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 507160 Inspection date 28/06/2011 Inspector Teresa Elkington

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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 1985. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband in Tadworth, Surrey. The family owns three cats. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local parks and library. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age group on a part-time basis.

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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

The children have developed close relationships with the childminder and the family members, making them feel at home and part of the family. They benefit from a good range of enjoyable play experiences which supports their learning and development generally well. Overall, children's safety and well-being is supported well. Ongoing liaison with parents ensures that individual needs are met and individuality is respected. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement and has takes appropriate steps to identify and improve the quality of the service she offers.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a record of evacuation drills in the fire log book, which includes details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  develop observation and assessments to identify learning priorities to plan relevant and motivating learning experiences and next steps for each child.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of her role in safeguarding children and is aware of the appropriate procedures to put into practice when necessary, which ensures that children are kept safe from harm. She carries out regular risk assessments of her home and all activities that are pursued away from the home. This ensures that any hazards are minimised to support the ongoing safety of the children. Fire drills are practised by the children to promote their awareness of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedure to follow in the event of them having to evacuate the home. However, no record is maintained of when drills are carried out and no assessment is made to evaluate the success of the evacuation process.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing her own professional development and that of her provision. She makes good use of self- evaluation, enabling her to identify her strengths and areas in the provision that would benefit from further development. One example of this is the development of the outside play area. She actively seeks the views of parents through the use of questionnaires allowing her to gauge customer satisfaction. This provides the basis for future improvements. Space is well organised to allow children to move freely and explore their learning environment. The play equipment and resources are of good quality and easily accessed, enabling children to make informed choices as to what they wish to play with.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are well fostered. Clear communication systems enable parents to be fully informed as to their children's welfare and their ongoing development, for example, through the use of daily journals, notice board, verbal feedback and learning profiles. The childminder is aware to make links with other settings where children may attend to support children's continuity in their care and learning. Children's individual backgrounds are known by the childminder, which enables her to develop their awareness of their own and others' cultures through activities and discussion which enhances their understanding and respect for others. For example, children access clothing from around the world such as traditional dress from India and Spain.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very relaxed and happy in the childminder's welcoming family home and respond positively to the reassuring and friendly approach of the childminder. They show delight and enthusiasm as they explore and participate in a range of purposeful play activities which are supportive of their individual needs and desires. The childminder shows a very positive and enthusiastic approach to childcare. She works hard to ensure that all children attending are reaching their full potential. She uses observations and assessments to determine how children are progressing. However, she is yet to make clear links from her assessments to enable her to plan effectively for children's next steps in their learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder establishes good personal hygiene practices and children learn the reasons for them, helping to develop their understanding that they need to wash their hands to get rid of germs. Children benefit from a range of healthy snack and meal options which are prepared in consultation with parents. The childminder provides ongoing support and encouragement to develop good eating habits from a young age. Children have many opportunities to enjoy plenty of fresh air and to be physically active. They make regular visits to parks, common land where they explore and use open space and physical equipment. Children's enhancement of their physical skills is developed further through daily garden play, where children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enjoy using, cars, kicking balls, playing and exploring a range of mediums, sand and water and imaginative play materials. Children learn about keeping themselves

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and outcomes for children

safe through daily activities and reinforcement. For example, they are reminded to take care when using the rocking horse, highlighting that they must not go too fast as they could hurt themselves.

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and outcomes for children

Behaviour management strategies are clearly set out in the childminder's policy which is shared with parents to ensure a consistent approach. Children have warm and caring relationships with the childminder. She helps children feel good about themselves by frequently providing positive support, praise and encouragement for their efforts. Children learn about diversity within society through resources and activities that interest them. Children's sense of well-being is actively encouraged as they see photographs of themselves which are displayed within accessible photo albums and also their own work being displayed around the home.

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and outcomes for children

The children's enjoyment and learning is enhanced by the childminder's involvement in their play. Children have easy access to a range of books which they enjoy exploring, developing their use of reading matter from an early age. Regular visits to the local library provide further extension in children's use of books as they enjoy listening to stories in a large group. The children's awareness of mathematical concepts is supported through a range of hands on activities. For example, they participate in cooking activities where they use and explore weights and measures. They delight in taking part in music and singing sessions, where they play musical instruments in time with the music and enjoy dancing to familiar tunes. Children's senses are aroused as they explore a range of textures comprising of both manmade and natural resources through the use of treasure baskets. They have many opportunities to socialise with wider groups of children

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and outcomes for children

as they attend toddler groups. These visits also allow the childminder to meet with other local childminders, using this opportunity to share good practice and ideas. Access to programmable toys promotes children's early skills in the use of information and communication technological equipment. 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 2 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 2 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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