Childminder in Kingston upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY285373 Inspection date 04 May 2005 Inspector Christine Stimson

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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 good. 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 2004 and works with his wife, who has been a registered childminder for 21 years. They live in a house in New Malden, which is in the London Borough of Kingston and it is located close to the high street and a main line station. Their grown up daughter lives at home with them. A purpose built play room to the front of the house is used for childminding, and children also have access to a breakfast room, lounge and the kitchen. Three of the upstairs bedrooms are used for children to sleep in. There is a fully enclosed garden which has a swimming pool with a fitted cover, and this area must only be used under

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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 supervision of the childminders. The childminder is a member of local and National Childminding Associations. He is registered to care for four children at any one time when working alone, and registered to care for six children when working with his wife. He is currently caring for 10 children part time, one of whom has special needs. The childminder has completed an Introducing Childminding Practice course.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and their physical skills. They regularly play in the front and back garden areas where they dig in the sand tray, ride on wheeled toys, kick, throw and catch balls and learn to swim in the outside pool. They explore local parks and toddler groups each week practicing their balancing skills on fallen trees and outside play equipment. They are given regular opportunities to rest and to take refreshment, making them aware of the effect physical exercise has on their bodies. Younger children's needs are met by the childminder who gives them a good level of support, which helps children gain the confidence to try out new skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are learning the importance of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet, but as all the children share the same towel to

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Helping children to be healthy

dry their hands there is a risk of cross infection. All accidents and incidents involving children are recorded in well kept record books, and their parents informed on the day. A record of medication is also kept, but this does not comply with the National standards, and parents acknowledgment that medicine has been given to their child should be obtained. Children are provided with food from home, and the childminder is vigilant about re-heating this food properly. Children's dietary needs are met and parents wishes respected. Children are provided with regular drinks throughout the day, particularly after they have been running around.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play safely in a warm, welcoming and friendly environment. The childminder is vigilant about the safety of children both indoors and outside, and takes steps to reduce any hazards. For example ensuring outside gates are secure before children play outside. Children enter the setting and leave their parents with confidence. They quickly play with the toys provided and seek out other children's company. A spacious

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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 environment is provided where children can choose to play on their own or join in activities as a group. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which are set out each day. They are confident to ask for other toys they wish to play with, which are stored in a large toy cupboard. The childminder ensures toys and equipment are well maintained by conducting regular checks for breakages and cleanliness, which ensures children can play safely. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. He has attended child protection training and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures. He is about to update his first aid qualification by attending a 12 hour course.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house and make themselves at home as soon as they enter the setting. They all relate well to each other and socialise with children from outside the setting by regularly attending toddler groups and childminding drop in sessions. Children's independence is encouraged as they select toys and books for themselves or wash their hands after messy activities. Children enjoy listening to stories read by the childminder and regularly listen and dance to music tapes. The childminder joins in their play activities, both indoors and outside, where children are encouraged to play together, take turns and share fairly. Children's imaginations and physical skills are encouraged by the activities organised by the childminder, for example riding bikes outside and digging in the sand together to make shaped structures. Children spend their time purposefully participating in activities such as painting,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

doing puzzles, moulding malleable materials and constructing objects, and take pride in showing their achievements to parents at the end of the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children increase their awareness of the wider world by playing with dolls, play figures, cooking implements and books that show positive images that reflect different cultures. The childminder intends to use the local toy library to give children more choice of this type of resource. Children feel valued and respected as individuals and their work and contribution is met with praise and encouragement from the childminder. The childminder sometimes works with other professionals to ensure their needs are met. Parents receive daily verbal information about what their child has eaten and drunk, activities they have participated in, outings they have been on and sleep routines. This reassures parents their children are well looked after and confirms their wishes have

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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 been respected. Children play together harmoniously and are well behaved. They understand the need to take turns and share fairly. Procedures are in place for managing children's behaviour, and these are understood by children and discussed with parents. The childminder ensures children are included and valued within the setting and paintings and creative work are hung up to dry and taken home to show parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. An organised environment is provided where children can grow in confidence and learn social and physical skills. Children can choose to play alone or together as a group and the space provided enables them to do this, for example setting out the train track, reading a book on the settee or riding bikes in the outside areas. Children are confident to initiate their own play opportunities, and a weekly routine of visiting toddler groups and childminding drop ins help children to establish relationships with others outside of the setting, and teaches them how to keep safe whilst walking in the street. Documentation is used effectively to ensure children are well cared for and parents wishes are respected. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 good. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • Ensure parents sign the medication record book to acknowledge the entry. • Ensure hand drying promotes good hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of infection.

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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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