Childminder in Kingston upon ThamesOfsted inspection, 15 Jun 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318770 Inspection date 15 June 2006 Inspector Lindsay Ann Farenden

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged one year and four years. They live in Worcester Park, Surrey. The whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms are available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The home is easily accessible by public transport. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part time basis. She attends a local toddler group and takes the children to local parks.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean, warm home where they are helped to learn about good hygiene practice, such as washing hands before meals. The childminder herself demonstrates good hygiene awareness, when preparing foods and during nappy changing. This reduces the risk of cross infection to children. Children benefit from nutritious snacks of fruit. This helps them to develop a fondness of fruit and healthy eating habits from a young age. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children are provided with foods, which meet their dietary needs. Children are provided with ample drinks, which are made easily accessible to them. This ensures they do not get dehydrated or thirsty. Children’s health is safeguarded, whilst playing outside during the summer, because the childminder takes good precautions to ensure they are protected from the sun. For example, children wear hats and have sun protection cream applied.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and help them develop control of their bodies, through using play equipment in the garden. Children benefit from visiting parks on a regular basis, where they walk, use swings and climbing equipment. This promotes children’s physical skills and ensures they receive plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children have opportunities to relax as well as be active.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move around the home safely because the childminder has taken action to minimise risks and by making hazardous items inaccessible to them. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. However sharp objects are not made fully inaccessible to children. The risk of accidents outside the home are reduced, because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example, children wear appropriate restraints in the buggy and hold onto the buggy when walking. The childminder talks to children about crossing at the green man and about the dangers of the road. Children are learning to use equipment safely, such as the slide because the childminder talks to them about holding on, as they go up the steps. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child. The childminder has attended first aid

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

training but children’s health and welfare are not fully safeguarded as the first aid box is not complete and parents written permission for the childminder to seek emergency medial treatment has not been requested. For children’s safety all fire precaution equipment is in place and the smoke alarms are in working order. The childminder is able to demonstrate fire evacuation plans. However these are not

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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 written nor have been practised, to help children become familiar with the procedures in the event of an emergency. Children are well supervised throughout the day. They are able to move freely between the lounge and the playroom and the childminder closely monitors them to ensure they are safe and happy. Children choose activities from a good range of clean quality toys, which are accessible to them at all times. The childminder makes sure they are suitable for their age and stage of development so children can play safely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled and confident within the childminders home and relate well to her, because she plays with them and shows them warmth and affection. This contributes to their sense of belonging when they are with the childminder. Children benefit from the childminder's organisation of the play materials to meet children’s individual developmental needs and interests. This results in children spending their time purposefully and motivated to play. They enjoy choosing from a good variety of toys and books that appeal to them, taking them between the lounge and the playroom. They enjoy fixing large duplo together with the support of the childminder. Children use their imaginations well, extending their play on first hand experiences. For example, when playing with dolls, pretending to take them for walks in the buggy and bathing them in a toy bath. Children’s creativity is encouraged through a range of activities, such as drawing and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

moulding play dough. They enjoy singing songs to music and nursery rhymes in French. Children are encouraged to develop an interest in books, as they visit the library and through books being made easily accessible to them within the home. Children enjoy looking at books on their own and with the childminder. This contributes to developing their language and communication skills. Children enjoy playing in the garden, which has good range of play equipment. Their large and small motor skills are developed as they use the swing, slide and play with sand. Children gain social skills from attending a toddler group, where they have opportunities to meet other children and adults and access further play resources and activities. This contributes to their enjoyment, creativity and enhances their all round development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well, as the

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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 childminder undertakes discussions with the parent’s regarding children’s needs and routines before they start. She follows the children's routine as discussed with the parents, as much as possible. The childminder and the parents work well together and information is exchanged verbally with them about their children’s day on a daily basis. This ensures continuity of care for the child. Children learn about their local community through regular outings to parks, library and the toddler group. Children have some opportunities to develop an awareness of diversity of others through a range of and resources reflecting positive images of culture. However they have no access to toys or books reflecting positive images of disability. The childminders use of praise to reinforce positive behaviour and acknowledge

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Helping children make a positive contribution

efforts and achievements contributes towards children’s high level of self esteem and confidence. Children behave very well and are encouraged to play together and share toys. Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, she is interested in attending training in this area and demonstrated an awareness of how to meet their needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and secure in a well organised home, which helps them gain confidence and be independent. The environment is laid out to make the most of space and maximise children’s play opportunities and enable them to confidently initiate their own play. The childminder makes appropriate use of contracts to invite discussions with parents about their children’s individual needs. Information is regularly shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child’s day. This contributes to the continuity in children’s care. Most required records are kept. However children’s welfare is not fully protected because the childminder does not meet the required regulation regarding, keeping an up to date record of children’s attendance. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the registration inspection. The provider 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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Complaints 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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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 satisfactory. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure all sharp knifes are made completely inaccessible to children • ensure the first aid box is suitably stocked and contents are replaced as necessary and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure children's attendance record is recorded on a daily basis, showing hours and date of attendance

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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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