Thomson, Leonie Nita

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317028 Inspection date 21 June 2006 Inspector Hazel Stuart-Buddery

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children of pre-school age in Staines. The home is within walking distance of local amenities. The ground floor of the house is mainly used for childminding with sleeping facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder currently has two children on the register. The family have two cats.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 play in a clean and well maintained environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Children spontaneously wash their hands after using glue and before eating their snacks. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. Most required documentation is in place, although prior consent to administer medication is not always obtained. Children benefit from a healthy, nutritious diet. All dietary and health needs are discussed with parents and recorded on contracts. Children have independent access to drinks throughout the day, allowing them to make their own choices as to when they are thirsty, they also enjoy a snack of strawberries and bananas. These measures help children to learn about healthy lifestyles from a young age. Children's good health and physical development is promoted because they have

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Helping children to be healthy

daily opportunities to play in a well equipped garden. They cautiously climb on the climbing frame and slide down the slide giggling with delight. They enjoy playing bat and ball and running around.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a well-organised environment. This allows them to move around freely and safely. The childminder completes a comprehensive written risk assessment that identifies and minimizes risks around the home and in the garden. This ensures children are safe and secure. Children have an awareness of keeping themselves safe as they carefully climb up the steps of the slide. They have easy and safe access to a good range of age appropriate toys and resources. The outdoor area is safe for children to play and enjoy fresh air. Children are well protected from fire. The childminder has a fire blanket and smoke alarms in place. Smoke alarms are regularly tested and all children complete a fire drill to ensure they can escape quickly and safely if needed. Effective child protection procedures promote and safeguard children's welfare while they are in the childminder's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy a wide range of activities and toys that are appropriate to their stage of development. The childminder encourages all children to join in activities. The children enthusiastically get ready to stick and glue. They talk about the shapes they are sticking and what colour they are and the childminder offers lots of praise when they get it right. The children proudly show off the pictures they make and put them on the side to dry ready to take home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 children have short attention spans which the childminder caters well for. She provides a variety of different activities and resources that the children have easy access to. The childminder knows the children well and recognises signs of frustration. She diverts their interests effectively and makes suggestions that interest the children. They excitedly put on sun hats and cream to play in the garden where they enjoy running around and playing on the climbing frame and slide. They enjoy their snack in the play house. The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children. She responds quickly to their interests and needs, helping them to feel safe, secure and valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect and given choices, helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a good understanding about equality of opportunity and has comprehensive polices to support her practise. She encourages children to learn about differences through good use of resources and craft activities. Children enjoy the company of the childminder and play well alongside her family. They begin to learn about right and wrong, sharing and taking turns because the childminder is consistent with behaviour management. She has a clear and comprehensive policy that reflects her practise. The childminder promotes partnerships with parents. Children benefit from continuity of care as their care needs are thoroughly discussed at the initial interview and at regular intervals. The childminder has a full set of written policies and procedures, however, these are not all shared fully with parents. She shares information daily

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about children's achievements through a written diary and discussions with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy in a child friendly and loving environment. They are relaxed, settled and benefit from a well-organised home. Children receive appropriate levels of support from the childminder and good relationships are fostered. The childminder has completed the required training and further training in risk assessment. She maintains her paperwork well and has most required documentation in place, and she also keeps further records that promote good practise. She has produced a full set of written policies, although these are not fully shared with parents. She is aware of the new complaints procedure and of her responsibilities, however, this has not been shared with parents. She keeps parents well informed of their child's achievements and provides a daily written dairy. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

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 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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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure prior written permission is obtained to administer medication • ensure all policies and procedures are shared with parents.

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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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