Lift Richmond Park

Inspection report for early years provision

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136208 Unique Reference Number 08 August 2006 Inspection date Deborah Jane Starr Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and son aged 14 years in Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire. Most areas of the house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for three children; all of whom are under five years and attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local toddler groups, parks, library and local places of interest. The family have pet gerbils.

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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's health is effectively promoted. Children follow well-established good hygiene routines; for example, washing hands before snacks and meals and after messy play. Policies and procedures that prevent the spread of infection and risk of illness are in place. The exclusion of children when unwell, thorough nappy changing procedures, vigilant cleaning of the home and the application of sun cream prior to children playing in the garden. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate. The recording of accidents and administering of medication is managed appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of activities that contribute to their physical health and development. Regular activities in the garden and visits to the park help children develop control and co-ordination of their bodies and gives them fresh air. Young children enjoy moving to music and nursery rhyme CD's. They develop throwing, catching and kicking skills using balls, balance using sit and ride toys, swings and a see-saw and climb steps on slides at the park and in the garden. Children are able to be active and rest and sleep comfortably according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop an understanding of a healthy and nutritious well balanced diet through snacks of organic fruit and home-prepared meals including organic vegetables. The childminder has a flexible approach to meals providing breakfast and tea on request. Children's dietary needs are discussed fully with parents and taken account of. Children's understanding of nutritious foods is promoted further through cookery activities. Children help themselves to easily accessible drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move safely around the well-maintained home where hazards are clearly identified, minimised and regularly checked; this includes plug sockets, stair gates and carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Children play with a good range of age appropriate toys and use equipment that is regularly checked and appropriate for their individual developmental needs, such as buggies, car seats and travel cot. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe within the home and regularly practise evacuation procedures. When outside and on outings, young children are encouraged to develop an awareness of moving traffic before crossing roads, stay within close proximity to the childminder and wear wrist bands with contact numbers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and protected, these include a written child collection and lost child policy. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knowledge of the local procedures to be followed. Parents are well informed of her responsibilities through discussion and a written policy.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure within the childminder's home. The positive relationship between the childminder and children promotes their self confidence and enables them to explore the world around them and develop positive relationships with others. For example, children feel at ease with the visiting inspector and point out familiar characters on a puzzle. The childminder uses her good knowledge of the children and understanding of child development to offer an interesting range of planned adult-led and child-initiated activities to help them progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested in small world play manoeuvring cars and trucks over and along obstacles and play with small figures in the dolls house. They enjoy matching pictures of familiar objects and spontaneously name each item. The subtle mirroring of the correct pronunciation of words by the childminder helps develop their speech and the introduction of new words expands their language. Children are introduced to number through everyday experiences, for example when counting steps, putting on shoes and measuring ingredients when cooking. Children are excited by their experiences, they choose a favourite toy and happily push the baby buggy around the garden. They eagerly and competently make up appropriately sized jig-saw puzzles and choose crayons to draw picture to take home and pictures to colour in. Children enthusiastically investigate a varied range of items in a 'feely box' that promotes their sense of touch. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

self-select favourite books and snuggle close to the childminder. Visits to other childminders, soft play areas, toddler groups, library and places of interest such as Blaize Castle and Avon Valley Country Park extend children's experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are clearly identified and met. This is achieved through regular discussion with parents, a clear understanding of children's preferences and the thoughtful planning of activities that enable all children to take part. The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities and if asked would discuss each child's individual needs. Good settling-in procedures and a flexible approach to each child's care supports their well-being and promotes their security. Children's work is valued and they are proud of their achievements; for instance beaming with delight when completing a jig-saw. Displays of children's own drawings promotes their sense of belonging. Children gain an awareness of people who are different from themselves from a sufficient range of resources that reflect positive images and occasionally participate in craft activities that promote their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understanding of the wider world and diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive frequent praise and encouragement that promotes their self-esteem and sense of well-being. Children enjoy cuddles. The childminder's calm, clear and consistent approach and use of age appropriate strategies effectively helps children understand what is expected of them. Children's behaviour is good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the excellent relationship between parents and the childminder. Parents are very supportive of her and value her thoughtful approach to the care of their children.

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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 Parents are welcomed into the home. They are well-informed of the childminder's policies and procedures through discussion and a comprehensive folder of written statements. Daily diaries and observation records inform parents of their child's experiences and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at ease within the childminder's home. The lay out of the play areas gives children space to move safely and independently. Young children easily access and self-select toys that are placed at floor level or from regularly rotated well organised storage containers and boxes. A child-sized low level table provides children with space to investigate toys, play games and enjoy messy play. Routines and flexible planning of the day supports children's developmental needs and ensures their individual needs are met; for example, their need for sleep. The childminder considers the needs of children in the event of an emergency by identifying alternative minders known to the child. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to gain knowledge and develop her skills through reading and accessing training.

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Organisation

Children's well-being is promoted through appropriate, accurate, clearly displayed and well-organised documentation that is stored confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was requested to make the following improvements: to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues; to make sure that emergency evacuation procedures are practised on a regular basis and to plan and extend the use and range of activities and play opportunities available to take account of children's age and overall development. These recommendations have been fully considered and steps taken to improve the provision. The childminder has obtained up to date information regarding child protection issues and procedures and has carefully considered her responsibilities which are clearly stated in a written policy. A fire drill is practised monthly with the children therefore promoting their safety within the home. The childminder has attended training in the Birth to three matters framework and has introduced this into her practice. Observations of children and evaluation

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Improvements since the last inspection

of their development are used effectively to plan appropriate activities that help children move forward and make progress.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last 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 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): • increase the range of meaningful activities that promote children's awareness and understanding of the wider world and diversity.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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