Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293272 Inspection date 04 May 2005 Inspector Sarah Street

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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. She lives with her husband and three children aged 2, 6 and 7 years. The home is situated in a quiet residential road in Richmond, Surrey. Children have access to all the rooms, with the exception of the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The home is near to local schools, parks and transport links.

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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 childminder is registered to care for 1 child and is currently minding 1 child on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to local parks. The family have birds which are kept in cages and several goldfish. The childminder has completed her Introduction to Childminding Practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The child enjoys a wide range of appropriate activities which contribute to her good health. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of promoting children's health. They always walk to parks and school which ensures they have fresh air. The childminder provides a buggy if the child becomes tired. There are daily outdoor activities which enable the child to develop and practice her physical skills. This is done during regular trips to the park where there is climbing equipment and with the use of the appropriately sized trampoline and children's bikes in the garden. The child is cared for in a spacious, clean and warm home. Toys and equipment meet the needs of the child. The toys are regularly washed. The child joins in with cleaning some of the toys which helps her understand the importance of keeping clean. The child is prompted to wash her hands before and after meals and after

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Helping children to be healthy

using the toilet. The child is developing her understanding of healthy eating. She is given healthy choices at mealtimes and provided with nutritious, well balanced meals which look colourful and interesting. The child requests healthy snacks, which include cheese and fruit, and understands that sweet things are given as treats when meals are finished. The childminder seeks and takes account of the parents wishes. During the day the child confidently requests milk or drinking water

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The child is cared for in a home where risks have been identified and minimised. Safety matting in the back garden ensures the child can safely use the trampoline, the childminder keeps hazardous items out of reach and makes sure the child cannot leave the home unsupervised. During play activities the childminder closely supervises the child whilst allowing her developing independence. For example, if she leaves the room she will wait a short while before checking she is safe. Clear explanations are given as to why she cannot do something and this helps her to learn about taking responsibility for her own safety. The fire evacuation plan has been well thought out but needs to be practiced with the child to help her develop an understanding of what to do in an emergency. Toys and activities which are appropriate to the child's needs are stored safely on

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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 shelves which she accesses. The toys are in good condition and do not pose a hazard. The childminder regularly checks the toys which helps ensure the child's ongoing safety. The childminder has a good understanding of when she may have concerns that a child is at risk from abuse. She clearly understands the child protection procedures and is aware of her responsibility to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Good relationships exist between the child and the childminder. The child regularly seeks the support of the childminder for help with activities, requesting snacks or for a cuddle. The child is confident to do this and she and the childminder obviously have a caring relationship. The child is able to socialise with the childminder's own children and they have a good relationship. Social activities outside the home include trips to other childminder's homes and the park. This helps the child develop her social skills. The toys and activities provided mean the child has a stimulating environment which helps her to develop. The minder and child play together, read books and sing. The childminder is keen when she is joining in with the child who responds enthusiastically. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children's concentration. When she becomes restless she competently suggests

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

another activity which the child readily participates in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a varied range of resources which promote society in a positive way. This includes people with disabilities, play food, dolls from a variety of cultures, books and puzzles. These are all part of the everyday toys and the child plays confidently and non-judgementally with them. The child has access to all the toys and activities and this is discussed with the parents. This helps to avoid her learning about stereotypes. The child is respected and valued as an individual. The child's home routine, likes and dislikes are discussed with the parents and the childminder tries to follow these, where possible. This helps the child to feel familiar and comfortable out of her own home. The minded child and the childminder's own children are given the same opportunities and are dealt with fairly and consistently. The child behaves very well and understands the boundaries. The childminder has a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

calm and consistent approach to behaviour management. Explanations are given if behaviour is not acceptable. For example the childminder explained why her own child had been taken out of the room as he had not stopped climbing on the furniture despite being asked. Effective links are developed with parents. The settling in process is gradual and

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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 allows parents and the child to develop trust with the childminder. They are kept informed about their child's progress with daily verbal feedback and regular meetings. This helps the parents and childminder to care consistently for the child. All contracts and contact details are available. A system is in place for another childminder, who the parent and child knows, to help out in an emergency.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The home is well organised and the child obviously feels welcomed and comfortable. The toys are accessible and the child was confident and happy to select her own activities. The day is well planned by the childminder to provide a varied day which encourages the child's development. This includes free play, outings and activities as well as sufficient time for meals and rest. There is sufficient space and children freely and confidently move around the downstairs rooms. Since registration the childminder has competed her Introduction to Childminding Course. She has not yet completed her first aid course but is waiting to get a place on one. The childminder has attended a first aid course in the past and is able to discuss how she will effectively deal with accidents. All legally required documentation which contributes to the child's safety, health and well being is in

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Organisation

place. This is neatly recorded and stored confidentially. Records are accessible for the parents and this helps to keep them informed.

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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):

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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 • ensure the emergency evacuation plan is regularly practiced • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children

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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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