Welch, Maria Jose

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294084 Inspection date 08 November 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 two daughters aged two and five. The home is situated in a residential road in Tedddington, Middlesex. It is near to local schools, parks and transport links. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and children have access to the upstairs bathroom and one of the bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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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 three children and is currently minding one on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler groups and takes children to local parks. The childminder has attended the Introduction to Childminding Practice course.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a varied range of activities which contribute to their good health and allow them to develop their physical skills. They have daily access to fresh air as they walk to and from school. In the garden and during regular trips to parks, they practice their balance and co-ordination skills as they use the climbing equipment and slides. Children begin to understand the benefits of healthy eating as they eat a freshly prepared, well balanced diet. For example, children were happily eating wholemeal bread sandwiches with nutritious fillings and enjoying fruit for pudding. Children do not become thirsty as drinks are always available. Risk of cross infection and exposure to illness is minimised. The childminder has a current food handling certificate, the home is very clean and children regularly wash their hands before and after meals or using the toilet. The childminder needs to make

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Helping children to be healthy

sure she is aware of the communicable diseases she may have to contact Ofsted about. Distress to children is kept to a minimum following accidents as the childminder has a current first aid certificate. This keeps her up to date with current practice. The well stocked first aid box is easily accessible. The sharing of the accident record with parents allows them to look for any further symptoms which may develop.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where the childminder has taken action to reduce the majority of risks. This means that children can move safely and freely. For example, medicines, cleaning materials and sharp knives are inaccessible and a safety gate prevents access to the garage area. The childminder has a well thought out evacuation plan. However the children do not practice it. This means that in an emergency there may be delay in leaving the home as children do not know what to do. The childminder uses her car but currently does not have business use cover. Ensuring this is in place will mean that the policy covers the children. Children play with safe toys which they happily select. They play safely due to the childminder's close supervision. Children begin to understand about keeping safe when out of the home as the childminder allows them to develop their independence.

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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 For example, children hold the childminder’s hand when walking near roads but have more freedom when in parks and safer areas. The childminder has a clear understanding when she may have concerns that children are at risk from abuse and is aware of her responsibilities. The local child protection referral procedures are in place which means referrals can quickly take place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the setting as a result of the childminder's enthusiasm and commitment to them. Children confidently choose what to do and quickly become absorbed in their play. For example, during a sticking activity children happily select from feathers, tissue paper and children's wrapping paper as they design a picture. These interesting activities help children develop their concentration skills. Children participate in a varied range of stimulating activities which interest and encourage them to develop. Regular outings to toddler groups, friends and parks ensure children regularly socialise. Activities in the home include games, puzzles, imaginative toys, garden play, occasional children's television, construction toys and many art activities. Excellent relationships exist. The childminder devotes her time to the children and is always available to support them in their games. For example, when a child was

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

playing with the pretend cooker the childminder sat on the floor and joined in with the cooking. Children are confident to approach the childminder to request a change in activities. For example, 'can I get the puzzles out please?' Regular animated conversations take place where the childminder and children listen and talk to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and respected as individuals. Their art work is on display which helps them have positive feelings about themselves. The childminder is very aware of the likes of each child and ensures she provides activities which they enjoy. For example, the childminder is aware that one of the children enjoys puzzles, art activities and imaginative play with the dolls house. She ensures these are always available along side the other toys. Children have access to all the toys which they play with non-judgementally. The provision of toys, books and puzzles which give children positive views of culture, gender and disability helps children to understand the differences in society. Children are well behaved and regularly say please and thank you without prompting. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and consistently and children respond

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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 well. For example, during lunch a child did not want her sandwich but wanted 'custard'. The childminder said she could have this only if she ate her first course. The child did not want to and was told that she could have fruit but not custard. The child accepted this. Daily conversation with parents allows a good exchange of information and enables the childminder and parent to provide consistent care. Written references from previous parents provide reassurance about the quality of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable in a well organised home. The childminder's preparation of activities, particularly craft ones, means that children do not have to wait to participate. The childminder demonstrates her commitment to her role as she attends courses which develop her knowledge. These include behaviour management and business. With the exception of the correct car insurance all legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is in place. Records are clear, confidentially stored and accessible. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • improve children's safety by practising the evacuation plan and ensure the car insurance covers you for business use • make sure you are aware of the communicable diseases you need to contact Ofsted about

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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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