Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298919 Inspection date 08 August 2005 Inspector Christine Stimson

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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?

This childminder was registered in November 2004 and lives with her parents and grown up sister in a house in a quiet road close to local shops and parks in Twickenham. The ground floor only is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of two children at any one time when working alone, and for a maximum of six children when working with her mother, who is registered as an accredited childminder. Ten children are currently on roll aged 13 months to 8 years.

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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 walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends several parent toddler groups throughout the week. She has two cats as pets and keeps fish in indoor tanks and outdoor ponds. The childminder helps support children with special needs and is a member of the national and local childminding associations. She holds an NVQ level 3 childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example they ride on wheeled toys, practice kicking, throwing and catching balls and enjoy walks to the park or to toddler activity sessions. All these activities improves and develop their physical skills. From an early age children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines, but the childminder allows children to share a towel in the cloakroom, which could put children's health at risk. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of children's health and welfare as she holds a current first aid certificate and shares a sick child policy with parents. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. However, she has not requested written permission from parents to take a child to hospital in an

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Helping children to be healthy

emergency, and this could result in a delay to a child being treated. Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks which are freshly prepared for them each day. This helps children to enjoy foods that are good for them and to develop an awareness of healthy eating. Parents are kept informed of their child's food intake by use of a daily diary exchange.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe both within the home and on outings. Children select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder sets out different activities each day and then uses a catalogue which shows pictures of all her toys, so that children can select individual items that interest them. Children enjoy looking through this and have fun choosing for themselves. The childminder monitors and supervises their choice to ensure the toys are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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 Childrens independence and responsibility is developed as they respond to a bell that indicates to them it is time to tidy up before a snack is served. Regular fire drills help children become familiar with the procedures so they learn how to leave the premises quickly and safely. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has a concern about a child in her care. However, a copy of the local child protection guidelines is not kept on site which could result in unnecessary delays in reporting concerns

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house and have opportunities to socialise with children from outside the home environment through regular attendance at local toddler groups. Children participate in a variety of activities that help them to become creative and imaginative, and which help extend their vocabulary. For example children are encouraged to write their names at the top of the pictures they create, and the childminder encourages children to look and listen to story books and musical tapes. The childminder plans activities such as singing, story telling and mark making to promote children's learning. All children spend their time purposefully whilst exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity such as listening to music, dancing , playing instruments, painting and model making. Childrens physical development is met as they have regular outings to the park

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

where they play ball, clamber over and under climbing equipment and negotiate slides and tunnels.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world through outings and activities that introduce them to other cultures. For example at parent toddler groups and at French story time sessions. They have resources and experiences within the setting that promote and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met and activities are adapted for children with special needs so they can experience a wide range of stimulating activities appropriate to their level of ability. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They are well behaved, kind and considerate to each other and have a warm caring relationship with the childminder. Behaviour management strategies are appropriate and help children understand right from wrong. They learn important social skills whilst playing together, enjoying each

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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 others company and treating each other with kindness and consideration. A good partnership with parents contributes to children's well being and they appreciate the sharing of information through a day book which gives them details of their child's daily activities, food intake and sleep patterns. This ensure continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The room where children play is laid out to support children in their play and learning. The childminder holds a level three qualification in childcare and education and regularly updates her knowledge by attending relevant childcare courses. This ensures sufficient knowledge of current child care practices to support the care and learning of children. Children benefit from being cared for by a childminder who is very caring. She maintains care diaries for children and this, together with informal discussion with parents, ensures continuity of care for children. The day is well planned allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare All documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting is in place. The childminder has devised policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, and these contribute to the care, learning and welfare of the children.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure each child has their own hand towel to use after washing their hands • obtain a copy of the local area child protection committee (acpc) guidelines

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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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