Shield-Walmsley, Abigail Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

510903 Unique Reference Number 11 May 2007 Inspection date Jane Nelson Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her partner and two children, aged nine and seven years, in a house in Richmond, Surrey. The open plan ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, the first floor is not used. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, there are currently no children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates an awareness of the need to follow good hygiene practices, and how she ensures toys and play materials are clean. The risk of infection to children is minimised

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 by the childminder's policy, of not caring for children while they have infectious illnesses or are unwell in themselves. The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate, she is aware of the need to update this, before caring for children. She demonstrates, through discussion, some first aid knowledge, and has attended first aid training in the past.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates an understanding of how children's health is promoted. She describes how she will encourage children's awareness of their personal hygiene, through practices in their normal daily routine, such as washing their hands before meals, after using the toilet and observing her following good hygiene procedures. The childminder has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding children's medical and dietary needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

From discussion the childminder demonstrates an understanding of healthy eating, including the need to provide regular drinks and provide a balanced diet. She has systems in place to find out about children's dietary needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates through discussion, how she will provide opportunities for children to enjoy regular exercise. She will provide outdoor play in the garden, daily walks to school, shops and local parks.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home is generally safe and secure and the space used for childminding is organised effectively. A play room at the rear of the house is used for play, meals and creative activities and the open plan, living/ dining area, used for children's rest, quiet play and story time. Toys and play materials are safe and well maintained, meaning that children can play with these safely. Creative materials are stored on shelving, and toys for younger children, in containers on the floor in the play room, enabling them to help themselves to some toys safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety precautions such as a stair gate, socket covers and child proof locks, are provided, although not in place, resulting in some cleaning materials being accessible in the kitchen. The garden is secure, although, there are some loose paving slabs, bricks and loose chicken wire accessible to children. The fire blanket is not fitted according to manufacturer's instructions, meaning that it would be difficult to use if needed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

From discussion, the childminder demonstrates how she will make children aware of their own safety by making the environment safe, supervision and talking to them about what is and is not safe. When out with the children, she will explain why they need to stay with her, and encourage awareness of their own safety, for example, discussing and practicing road safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

From discussion, the childminder demonstrates how she will protect children's welfare by her awareness of child protection issues and procedures. The childminder's verbal evacuation procedure, means that plans are in place to evacuate children safely in the event of an emergency.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a range of suitable play materials that are likely to enhance children's development. Play equipment is stored in containers in the play room and some is easily accessible to children. A good selection of creative materials and activities are provided and

p.3

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 stored on shelves. The childminder intends to encourage children's interest in play, by showing children how things work and planning the daily routine, taking children's age and routine into account.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

From discussion the childminder demonstrates an awareness of how she will meet the needs of children. She talks about supporting children in their play by reading, playing with them, and doing creative activities. The childminder is aware of local resources such as parent and toddler groups, which she intends to visit with the children. The impact of these on children's development is not clear as there are no records of what children can do.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder talks about her own awareness of diversity, and how she will provide different experiences for children, such as finding out about different festivals. Children have access to a range of resources, such as books and dolls, that reflect diversity, to support their play. From discussion, the childminder states how she will find out about children's individual needs through discussion with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has systems in place to gather and record information from the parents about children's needs. She talks about how she will share information with parents, and encourage open communication, through daily verbal discussion. The childminder is aware of the need to record any complaints, but a method to do this is not yet in place.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving examples of how she would approach situations with children, and encourage children's self confidence and positive behaviour.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has some systems in place to keep up to date with developments in childcare, through contact with the local Childminding Association. However, she has not received updated information relating to the National Standards for Childminding and does not hold a current first aid qualification. Systems to record the required information related to children's health and welfare are in place, although some safety issues such as materials in the garden and the accessibility of the fire blanket have not been addressed. Evidence suggests that the needs of all children would be met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Actions regarding safety issues and first aid training were set during the previous two inspections. The childminder has improved safety by replacing low glass panels in the French windows with safety glass, and has removed cleaning materials from the bathroom. Cleaning materials are still accessible, to children, in a kitchen cupboard and the childminder has not attended first aid training. Further recommendations have been made regarding these issues as a result of this inspection. A recommendation was made during the last inspection for the childminder to obtain the local child protection guidelines. These have not been obtained, however the childminder demonstrates an understanding of her responsibilities, who to contact and the procedure to follow, if she has concerns regarding children's welfare.

p.4

Improvements 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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

p.5

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): • make sure all cleaning materials are inaccessible to children • make sure the garden is made safe • ensure the fire blanket is fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions • confirm first aid training has been completed prior to caring for children • obtain updated and current information relating to changes and developments in childminding.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5