Childminder in Kingston upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304044 Inspection date 13 October 2005 Inspector Denise Rosemary Olsson-Hildick

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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 was registered in 2005 and lives with her three children in Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey near parks, local schools, bus and train routes. Children have access to the entire home though are discouraged from going upstairs alone or entering the bedrooms. There is an enclosed garden at the back of the property. The family have a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for four children and is currently minding five children on a part time basis.

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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 and drives to schools to take and collect children and attends local playgroups, support and activity groups on a regular basis. Children who have a special need or speak English as their second language are welcomed and supported. The childminder is a member of the local branch of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy nutritious meals and snacks presented in a manner designed to appeal to individual needs and tastes. For example a lunch of cheese and cucumber sandwiches made with wholemeal bread, cherry tomatoes, strawberries and juice, later followed by a snack of fruit and another drink ensure children eat a flavoursome diet and are easily able to quench their thirst. Presenting food in unusual ways, such as serving strawberries in cups, tempts children to try new flavours and makes mealtimes a fun experience. Children also become involved in shopping for food and helping to cook meals. Making cakes is a favourite activity. Because the childminder is keen to learn more about menus and food suitable for children to cook and eat, children take an active role in food preparation and how to balance occasional treats, such as having sweets only once a month, with healthy

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Helping children to be healthy

meals. Children take care of their personal needs in a clean, light and warm home and are encouraged to take an active role in complying with a good hygiene routine. This includes for example, choosing which colour towel to use to dry hands after using the bathroom. Thorough and comprehensive health and hygiene precautions ensure children are well cared for. They learn to wash their hands after playing outdoors, with animals and before meals. Conscientious care is taken of pets, such as food and water bowls being placed out of reach and children are discouraged from `kissing' them. These precautions and routines ensure children learn to understand how to take responsibility for looking after themselves. Regular visits to activity centres, farm and walks ensure children enjoy opportunities to exercise and be in the fresh air. Children also play games such as badminton, with balls and tunnels in the garden or in the shade and shelter of a gazebo. If they wish

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Helping children to be healthy

to rest, every consideration to their comfort is made. This includes for example, lying on the sofa with their own cushion and blanket. This attention to individual need results in children learning to appreciate the value of vigorous activity or relaxation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well safeguarded because the childminder ensures all safety precautions are in place including thermostatically controlled radiators, cleaning materials and toiletries are out of reach and there is secure garden in which to play.

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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 Excellent fire safety procedures include an electric smoke alarm which is tested regularly, a fire blanket in the kitchen and an evacuation plan that children practice regularly. Good safety procedures beyond the home are in place and when children go in the car they feel safe because car seats are carefully chosen for their individual size and weight and they wear seat belts. Children know about rules that keep them safe for example, that they must stay close to the childminder, not run in the street or talk to strangers. The childminder makes sure children are protected from harm by attending a variety of courses to study issues relating to child protection and making sure she has accurate, up to date contact details.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled in the care of the childminder. She is aware of and very responsive to their individual needs, describing their character, temperament, ability and interests with warmth, enthusiasm, pride and understanding. This affectionate and secure relationship ensures children feel accepted, valued, respected and confident. They develop independence and enjoy her company as she does theirs. Play is imaginative, creative and they concentrate well on a variety of activities which they themselves have chosen. These may include coloured play-dough, cooking, planting flowers, potato printing, playing a mouth organ and listening to songs. The childminder sings songs with and plays games such as dominoes with children, skilfully extending their interest and explaining how to look after toys to prevent them from getting lost. Children are animated, responsive

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and eager to participate. When children are engrossed in an activity the childminder does not interrupt and this allows them a chance to focus their interest and complete what they are doing to their own satisfaction. For example, the childminder sits next to children watching attentively while they choose glitter, glue, crayons and collage materials to create their own art-work. Children feel welcome and part of the childminder's family as her own adult children join in with children's play. They behave as if they are at ease, relaxed and familiar with the routine and in the home. Regular outings to places of interest to the children extend their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Toys and materials are suitable for children of differing ages, abilities and interests, including scissors for children who predominantly use their left hand. Toys are easily accessible, stored in boxes on the floor, changed round regularly to provide

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

stimulation and variety and the childminder asks children which toys they would like her to buy. This thoughtful approach ensures children have very good access to good quality equipment suitable for their stage of development and enjoy their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have the same access to play materials that portray a positive image of

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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 people from different ethnic backgrounds and in gender roles regardless of their own gender, ethnic origin or ability. Few materials portray a positive image of people with a disability and this limits children's understanding of this issue. Children are not directed to play with specific toys based on whether they are a boy or girl. If, for example, girls play as `mummies' and boys as `daddies' they are allowed to do so. To extend the range of play materials the childminder borrows equipment from the local toy library. Children with a disability will be welcomed and the home adapted to their needs. As a result of this approach children learn to respect and empathise with others. A management behaviour policy stresses rewarding acceptable behaviour and the childminder closely adheres to these principles. Praise is frequent and warm, for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

example when playing a game the childminder says `wow, you won!' `you're very clever because that's quite hard', `that's beautiful' and `yippee!' Her tone of voice and facial expression are approving, enthusiastic and genuine. As a result children are proud of themselves and their achievements and persist in their efforts. Relationships with parents are open, honest and friendly. The childminder makes a considerable effort to keep them informed of their children's activities and general progress, including daily conversations, diaries and photographs. The childminder respectfully negotiates with them regarding any changes to the service. Parents heartily approve of her manner, ability, approach and high standards of provision. As a result of witnessing the excellent relationship their parents have with the childminder children feel secure, confident and have faith in her ability to look after them well.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has attended a number of training courses in the last year including Birth to Three Matters, Tax Matters, Business Matters, All of Us and is currently studying for the Developing Childminding Practice certificate. She is very keen to develop her skills and knowledge to benefit the children in her care. All required certificates are in place including the Introduction to Childminding Practice and First Aid. All checks are in place. Documents and records are up to date, comprehensive, stored in a confidential manner and accurately kept, including for example, registers, accident and medication records. A timetable records children attending throughout the week, daily routines and plans of activities. Another folder contains useful information regarding activities suitable for young children. Written contracts are agreed and reviewed on a regular basis. Children's personal

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Organisation

details and needs are discussed with parents when the contract is agreed, and recorded on child record forms. Parents are requested to sign a form confirming that `I have been issued with Building Better Childcare with reference to Compliments, Concerns and Complaints' by Ofsted. A portfolio available to parents includes the childminder's personal profile, registration certificate, Public Liability Insurance certificate, training certificates, policies relating to equal opportunities, child

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 protection, health and safety, confidentiality and behaviour management, daily routine, fire evacuation plan, references, CRB disclosure notice and NCMA membership. The childminder organises her daily routine and activities with the needs of individual children in mind, ensuring they have her undivided attention while they are in her care. For example she does not make appointments, fills the car with petrol in the evening and does housework in their absence. Good record keeping systems help to support and clarify the quality of the service. The overall needs of the children are met.

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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): • ensure children have access to toys and materials that portray a positive image of people with a disability

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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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