Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300878 Inspection date 05 August 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 husband and one child in Twickenham, Middlesex near shops, parks, local schools, bus and train routes. Children have access to the entire home though are discouraged from going upstairs alone or entering the main bedroom. There is an enclosed garden at the back of the property. There are no pets in the household. The childminder is registered to care for four children, is currently minding one child and has vacancies.

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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 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 a wide range of balanced, nutritious, flavoursome meals and snacks that cater for individual dietary needs and preferences as a result of the childminder's commitment to providing a healthy diet. They learn the value of good personal hygiene in a clean, tidy and warm home because all aspects relating to good health and hygiene are undertaken in a conscientious manner. Play indoors and outdoors, walks and visits ensure children appreciate opportunities to rest, relax or exercise according to individual need or inclination. Each child's personal health needs are carefully monitored and accommodated as they are helped to understand the importance, for instance, of wearing cooler clothes when they are warm. First aid materials and medication are safely stored and readily accessible only to the childminder which ensures children's safety and wellbeing are carefully and promptly

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy moving independently and with confidence in a home that is safe, spacious, clean, warm, well-maintained and appropriately furnished. They feel safe and protected indoors, outdoors, on outings and in the car as a result of a thorough risk assessment by the childminder. Potential hazards are promptly dealt with and a fire drill is planned for the near future. Children learn to take risks in a supportive environment and understand the importance of behaving in a way that makes sure they and others are kept safe; for instance young children crawl backwards down the stairs with the childminder carefully supervising their progress. Correct procedures will be followed to protect a child from harm as the childminder has a general understanding of child protection issues and her responsibilities in this matter.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children play enthusiastically with toys and activities and delight in exploring the stimulating, well organised and interesting environment. Laughter, conversation, jokes, games and toys are eagerly shared with the childminder who is responsive to,

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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 sympathetic and understanding of individual children's temperament, characteristics, interests and needs. Encouragement is freely given, enabling children to play with toys, participate in activities of their choice, learn through play and at their own pace. Hugs, endearments and smiles are frequent, kind, warm and genuine. Children are developing a healthy self-esteem and confidence, enjoy their play, are eager to learn, engaged in their activities, take great pride in their efforts and achievements and form secure friendships and attachments to others. Children's pleasure in their activities is facilitated by the childminder's forward planning, knowledge and understanding of development and play, while her enthusiasm and skill ensure they feel valued and accepted for the person they are.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing an understanding of what is expected of them and learn to comply with boundaries and rules that are applied in a skilled, kind and patient manner. Their understanding, personal circumstances and temperament are taken into account and managed in a deft, age-appropriate manner. The commitment to including and valuing all children regardless of ethnic origin, background, gender or ability ensures children feel welcome, accepted for the person they are, that they develop polite behaviour and a real empathy for others. Frequent and genuine praise raises morale. A range and quantity of equipment and materials include those that reflect a positive image of people from most minority groups and boys and girls are actively encouraged to play with toys of their choice. Children with a special need are welcome. As a consequence of this approach children develop an awareness of the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

diversity in society and behave with respect towards others. Children benefit from the trusting and confident relationship their parents have in the childminder's ability. Parents find the portfolio very useful, approve of the high standards of care and appreciate the vivid, detailed diary which helps to ensure consistency of care for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy playing in a well-organised home and garden, secure in a daily routine adapted to individual needs and able to choose activities of most interest to them. They benefit from the care provided by a skilled and enthusiastic childminder. Policies, records, systems and documents are generally up-to-date, comprehensive and stored in a confidential manner. Ratios are maintained. All essential checks are in place. The childminder has First Aid, Introduction to Childminding and NNEB Certificates and is keen to develop her skills with plans to undertake further courses related to child care. Children are protected and supported by comprehensive administrative systems designed by national organisations and which are complemented by those designed by the childminder, to ensure all children's needs

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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 are met. 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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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 that promote a positive image of people with a disability • ensure the fire evacuation procedure is practiced

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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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