Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY334744 Unique Reference Number 06 June 2007 Inspection date Anne Jacqueline Nicholson 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children (of pre-school and school age) in a residential area near to Stanwell, Ashford, Staines and Feltham. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder drives to schools in neighbouring towns to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, childminding group, takes children to the local library, the toy library and to local parks.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part-time basis. The childminder has a dog and fish.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children begin to gain an awareness of how to maintain a healthy body and access some form of physical activity each day. They have active and rest periods each day and enjoy going for walks around the lake at Virginia Water and to local play parks. They develop good personal

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 hygiene skills and clearly tell why they need to wash their hands after the toilet and before snacks. They confidently show how they use soap and water to clean their hands and pick out their own towels which they use to dry them on.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

When children receive injuries or feel unwell they receive appropriate treatment from the childminder in accordance with training and policies to ensure that their health needs remain met. The childminder holds a valid paediatric first aid qualification and has record systems in place to record any accidents, incidents and the administration of any medication. Parents supply prior written permission allowing medicine to be given and then acknowledge that this was given by signing against the recorded details.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children’s individual dietary needs are highlighted and met by the childminder. Parents record these dietary needs, whether for religious, cultural, medical or personal reasons on initial child detail forms. Children receive a healthy balance of foods through the day provided by either their parents or the childminder and all of these are recorded in their individual diaries. They are well-nourished and have access to drinks throughout the day. Children sit at the table to eat main meals and on a rug to eat snacks. They develop good hygiene routines and wash their hands before eating and good table manners are reinforced whilst sitting at the table with each other and the childminder. They learn to understand which foods are good for them and always try to eat at least five portions of fruit or vegetables each day talking about and what it does to the body.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children receive care in an environment made safe and secure of any potential hazard prior to their arrival as written in the provision's risk assessment policy. The childminder ensures that children can independently access a very good access to a range of facilities and resources that help promote their development. There is plenty of space for them to play freely on the floor or at a table and boxes of resources are rotated to ensure variety. Children have regular access to fresh air in the garden, walking to nearby parks or around nearby woodland areas. Children receive opportunities to practise a fire drill each month and the smoke detectors receive weekly checks to ensure they remain in working order; the childminder keeps written records of both of these. Children begin to understand about safety issues both within the setting and outside and during planned and spontaneous activities. They receive clear instructions reinforcing to

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

them how they can keep themselves safe, for example not to climb on chairs as this is dangerous and they may fall and to shut safety gates to prevent younger children gaining unsupervised access to areas like the stairs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's personal welfare remains protected through the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection, however she wishes to update her knowledge of the latest changes relating to the introduction of Local safeguarding children's board procedures. She has clear written policies in place highlighting to parents her obligation to put children's welfare first. Any pre-existing injuries on children are clearly recorded and parents sign these.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The young children present enjoy a good range of play opportunities and creative activities. The childminder ensures that she plans a flexible timetable for the week. She plans in her regular commitments, for example nursery and school-drop off and collections, which take around an

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 hour, and then provides activities to meet the children's individual needs on the day. Children access resources from boxes that are regularly rotated and receive encouragement to assist with the tidying up after play has finished. Children benefit from the childminder using the Birth to three matters Framework as a tool to assist her when planning activities. The childminder gets down on the floor at the children's level to interact with them, listening to them and valuing what they say. These activities and the interaction from the childminder helps them to develop in confidence, independence and self-esteem.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy participating in themes that promote their awareness of the wider world. They enjoy Chinese New year celebrations and activities that link directly in with their real life experiences. For instance eating Lamington cake for Australia Day made by a parent with an Australian background. Children enjoy using the sensory room at Heathrow gym where they can look at illuminated bubbling water tubes, flashing lights and touching different textures. Children display good relationships with the childminder. They interact positively with her and happily seek support and assistance when they need it.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder promotes the positive inclusion of all children in her provision and has both an equal opportunity and special needs policy in place. Children receive opportunities to gain an awareness of other countries and cultures through her resources and taking part in themed activities. They begin to develop an awareness of the wider world whilst participating in practical activities and opportunities that explore nature and other cultures. They borrow 'Story sacks' from the toy library and to reinforce aspects of Australia they enjoyed the Kangaroo story sack. Children are valued as individuals and the childminder has some experience of learning difficulties and ensures that her provision is available to all where it is in their best interest.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children gain an awareness of good behaviour and receive plenty of appropriate positive praise during the day. They behave extremely well in relation to their level of understanding and maturity because the childminder creates an environment that encourages them to respect boundaries and begin to control their own behaviour. She ensures that they hear consistent messages on what is acceptable and also the consequences if not followed. There are house rules in place. A behaviour management policy is in place and a star chart used to reinforce this. Children receive plenty of verbal encouragement, praise and physical reassurance from the childminder for any achievements.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is very good. Parents receive information relating to their child's day both verbally and in the daily diary. Clear written policies and procedures are available for them. The childminder works closely with parents to develop partnerships supporting children to achieve their full potential. Children settle quickly and they see their parents and childminder acting together and receive consistent messages. Parents see the procedure to follow if they wish to raise a complaint or concern compliant with the October 2005 legislation.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children and parents benefit from the effective organisation of the provision. Children are well cared for in a setting where the childminder ensures that children’s health, safety and developmental needs are actively met. All policies and procedures protect children and are effectively implemented. The childminder ensures that the needs and welfare of the children

p.4

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 in her care is her first priority. She ensures that she has time for each child individually and that all adults who come into regular contact with the children are suitably vetted.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder displays a strong commitment to her own personal development and the development of the provision she provides for children and parents. They remain protected through there being clearly-written policies and documentation in place in her portfolio and these are also given to parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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): • improve knowledge of the latest child protection and Local safeguarding children's board procedures.

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