Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346205 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2007 Inspection date Michelle Julie Gutcher Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 registered in 2006. She lives with her family in a house in Twickenham. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for children under the age of eight years. Currently there is one child on roll. Local parks, shops, and school are all within walking distance. There are no family pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in clean surroundings where the childminder takes good precautions to minimise cross-infection, including a clear policy about the care of sick children. The childminder encourages children to follow good hygiene practices. Young children are encouraged to wipe their hands and faces using wipes before and after meals. She has a first aid qualification and there are good systems in place to record accidents and administer any necessary medication.

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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 The childminder holds a food hygiene certificate, so she is aware of the correct procedures to store and prepare food for the children, promoting their good health. The parents currently provide foods for their children. The childminder ensures they have a varied and well balanced diet and foods are prepared and served attractively. The childminder consults with parents regarding dietary needs and preferences, ensuring all individual needs are met. They have regular access to drinks throughout the day, and good social interaction is fostered as the childminder and children sit together to eat.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample opportunities to develop their large muscle skills. They enjoy a range of physical activities in the garden, using equipment such as push alongs and wheeled toys. They go outside daily to reap the benefits of fresh air, for walks or to the local parks, where they can relax on the swings. This encourages the children to develop a positive attitude towards exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in the areas of the home that are designated for childcare purposes. The childminder has taken care to provide a warm and welcoming home for the children. There are clear spaces for children to play freely. Young babies enjoy lying on their backs and actively move around the floor space. Children have access to a good range of suitable equipment and resources, helping to promote their development and learning in all areas. Baskets of toys are easily accessible on the floor to the children and this ensures variety. The childminder regularly checks the toys to ensure they are clean and in a suitable condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken steps to minimise risk to children. She uses safety gates and cupboard locks, as appropriate, and all electrical sockets are covered. There are clear arrival and collection procedures in place and the front door is secure, meaning children cannot leave the home unsupervised. The childminder acts as a good role model, ensuring children are learning about the importance of staying safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and reporting procedures. She recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and is aware of her duties and responsibilities to protect the children in her care. Therefore, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and settled in the care of the childminder. They are confident in their surroundings and play with curiosity. Children relate well to the childminder and visitors, they smile at adults when they hear their names being called. They receive cuddles and affection from the childminder. They explore the toys independently as they reach forward and grasp the wooden spoons from the basket. They bang the spoons on the cushions next to them with joy. The childminder always makes eye contact and responds quickly and appropriately to the children, making them feel important. She holds the brightly coloured duck in her hand and moves the beak up and down. The children smile as they hear her calling out "quack! quack!"

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Well planned routines ensure children have opportunities for play and rest and enjoy visits to places within the local community, such as the shops and the local park. Children often go on walks, which stimulates their interest in the outside world and promotes their learning.

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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 Children have easy access to a wide range of resources and play opportunities that are varied and flexible, such as the treasure baskets, small world play, activities centres and books. The childminder plans some activities based on themes such as Easter. Young babies experience painting with their hands and feet and create cards for their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder shows an understanding of equal opportunities and of promoting inclusion in her childminding practice. She values the children in her care and ensures they are treated with the same concern. Children are encouraged to make choices and play a full part in the setting. They are becoming more familiar with their local community as the childminder takes them on regular outings. Children use play materials that reflect various aspects of diversity, including small world people and different skin toned dolls. The childminder makes good use of the library and provides the children with a selection of books that reflect positive images of differences. The childminder creates homemade posters which reflect images of diversity. These are attractively displayed for young children to see in the travel cot. This help children gain a full awareness of the wider world in which we live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing an understanding of right and wrong because the childminder has clear rules and boundaries in place. She agrees behaviour management strategies with the parents, which ensures consistency for the children between home and the setting. The childminder is a positive role model and deals with unwanted behaviour calmly. The children are praised and encouraged in what they do which builds their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The relationships established with parents are good. The childminder has put together an informative welcome pack which has all her policies and procedures relating to her childminding practice. This range of information enables parents to make an informed decision on the quality of care their children will receive. Diary sheets are provided each day for the parents and there are daily opportunities for parents to discuss their child's day with the childminder, this ensures they are kept well-informed of their child's personal needs and behaviour. The diary sheets do not include information to inform the parents of the children's achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in an organised and efficient environment. The childminder ensures the space and range of resources for the children are well presented to meet their needs effectively. She makes sure that each child receives enough attention to help them feel secure and confident. They have plenty of opportunities to make their own choices and experience a range of both indoor and outdoor activities.

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Organisation

The childminder has started to undertake herself onto a variety of workshops to enhance her knowledge and understanding in childcare. This shows she has a positive attitude towards training and her on-going development. She has completed the Birth to three framework, however, is currently not using this to record the children's achievements. Required child ratios are maintained at all times. The childminder has developed a number of written policies and procedures, which are used effectively in practice and are shared with parents to inform them about the service being offered. All required documentation and other relevant records which promote children's welfare and contribute to the efficient and safe management of the provision

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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 in place and well-organised. There are good procedures in place to ensure confidentiality. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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.

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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): • develop the children's daily diary sheets to include the children's achievements using the Birth to three framework

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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

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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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