Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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511019 Unique Reference Number 17 August 2007 Inspection date Ann Moss 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 satisfactory. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Hampton. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is compromised because the childminder does not consistently record medicine administered to children. This is a breach in a mandatory requirement in regulation. The childminder is trained in first aid and there are satisfactory arrangement in place for managing and recording of minor accidents. Children learn appropriate hygiene skills because the childminder provides good support and establishes acceptable routines for activities such as

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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 potty training. Children are encouraged to be independent in self-care skills and know they need to wipe their hands after using the potty. The childminder reduces the risk of cross infection by ensuring that children are provided with individual wipes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides suitable meals and snacks and discusses these with parents to ensure children's dietary requirements are met. Drinks are freely accessible in suitable containers and the childminder monitors their intake to ensure children remain refreshed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from nursery and visit the local park. Children have good opportunity for garden play where they access a sufficient range of equipment such as trampoline, play tunnel and wheeled toys. This helps to build new skills and develop existing skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are not protected from leaving the premises unsupervised as children or unwanted visitors can open the front door easily. They play in a homely, safe environment where most steps have been taken to minimise potential risks. For example, hazardous materials are made inaccessible. Fire fighting equipment is in place and although the childminder has considered an emergency evacuation plan, she has not practised it with children. The childminder encourages children to become aware of their own safety through gentle prompts such as not climbing on the furniture.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a good range of toys and resources, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. These are effectively organised in low storage boxes. This promotes children's independence and free choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a basic knowledge of the indicators of abuse and neglect and knows where to seek support. However, she does not share her responsibility to protect children with parents. As a result, parents are not familiar with the procedures to be followed should the childminder have a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time with the childminder because she has a warm caring relationship with the minded children. They approach her confidently for cuddles and conversation, indicating that trusting relationships have been established. Children confidently self initiate their own play and learning. They help themselves from the wide variety of toys and resources, which are of good quality, freely accessible and selected to promote their imagination and creativity. For example, they role-play life skills, such as being a fire fighter and drinking cups of tea. They have some opportunities for messy play because the childminder offers activities such as play dough, paint, cutting and glue. Children talk about their activities and what they are doing with the childminder and each other. Children are happy and engrossed in their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities for outings because the childminder takes them to visit friends and meet other children, which helps to develop their social skills and build confidence and self-esteem.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have equal access to all resources. The childminder has some play materials that reflect the diversity within our society, but these are limited and do not include disability. Children begin to learn about the wider community through local outings. The childminder finds out about children's individual needs from parents initially, so that appropriate care is given.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder ensures children are occupied and stimulated. She sets clear and consistent boundaries, which are fair, and children understand. She talks to them about their behaviour and praises their achievements. For example, 'well done'. Children are patient and beginning to show respect for others as they wait and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit sufficiently from the positive partnership established between the childminder and their parents. Written service contacts are in place and some policies and procedures are shared verbally before the admission. There are daily opportunities to share information at drop off and collection. This promotes continuity of care and ensures parent's wishes are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is in breach of requirement in regulation because she does not display her certificate of registration. She has some regard for regulatory requirements and the documentation required, but some lack close attention to detail such as the medical record is incomplete. As a result, the documentation does not always give sufficient detail to fully support children's welfare. A warning letter has been issued. The childminder has not undertaken any training to update her knowledge of current childminding practice and reinforce her provision for children.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her home to offer a welcoming environment, which helps children feel settled and confident in her care. Equipment is of good quality and play value. This means children can make the most of the opportunities available. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to develop and extend an understanding of child protection issues. The childminder has refreshed her understanding through appropriate documentation and guidance. This helps to promote children's welfare. In additional, she was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. All children are treated with equal concern. Toys and resources are organised to ensure children benefit from the full range on offer.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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Complaints 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

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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 satisfactory. 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 can not leave the premises unsupervised • ensure parents are made aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of a concern, in relation to child protection • ensure children have access to toys and resources , which reflect positive images of diversity, including disability.

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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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