Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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160188 Unique Reference Number 08 August 2005 Inspection date Christine Stimson Inspector

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Integrated Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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.

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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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory. the time of the inspection there were no children in receipt of nursery education. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide nursery education.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder was registered in 2001 and lives with her husband and two grown up daughters in a house in a quiet road close to local shops and parks in Twickenham. The ground floor only 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 provide care for a maximum of four children at any one time when working alone, and for a maximum of six children when working with her daughter, who is also a registered childminder. Ten children are currently on roll aged 13-months to 8-years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends several parent toddler groups throughout the week. She has two cats as pets and keeps fish in indoor tanks and outdoor ponds.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with special needs and is a member of the national and local childminding associations. She holds an NVQ level 3 childcare qualification and is an accredited childminder with Richmond Childminder Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example they ride on wheeled toys, practise kicking, throwing and catching balls, and enjoy walks to the park or to toddler activity sessions. All these activities improve and develop their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are confident users of a variety of tools which they are taught to use safely. They use rolling pins, cutters, staplers, glue sticks, pencils and scissors in their everyday creative activities, and show increasing control of one handed tools.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are becoming increasingly aware of their own health and the reasons why they need to wash hands, eat healthy and rest during the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

From an early age children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines, but the childminder allows children to share a towel in the cloakroom, which could put children's health at risk.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates an understanding of children's health and welfare as she holds a current first aid certificate and shares a sick child policy with parents. This means she can give appropriate care if a child is taken ill or there is a minor accident. However, she has not requested written permission from parents to take a child to hospital in an emergency, and this could result in a delay to a child being treated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks which are freshly prepared for them each day. This helps children to enjoy foods that are good for them and to develop an awareness of healthy eating. Parents are kept informed of their child's food intake by use of a daily diary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe both within the home and on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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. Children select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder sets out different activities each day, and then uses a catalogue which shows pictures of all her toys so that children can select individual items that interest them. Children enjoy looking through this and have fun choosing for themselves. The childminder monitors and supervises their choice to ensure toys are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Regular fire drills help children become familiar with the procedures so they learn how to leave the premises quickly and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, and knows what action to take if she has a concern about a child in her care. However, a copy of the local child protection guidelines is not kept on site, which could result in unnecessary delays in reporting concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house and play together in a harmonious manner as they begin to understand the need to take turns and share fairly. They have opportunities to socialise with children from outside the home environment through regular attendance at local toddler groups. Children become independent as they choose from a variety of toys, books and activities that appeal to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activities such as singing, story telling and mark making to promote children's learning. All children spend their time purposefully whilst exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity such as listening to music, dancing, playing instruments, painting and model making.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's independence and sense of responsibility are developed as they respond to a bell that indicates to them it is time to tidy up before a snack is served.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

At this inspection there are no funded children present. From discussion with the childminder the quality of teaching and learning is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of the Foundation Stage and plans interesting activities where children are encouraged to use their imaginations. However, the written planning for organised activities does not identify the learning intentions or the resources that will be used to support activities. Individual children have not been targeted and activities are not evaluated for their effectiveness.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

From discussions with the childminder it was clear that children are provided with opportunities to develop their confidence and self-esteem and make progress in all areas of learning. They are encouraged to be independent, choosing materials for themselves to create and complete tasks. For example, making a picture from recycled materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world through outings and activities that introduce them to other cultures. For example at parent toddler groups and at French story time sessions. They have resources and experiences within the setting that promote and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met, and activities are adapted for children with special needs so they can experience a wide range of stimulating activities appropriate to their level of ability. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They are well behaved, kind and considerate to each other and have a warm caring relationship with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour management strategies are appropriate and help children understand right from wrong. They learn important social skills whilst playing together, enjoying each others company and treating each other with kindness and consideration.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents contributes to children's wellbeing and parents appreciate the sharing of information through a day book which gives them details of their child's daily activities, food intake and sleep patterns. This ensures continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents initially receive information about the foundation stage of learning, but are not given regular formal assessments of their child's progress through the stepping stones of the Foundation stage of learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The room where children play is laid out to support children in their play and learning. The childminder holds a level three qualification in childcare and education, and regularly updates her knowledge by attending relevant childcare courses. This ensures sufficient knowledge of current child care practices to support the care and learning of children.

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Organisation

Children benefit from being cared for by an experienced childminder who is very caring. She maintains daily diaries for children and this, together with informal discussion with parents, ensures continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

The day is well planned allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting is in place. The childminder has devised policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, and these contribute to the care, learning and welfare of the children.

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Organisation

Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

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.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was recommended to organise play space to enable children to reach toys and equipment easily. The childminder has devised a catalogue of all her toys and children choose items they want to play with from this, the childminder then fetches them. A selection of other toys are put out each day and these are all kept at a height where children can freely access them.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are satisfactory. the time of the inspection there were no children in receipt of nursery education. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide nursery education.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure each child has their own hand towel to use after washing their hands • obtain a copy of the local area child protection committee (acpc) guidelines

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop and improve planning so that clear learning intentions are indicated, individual children are targeted according to their stage of development and evaluations are made of the activities.

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The quality and standards of the 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. 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 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.

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