Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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510942 Unique Reference Number 25 February 2008 Inspection date Hilary Turner 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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and child in a house situated close to Hampton in the London Borough of Richmond. Local schools, parks and bus routes are within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the entire home with an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for four children aged under eight years, and currently cares for two children under five on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and welcoming family home. Effective health and hygiene procedures are implemented by the childminder, for example, sound nappy changing practice

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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 and feeding and toileting arrangements for the family cats are followed. Furthermore the childminder understands the importance of encouraging children to begin to learn the routines for good hygiene practices. Such as washing hands after playing and before eating foods. When children are sick or contagious they do not attend until they are fully recovered. This reduces the possible spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive suitable first aid treatment because the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate; and their overall well-being is further promoted as the childminder has all the necessary records for administering medication, seeking emergency treatment and recording accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are well met because the childminder gains good information from parents at the beginning of the placement. Children enjoy healthy snacks such as fresh fruits, raisins, and yogurts. They are offered a variety of nutritious home made food much of which is organic and freshly prepared. Babies and young children's individual feeding routines are followed. For example, a baby snuggles on the lap of the childminder as they drink their mid morning bottle of formula milk, while a child enthusiastically eats a bowl of grapes and drinks fresh orange juice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise as they are taken out daily to local parks and child focused groups, where they have good opportunities to explore a wider range of physical equipment and activities to promote their overall development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and caring environment. There is enough space for children to rest, eat and play comfortably. Children have access to a range of toys and equipment which are rotated regularly to promote and maintain children's interest. All of which is clean and in good condition. Children are able to self select toys for themselves from boxes arranged at their level.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a child focused environment where potential risks are identified and reduced to safeguard the children. All hazardous substances are out of reach of children, safety catches have been fitted to kitchen cupboards and a fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place. However, fire drills are practised very infrequently which means children are not familiar with how to evacuate the premises in the event of a fire, which potentially compromises their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is adequately protected as the childminder’s understands her responsibility to protect children in relation to child protection issues, and is aware of some of the indicators of possible abuse. However, she is not secure in her knowledge of the reporting procedures she should follow if she has concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoyed a warm and secure relationship with the childminder, which enables them to extend their learning and overall development in a supportive, calm and caring environment. For example, the childminder talks quietly and encouragingly to the baby as she changes their nappy. The baby responds by cooing contently and chuckles with delight as the childminder tickles them. The childminder spends good quality time talking and responding well to the

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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's individual needs. She offers children lots of affection throughout the daily routines and play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toys and resources are well organised in different storage containers which are rotated regularly to maintain children's interest. They are stored at low levels which helps children make independent choices in their play. Overall, there is a good range of toys and resources to support children's learning, although there are fewer visually stimulating resources for the baby.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are developing their vocabulary and communication skills as the childminder asks them questions to extend their learning and encourages them to chat. The childminder sits with children providing good levels of support and encouragement. For example, as a child plays with a fire engine and cars the childminder chats about the colour of the cars and explains that the cars are sliding out of the back of the fire engine because they are on a slope. She allows the child to persevere as they try to fit all the cars in the fire engine without them falling out.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are taken out regularly to local parks and child friendly settings, such as story time at the library, toddler groups and childminder groups. Here children have the opportunities to explore new activities and experiences and develop their social skills as they play with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content at the childminder's home. The childminder has developed positive relationships with the children. The affectionate and gentle care given by the childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging and trust. She demonstrates an awareness of children's individual needs and uses this knowledge in ensuring that each child is well cared for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children's behaviour is good as the childminder uses positive strategies to manage behaviour. For example distracting children by providing alternative toys or activities and by explaining why certain behaviour is not appropriate, for instance, as they may hurt themselves or others. The childminder reinforces the importance of sharing and taking turns through reading familiar stories. Children are developing a positive self-image of themselves as the childminder offers praise and encouragement in their daily activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are secure in the care of the childminder because she has sound relationships with the parents. They receive the appropriate care as the childminder discusses and records individual care arrangements with parents respecting their wishes. However, although the childminder has a complaints procedure in place which is shared with parents not all the information is in line with current legislation. Regular exchange of verbal information keeps parents well informed about their children's learning and general wellbeing.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are developing their confidence as they feel at home and receive lots of warm, individual attention to promote their emotional well-being. The childminder organises the day to include a variety of indoor play activities and outings to child focused groups. This helps to ensure the progress of children's individual development and learning.

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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 The childminder keeps most of the required records and documentation that contribute to children's health, safety and wellbeing. However, there is no documentation in place relating to child protection issues and the complaints procedure requires updating. The childminder is keen to update her knowledge and understanding in childcare for the benefit of the children and their families, and is currently completing a quality assurance scheme delivered by the National Childminding Association.

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Organisation

Children receive continuity of care as there are good communication systems in place between the childminder and parents. Overall, 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 previous inspection several actions and one recommendation was raised to; seek written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment; to forward a photo copy of a driving license and to extend understanding of diseases that are notifiable.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now has documentation in place for seeking written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, and has written information available to her regarding communicable diseases. A copy of her driving license is held in her childminding folder. As a result the welfare and safety of children has improved.

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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 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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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): • increase the amount and regularity of fire drills practised with children to ensure they are familiar with fire evacuation procedures in the event of a fire • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection, including signs and symptoms of abuse and the reporting procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board • display a greater selection of resources that stimulate and encourage babies' interests

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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 • update the complaint procedure in line with current legislation.

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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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