Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY348901 Unique Reference Number 16 May 2008 Inspection date Elizabeth Juon 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and four years in Stanwell, near Staines. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom, of the childminder's home is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder's registration is to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and she is currently minding six children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder goes to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well nourished and eat healthy meals and snacks at the childminder’s home. Some children bring a packed lunch which is safely stored in the refrigerator to remain fresh. The childminder also prepares fresh meals daily for some of the children attending. All have access

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 to regular drinks throughout the day to ensure children remain hydrated. The childminder gives the children gentle reminders to ensure they drink, visit the toilet or wash their hands. This ensures their needs are met and hygiene routines are practised. The children sit at the table to eat their meals with the childminder who provides a good role model of social skills to encourage children’s good eating habits for the future. This social meal time encourages children to talk about their day.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is safeguarded as the childminder keeps her home clean and follows sensible hygiene procedures, for example using anti-bacterial cleaners and wearing disposable gloves when changing a nappy. Children receive appropriate treatment if they are ill or have an accident. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and ensures all the required records and parental consents are in place to safeguard children’s welfare.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample opportunity to develop their physical skills using a variety of equipment, for example in the garden. They are able to rest comfortably according to their individual needs, ensuring children remain content.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and secure in the childminder’s welcoming home. There is ample space for children to play and move around freely. A range of suitable safety measures are in place to ensure children are safe during their stay, such as, kitchen hazards are inaccessible and stair gates are in place. However, the fire blanket is not fitted according to manufacturer’s instructions to be readily available in an emergency and an accessible window remains unlocked. This does not fully promote children’s safety. Children demonstrate their understanding of safety procedures and know that only one child should use the trampoline or that they must hold onto the buggy when out walking, and should leave the premises if the smoke alarm sounds.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy access to a varied selection of age appropriate toys and equipment that are well sorted and stored. They can make choices and decisions about their play, for example, sitting looking at a book, completing puzzles, playing board games or using their imagination in role-play or art and craft activities. The garden has a selection of play equipment which provides interest and challenge for the children; they can slide into the ball pool and play in the tent. This enables children to have fun in the fresh air.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is a priority for the childminder. She has a sound understanding of child protection issues and informs parents of her responsibility to the children through the written procedure. However, there is no current information on the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board or contact details, for swift referral should concerns arise.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder’s house. The childminder supports the children and gets down to their level to extend play, helping children to choose and organise activities. The suitable organisation of floor space and furniture in the living room enable children to move and play freely. Children are comfortable with the childminder and include her in their play. Children participate in a variety of age appropriate activities during their time at the childminder’s to keep them happy and interested. Children make progress as they learn to recognise their colours or improve their language and communication skills. Children receive praise for their

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 achievements to raise their self-esteem. Children's art work is displayed and a child who is very pleased with a drawing decides to take it home for mummy. Children have the opportunity to visit local places of interest in the area, such as, a walk around the lake to see the wildlife. They regularly visit the library for the singing rhymes session and to choose books. Children are able to play with other children when the childminder attends the parent and toddler group. This provides opportunity for children to socialise in a larger group. Good relationships are evident between the children and childminder. The childminder knows the children well and values their individual ability and personality. This fosters a happy, pleasant atmosphere.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with equal concern, which enhances their self-esteem and confidence. Children enjoy close relationships with the childminder, who involves the children in play to ensure they are occupied at an appropriate activity. The childminder gathers written information from parents about their children and any specific individual needs to ensure appropriate care is given. There is a small selection of resources available that reflect diversity, helping children to develop an understanding of the wider world, including, dressing-up clothes, dolls and books. Children are becoming familiar with their local community during daily outings.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and the childminder is a positive role model, using praise, encouragement and house-rules to foster children’s understanding of boundaries for acceptable behaviour and encourage cooperation and good manners.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder’s friendly partnership with their parents. The childminder maintains all relevant information on children and parental consents are in place to safeguard children’s well-being. There is a daily exchange of verbal information to ensure parents are fully consulted and involved in the care their children receive during the day.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder makes good use of the available space and organises the children’s routine well by planning activities and outings to meet the individual needs of the children, so they are able to play, rest, eat in comfort. Children freely choose resources and make decisions about their play. The overall safety of the environment helps to promote children’s independence in the home. Although some safety improvements are required. Time is well managed by the childminder to incorporate frequent outings and outdoor play into the children’s daily routine.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has undergone satisfactory suitability checks to ensure the safety and welfare of the children attending. Children are closely supervised at all times to keep them safe from people not vetted.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder provides a record of children’s attendance and informs parents of the regulator's contact details. All required documentation relating to the safety and welfare of children is well maintained and is shared with parents. The childminder has written policies and procedures which support her childcare practice, inform parents and help to safeguard children’s well-being. However, the local procedures for the child protection service need to be obtained so the childminder is fully informed. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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

p.4

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): • assess the risks to children in relation to unlocked upstairs windows and unfitted fire blanket and take action to minimise these • obtain current information on the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures and contact number.

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