Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356632 Unique Reference Number 07 April 2008 Inspection date Pauline King 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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband and two children in a house in Richmond within walking distance of the local school, shops and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently registered to care for five children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding four children part-time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to take and collect children from the local school and she regularly visits the local library, toddler groups and parks with the children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and bright environment. Good hygiene policy and procedures followed by the childminder protect children from the spread of infection. The childminder promotes children’s welfare, she has a current first aid certificate and all the necessary documentation is in place and well maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children keep hydrated as they have regular drinks. Children enjoy nutritious home cooked meals which are provided by the childminder. The childminder records babies' food intake for parents in daily diaries and discusses with parents the individual dietary requirements, likes and dislikes of the children. This ensures she has a clear understanding of children's individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes children's physical development as she ensures they have plenty of walks and takes them to the local library, parks and toddler groups. Children have regular access to a fully enclosed outdoor play area, which is secure and well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit by being cared for in a safe environment, where space is well organised to meet their needs and enable them to play safely and independently. The childminder carries out regular checks to ensure all hazards are out of the reach of children, therefore minimising the risk of accidents. However, there is no safety gate to prevent children coming down the stairs unsupervised, and hazards in the bathroom have not been made safe or inaccessible to children. The childminder has a good understanding of the fire evacuation procedure and this is well recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children make free choices from a wide range of age appropriate play items, which are safe and well maintained. They enjoy a good amount of clear play space. There is a good variety of age appropriate equipment to support the individual needs of children, for example, a small table and chairs, a highchair and travel cots. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they 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

Children's welfare is protected, as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the action to take if they have concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy themselves in a happy, homely environment. The childminder is kind and caring. She supports children's emotional well-being by taking a genuine interest in them, talking gently and continually giving lots of encouragement and praise, all of which enables children's confidence to develop.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have regular opportunities throughout the week to mix with other children as the childminder takes them to the local library and toddler group. This enables them to develop

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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 their social skills and experience different environments. The children receive plenty of warm, individual attention, which enables them to successfully extend their self-esteem and confidence. For example, the childminder gives children lots of cuddles and reassurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a wide variety of play materials. They make their own decisions about what they do and therefore enjoy playing with the toys. The childminder rotates toys regularly to maintain children's interest and to help keep their play stimulating. She makes suggestions for things that children might like to play with and responds to their interests, for example, all exploring the different toys in the treasure chest together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and their individual needs are met as they follow their daily routine. Children feel at home and at ease in the setting. The childminder spends time getting to know the parents and children well. She works closely with parents, which ensures children experience consistent care. Good systems for sharing information are in place, such as photo evidence, daily diaries for younger children and talking through the child's progress regularly with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and the childminder uses age appropriate strategies to deal with negative behaviour. Children's self-esteem is promoted by the childminder's good use of praise and encouragement. Children have access to a good range of age appropriate play materials and resources and the childminder makes sure resources are available that promote a positive view of the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in relation to complaints. Parents are aware of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint. Written polices and procedures are in place to share with parents and all written agreements are up-to-date.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Appropriate checks for suitability were carried out at registration. The children feel at home and at ease within the friendly environment. The childminder dedicates her time and attention fully to the children when they are present. The environment is organised to make the most of the available space for children's play opportunities and care needs.

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Organisation

Regulatory documentation for the safe and effective management of children is in place, and includes a wide range of written policies and procedures, which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. For example, the accident book, register and children's details are accurately maintained. The childminder's registration certificate is displayed for parents to see. Records are well maintained, stored confidentially and made available for inspection.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: this is the first inspection since registration.

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Improvements 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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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.

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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 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): • ensure safety gate fitted at top of stairs to prevent children coming down unsupervised • ensure hazards in bathroom/toilet are made safe or inaccessible to children

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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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