Childminder in Kingston upon ThamesOfsted inspection, 27 Jan 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 131873 Inspection date 27 January 2006 Inspector Ann Moss

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and adult son in Chessington, Surrey. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park. She is currently registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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's health is well promoted because the childminder recognises and reduces possible risks and takes good steps to prevent the spread of infection. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained homely environment where they have clear boundaries and are helped to make decisions and choices. They develop an understanding of good hygiene through the daily routines. The childminders has an effective policy regarding the care of sick children and seeks relevant information about exclusion times. As a result, children are not exposed to potential cross infection. The childminder has training in first aid; consequently, children have access to appropriate first aid treatment. Children enjoy nutritious, freshly prepared home cooked meals that encourage healthy eating patterns, for instance roast chicken and a variety of vegetables, fruit and yogurt. Children recognise their own cups and freely access drinks to promote

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Helping children to be healthy

their physical health and ensure they remain hydrated. Children benefit from regular access to active outdoor play, helping them, to develop physical skills and benefit from the effects of exercise. The childminder's routine ensures children have opportunities for period of rest, which also contributes to their physical wellbeing. Children under three enjoy a healthy dependency on the childminder who is receptive to their needs. This promotes the children's emotional development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is maintained because the childminding environment is organised to meet children's individual needs for play, eating and sleep times. Children gain independence as they move around freely and are protected from harm. They safely select the majority of their toys and resources, which are clean, safe and appropriate to children's individual age and stage development because they are stored at a low level. Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They learn about fire safety; they know the procedures for evacuation in an emergency because the childminder discusses this with older children. Appropriate fire fighting equipment such as fire blanket and smoke detectors are provided and are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. Children benefit from the childminder's sound understanding of child protection issues. She has undertaken training and is confident that she would recognise any

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

signs or symptoms of abuse and knows the importance of keeping accurate records. Although, she does not have a copy of the governments guidelines she does have referral documentation, which she shares with parents. This promotes children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 staying safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder. Young children explore and experiment through a range of well planned and free play activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. They are able to make themselves understood through language and actions and the sensitive adult support. A good balance of adult and child initiated games and activities help children to make good progress in all areas. Through the good support of the childminder young children play happily and are well motivated to learn. The childminder makes good use of local facilities to enhance children learning. They visit the toddler groups where they can socialise with their peers, or to the local parks where they run or play on the swings or collect leaves to explore shape and texture. The childminder works hard to encourage a family atmosphere. All children learn much from being together. They learn to share and respect each other's needs and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

feelings effectively and to develop good relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children thrive in the childminder's home. They are treated with equal concern and their needs are promptly met for instance with nappy changing. Children have good opportunities to participate in all activities as the childminder adapts them to suit their different ages and abilities. Children develop some awareness of diversity through outings and resources such as books and small world toys, however these are limited and do not reflect disability. As a result children's understanding of diversity is not fully encouraged. Children respond appropriately to suitable behaviour management strategies such as distraction. They understand the effect of their actions on others through the childminder's clear explanations. The childminder ensure she shares her time effectively between the children. Children react proudly when they earn praise. Children gain from a two way sharing of information about the childminding service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder discusses the children's achievements with parents on a daily basis. She finds out about children's needs. This ensures that continuity of care can be maintained between home and the childminding provision. Parents are fully aware of the procedures for complaints however, there is no written complaints procedure is in place, this means information is not entirely consistent to all parents.

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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 Children settle happily in the well-organised environment. They move confidently between areas, easily and safely access their toys independently. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder plans some activities in advance, which enable children to make good progress in all areas of their development. She often makes effective use of local facilities and regularly arranges outings, such as to the park and toddler groups. Children often take completed activities home, and there is a good exchange of information at hand-over. This helps to keep parents well informed. The childminder effectively uses polices and procedures to promote the welfare, care and leaning of the children. She shares the majority of these with parents verbally

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Organisation

and displays some such as the sickness policy. The childminder maintains all required regulatory documentation and records to keep children safe and promote their welfare. She is careful to maintain the correct ratios and to always directly supervise the children, which ensures children are safe and receive sufficient support. 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 agreed to ask parents for written permission for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder as now gained written parental permission, which is held on file. This promotes children health and wellbeing.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

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 improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure children have an appropriate range of play materials, which reflect positive images of diversity • make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedures to be followed if they have a complaint

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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