Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY272836 Inspection date 21/10/2008 Inspector Kerryn Matthews

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.2

Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

p.2

Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

p.2

Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives with her three children aged nine months, eight and 13 years, in a second floor flat in Whitton/Twickenham in Middlesex. Children have access to the entire home, although they are deterred from going into the main bedroom and kitchen. There is access to a communal garden, though this is not enclosed. Children visit a nearby park daily.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight; of whom not more than two may be under five years. She is currently caring for one child aged 19 months. The childminder is registered on the Early Year Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has no pets.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children have access to a warm, welcoming home environment, where posters that promote healthy eating and good hygiene along with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework are displayed. The childminder's good partnership with parents contributes to ensuring that the individual needs of all children are met. Systems in place promote children's welfare, although the risk assessment is not sufficiently developed. Many useful written policies and procedures are in place and given to parents, however the child protection policy requires enhancing. The childminder understands the importance of constantly evaluating her practice for the benefit of the children, consequently they are happy, well settled and enjoy their time with her.

p.3

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.3

further?

 enhance the risk assessment to clearly show how all areas of the home are risk assessed and hazards removed or reduced

p.3

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 enhance the child protection policy to include the procedure to be followed if an allegation is made against the childminder and/or their family. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 21/11/2008

p.3

provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has a professional approach to childminding. She forms good relationships with parents, making them feel welcome and able to talk about their child. The childminder completes a daily diary, which is given to parents to inform them of their child's care and activities they have been involved in during the day. This helps to ensure consistency of care. The children enjoy a good mix of adult- led and child-initiated play, and opportunities to learn both in the home and when outdoors. The childminder is very focused on the care of the children. She sits on the floor with them, extending their enjoyment and learning as they play. She has an wide range of resources and play equipment for the children to enjoy. These are easily accessible for them to select, which encourages children to make choices and develop their interests

p.4

provision

Children's welfare is promoted. The childminder holds an up-to-date first aid certificate and has completed further training in child protection issues. She ensures that hazards are identified and removed or reduced. However, the risk assessments do not specify all areas of the home used and the hazards that have been removed or reduced. Therefore it is not clear how children's safety is safeguarded at all times. The children are learning how to keep themselves safe, for example, they regularly practise the emergency evacuation plan, enabling children to be confident in leaving the building quickly and safely in an emergency. There is an extensive range of policies and procedures in place which assist the safe and efficient management of the childminding provision. However, the child protection policy requires enhancing to include the procedures to follow if an allegation of abuse is made against the childminder or her family. The policies and

p.4

provision

The childminder has an effective method of self-evaluation. She uses this to be proactive in continuously improving her provision and the learning and development opportunities that she offers children. The childminder attends additional training to further enhance her provision, such as recently completing her Diploma in Home Based Childcare.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in their development. The childminder has a good knowledge of the EYFS learning and development requirements. This enables her to provide children with stimulating play opportunities and suitable challenges to enable them to make good progress in their learning. The childminder uses regular observations and assessments to plan activities and experiences that take into account children's individual needs. For example, she recognises that a younger child's speech and language development can be enhanced by using picture cards in a fun way to encourage the child to name familiar objects. She carries out a detailed observation on children who are settling into her provision, enabling her to have a clear understanding of each child's learning and development starting points.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children independently access the toys they play with and seek the childminder's interaction in their games. The childminder responds well to the children, she listens, makes eye contact, uses simple signs to enhance communication and sits at This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the children's level. Younger children enjoy this closeness and seek the comfort of her lap to share a book. The childminder promotes children's learning through practical and fun activities, such as encouraging younger children to crawl through a small tunnel, by doing this first herself, extending their experiences during play. Children feel confident, valued and have their self-esteem fostered through these positive interactions.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about the world around them through regular trips to local parks, looking at the deer and ducks and collecting feathers and leaves. The childminder appreciates the importance of children using a range of resources that promote positive images of our society. She provides activities relating to developing children's awareness of various religious and cultural festivals to increase the children's acceptance of diversity. The childminder is skilled at promoting children's learning in everyday situations. For example, counting with a young child whilst they are climbing the stairs, developing the child's mathematical awareness. She sets clear and consistent boundaries for children's behaviour so that they learn what is, and is not, acceptable in a way that is meaningful for them.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health is extremely well promoted. The childminder provides a very good range of healthy, home cooked meals and snacks that take into account the individual dietary needs of the children, including their weaning needs. Menus are in place to inform the parents of foods provided. Children are learning excellent personal care skills and the importance of good hygiene in being healthy. Pictures and posters displayed around the home and in the bathroom remind children about hand washing and good hygiene practices. Younger children are assisted to clean their hands before eating as needed. Children are able to have access to drinking water as their cups are close to hand. The childminder encourages children to brush their teeth and wash their faces after meals and each child's flannel and toothbrush are kept in individual wash bags to prevent cross-infection. There are effective systems in place to prevent the spread of infection through the childminders clear

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

sickness policy and exclusion periods. This information is shared with parents to ensure that children do not attend if unwell or infectious.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder shares the children's progress and development with their parents, discussing areas of development to be enhanced and giving parents practical ideas of how they can help their child through activities at home. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

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.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Outstanding How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

p.8

Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

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.8