Childminder in Richmond upon ThamesOfsted inspection, 12 May 2009

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

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Unique reference number EY295978 Inspection date 12/05/2009 Inspector Deborah Jacqueline Newbury

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

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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.

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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).

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2004. He lives with his partner and their two children aged six and nine years in East Sheen in the London borough of Richmond. The home is close to parks, the library, playgroups, schools and Kew Gardens.

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Description of the childminding

Childminding takes place on the ground floor of the home. Toilet facilities are provided in this area and an upstairs bedroom is available for sleeping as necessary. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight at any one time; there are three places for children in the early years age group. There are currently four children on roll, three of whom are in the Early Years Foundation Stage. This provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder regularly takes children to toddler groups, parks and library as well as doing school runs.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a happy, caring and fun-filled environment where children’s individual welfare, learning and developmental needs are well supported throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children benefit greatly from the warm, affectionate relationship they enjoy with their carer and the broad range of activities and experiences to which they are exposed. They are valued as individuals and treated with equal concern. The childminder works in partnership with parents and displays a positive attitude to continually improving his practice and thus, the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend further the system for evaluating children's learning to ensure that all six areas of learning are given equal emphasis and use the information gathered to plan for the next steps in their learning  investigate ways of encouraging parents to contribute to their children's learning.

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provision

The childminder is very positive and enthusiastic about his role and displays a keen desire for children to enjoy themselves whilst they are in his care. He has a reflective approach and takes advantage of ongoing training opportunities to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 further develop his own knowledge, which has a positive impact on the service he is able to offer children and their families. As a consequence, the capacity for continuous improvement at this setting is good. All areas for improvement which were identified at the last inspection have been addressed successfully. The childminder maintains all required documentation well.

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provision

Arrangements for safeguarding children contribute to their overall well-being. This is evident through the childminder's use of risk-assessments for all environments they come into contact with, a secure understanding of child-protection issues and the procedure to be followed in the event of any concerns, use of sensible safety precautions and good levels of supervision.

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provision

Parents are able to share in their children's day because the childminder utilises information and communication technology to good effect. In addition to an informal exchange of information at the start and end of the day, he emails parents information and sends them photographs of their children engaged in play. Through the medium of 'SKYPE' children can talk to their parents as well as see them on the computer screen. Parents are invited to contribute their views about the setting and their children's care and education.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children flourish in a relaxed atmosphere. They are very happy, display good levels of confidence and enjoy trusting relationships with their carer. They respond positively to the childminder's clear sense of fun; there is lots of laughter and they engage in gentle banter to the merriment of everyone. Children enjoy lots of cuddles and show a strong sense of belonging. They independently move around those areas of the home used for minding. The open patio door means that they have the option of playing indoors or outside and they freely take toys outside onto the canopied deck. They explore a broad range of good quality, age appropriate play materials and access these independently, showing awareness of where to locate particular items. Children enjoy looking at photographs of themselves. These are displayed attractively within the main area used for minding, with several placed at low level so even the youngest children can easily

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

see them. The childminder uses their interest in these as a way of encouraging conversation about the different children who attend the setting and recalling the different activities they have taken part in. For instance, they talk about making 'the biggest cookie in the world' and celebrating the Olympics last year. Children benefit from a varied range of activities, inside and outside the home, which contribute positively to their learning and development and ensures that they spend their time purposefully. They regularly attend local toddler groups where they meet up with other children and adults and thus, begin to develop their social skills and the childminder makes good use of the local community to stimulate their interest and knowledge of the wider world. Art activities, such as painting and exploration of play dough and other media allows children to develop their creativity and vent their feelings in a variety of ways. There is lots of conversation

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and the childminder interacts with children and supports their play effectively. He plans activities week by week and has devised a system for monitoring and recording children's achievements and progress, although it is not clear from the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 information gathered that equal emphasis is given to all six areas of learning and records do not show the next steps in children's learning. Parents are also not yet contributing to this process in any formal way.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners because the childminder meets their individual needs and supports them effectively in developing an appreciation of the needs of others and a growing ability to share and be co-operative through encouraging team work and pre-empting potential difficulties and setting the scene for children. For instance, on getting out the paints, the childminder explains that even the youngest children will also want to join in and that this is acceptable. Interesting activities such as themed days enable children to find out about other countries.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All aspects of children's good health are promoted exceptionally well. Children benefit from nutritious home-cooked meals with lots of fruit and vegetables and they often help to prepare food, both for their own meals and to take home to share with their families. They have opportunities to grow fruit and vegetables in the garden which helps them begin to understand where food comes from and contributes to a growing awareness of the importance of healthy eating. They learn about the importance of personal hygiene and are helped to become independent in their personal care through good daily routines, discussions and appropriate levels of support. The childminder keeps up to date with events that may impact adversely on children's health and informs parents of the measures he is taking to protect them. There is lots of outdoor play, both in the garden and through visits to different parks and other places of interest, which helps them

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

develop control of their bodies and thus improve their physical skills. They benefit from lots of fresh air as the childminder chooses to walk everywhere. Children learn how to keep themselves safe with the childminder's support. For example, he talks to them about road safety every day when they go out because he is aware of the high levels of traffic in the neighbourhood and provides opportunities for them to practise crossing roads in quiet streets so they can develop their skills. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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