Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY389259 Inspection date 15/09/2009 Inspector Mandy Gannon

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2009. He lives with his wife and children, aged eight and five years, in a house in Twickenham, Middlesex, in the London borough of Richmond. The whole of the house is used for childminding and children sleep in the three bedrooms on the first floor. Toilet facilities are located on the ground floor. There is access to a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory Childcare Register, to care for a maximum of five children under eight, three of whom can be within the early years age group. When working with another childminder, he may care for a maximum of nine children under eight, not more than six can be in the early years age group and of these not more than two may be under one year. He is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to provide care for children aged over eight. He is currently caring for two children under five who all attend on a full time basis. The childminder attends local parents and toddler groups. The family have a pet Yorkie Schnauzer miniature dog, a cat and goldfish.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy, settled, interested and involved in a warm, caring environment. A wide range of toys, activities and resources are available that children independently access. Children are valued and their individual needs are effectively met by the childminder who develops strong links with parents developing successful relationships. Children benefit from the working partnership between the childminder and his wife, who is a co-childminder. The childminder continues to further his knowledge and skills by attending training developing ways to improve the setting.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that effective hand washing procedures are in place for all children.  ensure that permission to seek emergency medical treatment is clearly in place for each child.

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the early years provision

Children are well protected as concise risk assessments have been carried out both inside and outside of the home. The childminder has only recently moved into the property, he has ensured that the environment is well organised and has successfully put measures in place to minimise hazards and risks. Children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safeguarded as the childminder has detailed policies in place which are shared with parents. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and the action to follow.

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the early years provision

Children benefit as strong relationships are built with parents and carers. The childminder is aware of the child's starting point through detailed information gained from the parents. The individual needs of children are met as effective regular communication is in place which includes; verbal conversations, newsletters, diaries and developmental records.

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the early years provision

Children are able to make choices and access a wide range of toys and resources suitable for their age and stage of development. Children actively seek resources that interest them and select from clearly labelled boxes and containers. Children benefit as the childminder is aware of their individual preferences and values their uniqueness.

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the early years provision

Children develop a respect for one another as they learn to take turns and share toys supported by the childminder. Children are developing their understanding of caring for one another as the childminder reminds children to be gentle with the baby. Children develop an appreciation of differences as the setting has a range of resources that reflect a diverse society including; dressing up clothes, books and small world. Children have regular opportunities to meet other people as they regularly go for walks and attend groups in the local community. Children who have English as an additional language are actively supported by the childminder as they liaise closely with the parents and develop an awareness of key words.

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the early years provision

The childminder evaluates his practice to identify areas for further improvement and is consistently looking at ways to improve. He has begun to complete the self- evaluation online and has used various strategies to further enhance the provision, for example, he is in the process of building a sensory room. The setting has issued parental questionnaires and received positive feedback, as parents feel well supported and their children enjoy their time at the setting. The childminder attends regular training; he has enquired about attending a food hygiene course and is currently enrolled on the Diploma for home based child carers.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident and feel safe as they happily explore the environment with confidence. Children are secure in a setting where the childminder and his wife work successfully together promoting clear, consistent routines. Children seek reassurance and comfort from the childminder as they sit on his knee to share a book or cuddle into him when they are tired. Children develop a sense of belonging as they self-register on arrival, they have their names and pictures on coat hooks and by their towels, and they have their own clearly labelled box for their personal belongings.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from a safe, welcoming environment which is well organised to meet the children's needs. A detailed evacuation plan is in place and fire drills are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 regularly practised and effectively recorded. Smoke alarms, a fire blanket and a carbon monoxide detector are in place and the childminder teaches children about keeping safe, reminding children not to stand on the sofa and to sit down to drink.

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and outcomes for children

Children have balanced healthy snacks and meals which are all prepared in the setting and the childminder meets any dietary requirements or preferences. Children benefit by having regular drinks which they are able to access independently and the childminder ensures that he reminds younger children and offers babies regular drinks to prevent dehydration. The childminder minimises the spread of infection when changing nappies as thorough, robust nappy changing procedures are in place. Babies sleep in their own individual cots with separate linen which is laundered regularly. Older children have separate towels in the downstairs toilet in order to minimise cross infection which are clearly labelled enabling them to identify. Although, younger children are not effectively protected as they do not wash their hands prior to snack or meals. Children benefit as the childminder has an up to date first aid course, although permission to seek

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and outcomes for children

emergency treatment and advice is not accurately completed for all children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are involved and interested in a broad range of activities and the childminder plans regular themes which are shared with the parents and carers who contribute to the planning and develop activities at home. Children's learning is supported well by the childminder and parents. For example, a laminated notice by the front door informs both the children and their parents of the planned theme, using the written word and pictures; today it is 'bugs'. The childminder has planned an activity and has hidden plastic insects in jelly and shaving soap. The children excitedly but cautiously explore, they are unfamiliar with the texture, the childminder offers praise and encouragement developing their confidence as they show wonder as they find an insect, discover the taste of jelly on their fingers and the childminder introduces new vocabulary.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a clear understanding of the Early years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and makes regular observations and assessments. The childminder and his wife, who is a co-childminder, work together on the planning and follow the children's interests. Children successfully progress as the childminder is aware of identifying the next steps in children's learning which is fed into the planning. There is a balance of adult led and child initiated play and children can select activities from clearly labelled boxes which show the written word and picture. A range of puzzles, games, shapes sorters and number charts develop children's ability to recognise shapes, develop numeric skills and problem solve. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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