Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY391615 Inspection date 15/09/2009 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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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. She lives with her eight year old child and twins of seven years in Hampton, Middlesex. Children have access to the whole of the childminder's house and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

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

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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

The childminder meets the needs of the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage effectively. Children are looked after in a clean, safe and comfortable home where they are recognised and valued as unique individuals. They make good progress in their learning because the childminder supplies a wide variety of stimulating play experiences for them to enjoy. The childminder evaluates her practice regularly, as she understands the importance of continuous improvement for the benefit of the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 establish effective links with the children’s nurseries to share relevant information for continuity and coherence in their learning  enable children to have routine access to information and communication technology, such as a computer, to promote their future economic well-being

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the early years provision

The childminder’s thorough knowledge of child protection issues ensures children are effectively safeguarded. She is aware of the indicators of child abuse, and the procedure to follow to report concerns. Children’s safety, both in the home and outdoors, has high priority. Risk assessments are detailed, and identify and minimise all obvious potential hazards. Children also begin to learn how to keep themselves safe as they participate in emergency evacuation drills from the home and learn how to cross roads safely. In addition, when feeding the ducks in Claremont Gardens, the childminder reminds them of the rules when near water. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Due to the wealth of relevant information that the childminder gathers from parents about their child before an arrangement commences, children settle quickly and receive consistent and appropriate care. Consequently, the childminder

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the early years provision

understands the individual needs of each child and responds to them appropriately. Parents receive a ‘parent pack’ containing her policies and procedures. This enables them to be fully aware of the service the childminder provides for them and their children. The exchange of text messages during the day also helps to reassure parents that their children are happy and content. The childminder has started to liaise with the children’s nursery about the developmental progress they are making. However, this needs to be developed to ensure all relevant information is shared for continuity and coherence in their learning.

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the early years provision

Resources are well deployed. Play materials are safe, suitable and support children’s learning. Many are readily available on open storage units for children to self-select, thereby promoting their independence. The childminder has also compiled a photograph album of other resources stored elsewhere. Children are able to look at the book and choose additional items to play with.

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the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and motivated to develop her practice. Relevant training, such as child protection and health and safety, is attended to build upon her existing skills. The evaluation of her practice clearly demonstrates areas of strength, as well as those targeted for development in the future. Parents are included in the self-evaluation process to ensure it is rigorous and all areas are addressed. The childminder’s good organisational skills mean that all the required documents are maintained for the safe and efficient management of her practice, and to promote the well-being of the children in her care.

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and outcomes for children

Children are curious and interested to engage with the range of fun play experiences provided for them. As a result, they make progress in their learning. Each child has their own folder containing observations of their play and photographs to demonstrate the range of activities carried out. Observations are assessed to gauge the child’s stage of development in each of the six areas of learning. The next step in their unique learning journey is identified, and plans made to incorporate it into activities to promote and support progress. Children’s enjoyment of books is fostered through regular trips to the library, and painting and drawing activities promote pre-writing skills. The childminder has identified that she needs to contribute further towards children’s future economic well-being by enabling them to develop their understanding of information and communication technology by having regular access to a computer.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning about the importance of caring for the environment as they help sort out materials for recycling. They also enjoy routine trips to Kew Gardens to observe nature. A healthy lifestyle is fostered through physical play on the slide in the back garden and running around in the local park. Children also learn about This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the types of food that are healthy, and those to avoid. A variety of nutritious meals is served that takes account individual dietary needs. Cottage pie and salmon are included on the menu, along with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. All children sit together around the table at meal times, which helps to create an enjoyable social occasion.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder encourages children to develop appropriate personal care routines. They learn the importance of washing their hands at appropriate times during the day and have their own personal towels to help prevent the possibility of cross-infection between them. A sick child policy is also in place and shared with parents to enable them to understand why their child might be excluded from the childminder’s care.

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged to be respectful and considerate towards each other. They have the opportunity to learn about different faith and cultural festivals, such as Diwali and Christmas. The childminder discusses with the parents how they manage unwanted behaviour at home, to provide consistency for the child and not confusion. A list of ‘house rules’, including taking care of toys and furniture, and eating at the table, enables children to learn right and wrong in positive ways that add to their self-esteem and confidence. 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 2 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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