Childminder in Kingston upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303066 Inspection date 11 January 2006 Inspector Carol Newman

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children in Chessington in Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is 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. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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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 play in a clean environment where they learn to follow good hygiene practices. Children automatically wash their hands after visiting the toilet and understand that this helps to prevent the spread of germs. Effective daily routines and the childminder’s own good practice prevent cross infection. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. The childminder does not refer to the Birth to Three Matters guidance to influence her practice. However, she has relevant information regarding the developmental stages for young children. There are effective storage and re-heating procedures for the food provided by parents to prevent spoiling. Children enjoy healthy snacks. Fresh drinks are available

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Helping children to be healthy

at all times in suitable containers and the children confidently help themselves. This encourages children to think about their personal needs. Children enjoy daily physical exercise that contributes to keeping them healthy. They regularly attend the local toddler group where they can play on a range of large equipment. Children are very active in the childminding home. They confidently use the ride on toys indoors and play in the garden in suitable weather. Under threes develop warm relationships with the childminder who is responsive to baby’s needs. Babies confidently express feelings and needs verbally and non-verbally.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use a wide range of good quality toys and resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. They play in a secure environment where they can move around safely. Toys and resources are suitably stored to ensure they are easily accessible for the children. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures. For example, socket covers, stair gates, an effective emergency evacuation procedure and a secure garden. Regular visual checks of toys and resources ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. The security is very good ensuring children are unable to leave the premises without a suitable adult. Older children learn about road safety and the importance of using pedestrian crossings whenever possible. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows how

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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 to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care. This supports children’s wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Toddlers play happily alongside each other. They learn to communicate and develop good relationships with the childminder and their peers. They confidently operate the interactive cooker, chatting to it, pressing the buttons and investigating it. They operate the alarm on the police motor bike and rock it enthusiastically to and fro. The childminder encourages language skills as the children play. Children enjoy dancing along to the musical bus and manoeuvring it. Children develop a healthy interest in books and enjoy stories.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play very happily and they are well occupied. They independently choose from a range of resources that are easily accessible and provide stimulation. They benefit from outings to meet the animals at Chessington World of Adventures and regular visits to local amenities such as the toddler group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play contentedly because the childminder has an appropriate understanding of equal opportunities and how to treat children as individuals. All children are given good attention. They play with a range of resources that reflect positive images of different cultures and disability, such as books and play people. The childminder has not cared for children with special needs. However, children thrive through continuity of care and established routines as the childminder consults with parents about their individual needs. The childminder is consistent in her approach to behaviour management. Babies respond well to distraction and removal from the situation. She adapts her strategies for older children and she uses time out effectively. Children benefit from a two way sharing of information about the childminding service. A good partnership with parents contributes considerably to children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

well-being. The childminder is not familiar with the requirement to maintain a complaints record.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children settle happily in the childminder's well managed provision. Written policies

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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 and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own activities. The childminder attends training whenever she can. This ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework • ensure that a record of complaints is maintained and appropriate information from the record is shared with parents on request.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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