Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308140 Inspection date 16 February 2006 Inspector Hazel Stuart-Buddery

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and six children in Twickenham. The whole of the ground floor and two upstairs bedrooms are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Shops, parks and pre-schools are all in walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children and currently has one of pre-school age on the register. The family have one dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

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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 satisfactory. Children learn the importance of daily hygiene through good procedures and explanation. Individual towels and a wall mounted soap dispenser help to prevent the spread of infection. Children play in a clean environment and have access to clean and well maintained resources. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. Most required documentation is in place and accurately maintained. However, consent to administer medication in a emergency is not in place. Children benefit from healthy, nutritious, home cooked meals. All dietary needs are discussed with parents. Drinks are freely available and can be accessed independently by children, which encourages them to make their own healthy lifestyle choices. Children have daily opportunities to play outside and get lots of fresh air. They enjoy regular trips to the park and have access to a good range of outdoor toys that help

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a well-organised and accessible environment that allows them to move around freely and safely. They have easy and safe access to a good range of age appropriate resources and activities that are well maintained. Children play in a safe and secure environment as the childminder has identified and minimised hazards around the home. Children are well protected from the risk of fire. Fire evacuation procedures are discussed with the children and practised regularly. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place. The childminder has a good awareness of safety and ensures the outdoor area is safe for children to play in and enjoy fresh air. A CCTV system ensures that unwanted visitors cannot gain entry. Children are safeguarded as the childminder has attended training in child protection and is aware of the procedures to follow should there be concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and gaining confidence in the childminder's care. A child arrives enthusiastically and proudly give a freshly painted picture to the childminder, which they had painted at home. They enjoy a worthwhile range of activities that are appropriate to their ages. The childminder organises and displays the resources well to ensure all children can select independently. Children enjoy each others company

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 excitedly get ready to play with the play dough. They choose what colour they want and cut, roll and manipulate the dough which helps them to develop their physical skills. The childminder extends the activity and talks to the children about colours and shapes. She participates in their play well and allows the children to use their own imagination and offers suggestions if they become frustrated. Children make up their own scenarios as they play pretend shops. They take pride in organising the shop and display the food around the room. They politely ask the childminder to play with them and help them set up the shop. Children play with purpose and enjoy their time spent with the childminder. The childminder offers help and support while encouraging them to be independent

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and use their own imagination. Constant chatting and appropriate questioning from the childminder helps extend the children's activities to ensure they receive maximum enjoyment. The childminder knows the children well and responds quickly to their interests. Children confidently communicate with the childminder and good relationships are fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated fairly and with respect. A good range of resources that reflect diversity along with discussions help children learn about differences. Children receive praise and encouragement and learn what is right and wrong. Clear house rules and boundaries are in place and shared with parents. As a result children know what is expected of them and are well behaved. The childminder has a friendly approach with parents. She discusses children's needs thoroughly to ensure individual needs are met and continuity of care is offered. All policies and procedures are written and provided for parents. A notice board is available for parents where relevant information is displayed. Time is taken at the end of each day to talk to parents about their child's progress. These measures help to ensure that a good partnership with parents is promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and settled with the childminder. They benefit from a well-organised play space and resources that are easily accessible to allow the children to self-select. Children receive appropriate levels of support from the childminder and good relationships are fostered. The childminder has a good attitude towards her on-going development and has completed a range of courses that have enhanced her knowledge and understanding of childcare. Regular informal discussion with parents ensure continuity of care for the children. The childminder maintains her paperwork well and most documentation is in place.

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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 She has a complaints procedure that reflects recent changes and is shared with parents. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • ensure written consent is obtained form parents to administer pain relief in an emergency

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The quality and standards of the care

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