Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY272836 Inspection date 23/04/2012 Inspector Deborah Jane Orchard

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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 assesses 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 0300 123 1231, 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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T: 0300 123 1231 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 registered in 2004 and lives with her three children aged four, 12 and over 18, in a second floor flat in Whitton, Twickenham in the London Borough of Richmond. She works with another childminder from her own home. The whole of the flat is available for childminding. There are suitable toilet facilities on the ground floor of the premises. There is no garden available for outdoor play, although children have access to the communal gardens and visit local parks. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has three pet cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time, of whom two may be within the early years age group and of these one may be under one year. When working with another childminder they may care for a maximum of six children, of whom no more than five may be in the early years age group and of these no more than two may be under one year. She is currently minding two children within the early years age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered for overnight care for one child.

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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 overall effectiveness of the setting is good. All children are valued as individuals and are very happy in this warm and welcoming home. The childminder has a strong understanding of children's individual needs, which supports them in making good progress in all areas of their learning and development and outstanding progress in some areas. Helping children to develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles and make a positive contribution are key strengths of this setting. The childminder is developing her knowledge further through training and is beginning to reflect on the service she provides, demonstrating her capacity to make continuous improvements

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a robust process for on-going self-evaluation, that covers all aspects of the childcare, in order to identify the strengths and priorities for development that will further improve the quality of the provision for all children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are being safeguarded effectively. The childminder has recently attended safeguarding training, enabling her to have a clear understanding of child protection procedures. She has a suitable safeguarding policy in place, which contains all the required details. A wide range of policies and procedures are readily available, which helps ensure children's welfare needs are being met. These are shared with parents. Regular written risk assessments are undertaken, enabling children to remain safe in the childminder's care. In addition, the childminder carries out daily checks to ensure there are no hazards, including checking resources are safe to play with.

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the early years provision

The childminder works well with her co-minder, providing a friendly and welcoming environment for children. The home is well organised, allowing children to move around freely. Resources are well maintained and stored accessibly, allowing for children to make independent choices in their play. Children are able to eat and rest comfortably as suitable and well maintained furniture is made available. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of equality and diversity. She recognises that each child is unique and respects their individual needs. Children are developing a positive understanding of the wider world as they are able to play with a variety of resources, which positively reflect diversity.

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the early years provision

The childminder is beginning to reflect on the service she provides, discussing relevant issues with her co-minder and identifying some of her strengths and areas for future development. She has addressed the recommendation made at her last inspection, improving outcomes for children. Although she has not yet completed a written self-evaluation, the childminder demonstrates her commitment to attend courses and complete further training to improve outcomes for children and drive further improvements.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are well established. Parents receive daily feedback in their communication books and through discussions. This two way flow of communication maintains good continuity of care. There is a wealth of information available for parents regarding the educational programme and her service. She has links with the local school and understands the importance of working closely with all parties involved in children's learning and development. .

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and outcomes for children

Children share exceptionally close relationships with this caring childminder. They behave extremely well as they are very comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home, showing a real sense of security and belonging. The childminder spends time getting to know each child, which enables her to provide suitable activities which the children enjoy and enable them to make good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 progress. She carries out regular observations of the children as they play. These help to identify the next steps in their individual learning journeys and are used to inform planning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing high levels of confidence and self-esteem as they receive lots of praise and encouragement. They are happy and engaged in purposeful play. The childminder offers appropriate levels of support. She encourages children to try things for themselves and is always nearby if they need any help or reassurance. Children are developing good communication skills. The childminder listens to and talks with children, extending their vocabulary by introducing new words as they play. Children have great fun using their hands to sign, as they participate in action songs whilst watching their favourite video. They make their songs and rhymes come alive, using their chosen puppets, as props. A well- stocked book case provides children with opportunities to self-select a variety of books and listen to stories. They enjoy mark making on the blackboard, using chunky chalks. Children are developing their skills for the future as they play with

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and outcomes for children

the programmable toys, pushing buttons and working out how these operate.

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and outcomes for children

Children's understanding of healthy lifestyles is a particular strength of this setting. The childminder provide an excellent range of nutritious foods for children to enjoy. These are carefully prepared to meet their individual requirements. Children sit together for their meals; they are encouraged to use good manners and develop their self-help skills in feeding. Children follow excellent hygiene routines, recognising when it is time to wash their hands. A wealth of health and hygiene information is attractively displayed to encourage children in good hygiene practices and raise their awareness of the importance of this. Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise, making full use of local parks. Children are learning how to stay safe. They participate in evacuation procedures so they know what to do in an emergency situation. During play, the childminder explains why she has to discard a toy, as she notices it has small crack. Children learn to be kind

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and outcomes for children

to each other and play safely within the home. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 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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