Childminder in Brighton and Hove

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318504 Inspection date 24 April 2006 Inspector Ann Long

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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 aged four and five in Portslade, East Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under one year on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She regularly attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the park and the nearby farm. The family has two cats.

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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 freely enjoy a range of outdoor activities to help develop their physical skills. For example, they attend regular toddler activities and daily walks to the local farm, parks or the beach. Their daily routines are followed carefully, including times for rest, meals and quiet play. The childminder ensures children have access to a clean and hygienic environment. This helps them to begin to understand the importance of hygienic practice and keeping healthy. Children who are infectious do not attend and this helps prevent the spread of contagious ailments. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history to ensure that children's individual needs are met. Children are provided with nutritious meals and snacks, such as toasted mini-squares, to meet their dietary needs and parental choices. Drinks of water are available to children throughout the day. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

encourages them to take regular sips to ensure they are sufficiently hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a safe and stimulating environment for the children within her home and when on outings. She regularly reviews and minimises risks for individual children and has in place all sensible safety precautions. The garden is not currently used for outside play because the childminder has identified possible hazards. Children move freely around the designated areas of the house, which are bright and welcoming. Examples of children's art work are attractively displayed, helping children to feel valued. A wide range of quality toys are available for the children. All resources are stored allowing children easy access and independent choice. These are checked and cleaned regularly to ensure that they remain safe for the children. The childminder helps children learn how to keep themselves safe. She gives them gentle reminders not to touch electric plugs or throw toys. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has effective strategies in place to maintain children's safety and well being at all times. She has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities regarding the protection of children from harm or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder welcomes children into her home and they are settled and happy in her care. She has a natural ability to engage the children in worthwhile activities, which they enjoy. Younger children have fun exploring the treasure baskets, recognising items such as animal shapes and learning to make sounds. They enjoy cuddling up with the childminder, sharing books and interacting with the pictures. The childminder uses her knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework to help nurture children's development. She sings and dances with the children and they

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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 learn rhythm and rhyme. Older children have the opportunity and freedom to express themselves with a range of activities such as construction, crafts and cookery. Children enjoy informal outings in the local area, this promotes children's interest in the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of all issues regarding equal opportunities. She is aware that all children are individual, develop at different stages and have a variety of needs. Children are treated with respect, helping them develop a sense of worth. The childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity and this is reflected in her range of resources. She celebrates various multi-cultural festivals with the children throughout the year. These help children identify with all people in society. Children learn to share and play happily together through consistent and positive guidelines. They respond to regular praise and encouragement, within a supportive environment. This makes them feel valued and respected as individuals. Children benefit from warm and sound relationships between their parents and the childminder. Information is shared by the use of comprehensive child record forms

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and by daily discussions. These measures help to ensure that children's needs are well met and they are provided with appropriate care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good adult support and attention. They benefit from a well organised environment and daily routine. This helps children feel settled and secure, they are well supervised at all times and protected from unvetted persons. Most of the relevant documents are in place and well maintained. The childminder has effective procedures in place to ensure that the children's welfare is promoted. However, the daily register is not recorded as children arrive and depart and there is no written consent for seeking emergency treatment. The childminder regularly undertakes training to enhance her skills and keep herself informed of current childcare practices. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • seek permission from parents for emergency medical treatment • ensure that the record of attendance is completed daily, including the arrival and departure times

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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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