Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY258084 Inspection date 20 May 2005 Inspector Donna Bonner

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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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since June 2003. She lives in a flat with her children aged 3 months, 4 years and 13 years. Her husband is present at weekends. The flat is situated on the first floor of a large block accessible by stairs. Minded children have access to the living room for playing. Toilet and washing facilities are on the first floor. There is an outside communal play area that is used occasionally. Minded children

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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 are taken to nearby parks and local groups for young children. An aquarium of fish are the family's pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for 1 child aged 1-8 years and currently minding 1 child on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy varied indoor and outdoor activities which are good for their health. They make daily walks to playgroups and local parks where they use age appropriate toys and equipment which encourage their physical skills. They are supported in all areas of their play by the childminder which increases their confidence. Children are introduced to good hygiene practices as the home is regularly cleaned and food properly stored which reduces risks of infection. Children are further protected by clear policies for example if a child is unwell. They benefit from a healthy diet which includes regular fruit and meals agreed with parents which meet their dietary needs. Children are also introduced to new foods sensitively and learn from eating with others. They are developing good eating habits as they ask for fruit when they want a snack. Children help themselves to drinks as they are readily available

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe home that is well organised and allows them to be comfortable and independent. They are kept safe on outings by the use of appropriate equipment and they also talk about safety. Children choose from a wide range of toys and equipment which meet safety standards and are carefully chosen to be age appropriate. Children's forms are signed by parents and kept up to date. The childminder understands the need to maintain children's welfare and maintains a first aid box. She has an understanding of first aid practices, however, she does not hold a current first aid certificate. The childminder has awareness of the need to protect children in her care and has written child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable in the childminder's home. They select from the wide range

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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 of carefully chosen toys and equipment which are of good quality and age appropriate. Children are beginning to recognise sounds and say them independently. They are supported in their learning as the childminder joins in their songs and counts with them. Children are introduced to concepts of size and positions and confidently say where things are and what they are doing during their play. Their speech and language development is encouraged as the childminder interacts well with them. Children engage in imaginative play very well and enjoy building on their own creative ideas. Children benefit from well planned visits to toddler groups which develop their social and creative skills as they are also introduced to dough and paints. Children play well for sustained periods and use books and puzzles that encourage

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their concentration. They try out new skills and access toys and books easily which increases their independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children choose from a range of toys and books that portray varied backgrounds and this offers a positive view of communities. Children also learn about their local community through daily outings and visits to the local shops. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder follows parent's wishes after full discussions. Children are well behaved and caring. They are praised by the childminder which encourages their behaviour and self esteem. They confidently choose their activities and play well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in the welcoming home and confidently initiate their play. Documentation is well maintained and used to promote children's welfare. Children's development is regularly shared with parents so that they are well informed and this offers reassurance and continuity of care. The childminder plans a routine that encourages children to progress in all areas of their development. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has not attended training for children with special needs as a planned course was cancelled. She has not cared for children with special needs and has developed her general knowledge of child development through 'Bright Ideas' training from the early years team.

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Improvements 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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • complete and maintain an appropriate (12 hour) first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children

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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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