Dunkerton, Deborah

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316653 Inspection date 05 June 2006 Inspector Christine McInally

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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 first registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15, 12 and two years. The property comprises of a detached house within a residential area of Brighton and is close to local amenities. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor, including a ground floor cloakroom and a dining room for rest. Minded children do not have access to the first floor of the property. A large paved and grassed rear garden is available for outside play.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends local childminding support groups. She is currently caring for three children on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet or before eating food. The childminder's clear understanding of the need for good hygiene is reflected in her daily practice. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and good procedures in place if children become ill. These measures help reduce risks of infection to children. Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. They visit the park and have regular access to outdoor play. Babies are given good support to develop their physical skills, they are provided with good clear floor space allowing them to move freely around the room. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play. Children have a good relationship with the childminder,

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Helping children to be healthy

who is responsive to their emotional needs. Children gain a good understanding of the elements of a healthy lifestyle. The childminder is willing to provide food and drink for the children but is happy for parents to supply their child's food if they wish. She demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices, and closely follows children's eating routines. Meal and snack times are sociable; children sit at the table with the childminder who chats to them about what they are eating. This helps children understand the benefits of a healthy diet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where they feel secure and confident. Space within the home, together with furniture and resources, is arranged to enable children to move around safely and to provide plenty of room for play. Children enjoy their play in a safe environment where the childminder has identified and minimised risks, such as, ensuring items that might be harmful are inaccessible to the children. Children enjoy playing with toys and resources that have been carefully chosen for their stage of development and are able to choose these easily as they are stored at their level. When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe.

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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 The childminder has an awareness of all safety-related issues and has in place all the relevant policies and procedures to ensure children's safety. Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has an understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. All of these measures contribute to the safety and welfare of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and settled in the warm, family atmosphere. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. The interesting and worthwhile range of outings to places of local interest, such as the Sea Life Centre and Volks Railway, help children learn about the world in which they live. The childminder spends a great deal of time playing directly with the children who respond well to the consistent attention. Children are fully involved and interested in the various activities available to them because the childminder joins in and consistently talks to them about what they are doing. Children have access to a good range of well chosen resources which are used to support children's learning and development in all areas. The childminder reads to the children and asks questions helping to develop their language skills. Children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, music and pretend play. The childminder is extremely warm and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. Children are very happy, relaxed and confident in the childminder's care; she enjoys their company and knows them well. She spends a lot of time talking and playing with them, consequently children are well supported in their play and are making good progress in all areas of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed and agreed with the parents. They develop an awareness of their own and other cultures because the childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity. However, there is a limited range of resources that reflect diversity. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through the regular outings and trips provided. Children are happy and feel secure in the childminder's home. The childminder sets consistent boundaries which help children learn to cooperate, share and begin to take responsibility for their actions. Children behave well and respond to the consistent praise and encouragement from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder has friendly but professional relationships with the parents. She discusses all aspects of the children's care thoroughly with the parents ensuring their individual needs are well met. She informs parents fully of her practice ensuring children have continued support. The childminder forms good relationships with the children and values their contributions enabling them to develop a sense of self-esteem and belonging.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very at home and benefit from the well organised play space provided. They receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well helping them feel secure and confident. A broad range of suitable play and learning resources are in place to effectively promote children's care and welfare. Children have sufficient space both inside and outside the home, enabling them to move independently and to initiate their own play. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder has a business like approach to her childminding and maintains her records well promoting the children's well-being. The childminder has established positive working relationships with parents promoting the children's welfare, care and learning. While the childminder has in place a number of parental consents she does not have written consent to act in a medical emergency. She discusses all aspects of

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Organisation

the children's care with the parents, who are kept well informed of their child's achievements promoting their continued development.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • increase the resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, and disability • obtain written permission from parents for seeking advice or treatment in the case of a medical 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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