Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY259306 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2006 Inspection date Teresa Colburn Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2003. She lives with her husband and two school age children in a chalet bungalow, in North Lancing, West Sussex. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five part time, and seven children over five years before and after-school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group, takes children to the local park and activity groups. The family has a cat.

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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 are helped to understand the importance of good personal hygiene. For example the childminder ensures children wash their hands before and after eating snacks and after using the toilet. Children freely use the 'washing hands' book for reference, enabling them to understand the importance of washing their hands, they talked about and recognise germs can make them ill. Children independently use the downstairs cloakroom recognising their own personal needs. The childminder continually praises the children for their independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who are infectious do not attend, thus preventing the spread of contagious ailments. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate so is able to administer first aid in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are helped to develop healthy eating habits. They are offered well balanced, healthy nutritious snacks and meals. For example spaghetti bolognese, homemade pizzas, various pasta dishes, individual toad in the holes, lasagne, sandwiches, cheese, finger foods, yoghurts, and fruit. Mid morning the children were encouraged to sit at the large kitchen table ready for a snack of raisins and grapes, they happily sat together eating. The childminder provides daily individual juice bottles, to ensure she knows the children are sufficiently hydrated throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They have daily physical exercise, walking to and from the local school, attend toddler sessions, visit the local parks, walk in the wood and use the family garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the designated child orientated playroom, it is a warm and welcoming environment displaying children's artwork, posters and photographs. Children and visitors are requested to remove their outdoor shoes when entering the premises to ensure the play area's remain clean. Children have access a suitable range of play equipment and toys enabling them to play freely, and independently make choices. The childminder makes regular checks to ensure the resources remain clean, in good condition and age and stage appropriate for the children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy their play in a safe, secure environment. For example all electrical sockets have been fitted with additional insulation and a stair gate is used to restrict access to upstairs. However, the fire blanket has not been fitted, therefore it can not be used effectively in the event of a fire. Children are able to play safely when in the garden, as it is fully enclosed and hazards have been minimised. On entering the garden a child realises their dress is too long to use the slide, the childminder rolls the excess material up and tucks it into the top of the dress, therefore ensuring the child can use the slide safety. Children are well protected when on outings, as the childminder has effective outing procedures. For example she takes drinks,

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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 mobile telephone, emergency contact details, a small first aid kit and each child is issued with a brightly coloured safety strap detailing the childminders mobile telephone number.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, and a understanding of the procedures to follow if she had concerns about a child in her care. She is aware of maintaining accurate written documentation of any concerns. Therefore this ensures the children are well protected and safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and confident. They approach the childminder for support indicating good relationships are built. The childminder is warm and affectionate, making children feel comfortable and valued. For example she provides good interaction, cuddles and reassurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident in their surroundings and are at ease with each other. They enjoy a range of activities and resources, appropriate to their individual needs and stage of development. They occupy themselves happily and the childminder provides opportunities for them to play by themselves or with her. For example, two children happily playing with the cars whilst another child plays with the dolls. The childminder routinely encourages children to look at books. For example, during a group story session the children know to sit on a coloured piece of carpet, ensuring they can see the book. Throughout the story session the childminder praised the children for good counting, the children greatly enjoy the story.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans a flexible minding week, which includes attending toddler sessions, singing sessions and story time at the local library. Throughout the school holidays she planned numerous outing to maintain the children's interest, for example a visit to the local police station, building dens on the Downs, trips to the park and fun activity days at home. During the recent football world cup the childminder organised an Italian day, the children participated in making individual pizzas and having their faces painted with Italian flags.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of child development, ensuring children's personal, social and emotional needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect and valued for their differences. The childminder is aware of individual needs. Children have access to a range of multicultural books, dolls and an Indian native costume. The children have mainly celebrated Christian festivals, Diwali and a Hindu festival this year. Photographs and a map of India are predominately displayed within the playroom. Therefore children are beginning to understand the wider world, which helps them develop a sense of belonging and understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has previously not cared for a child with special needs, however she recognises the importance to work closely with parents to ensure the child's needs are fully met.

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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 Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement, and some basic house rules which are consistently maintained. Children are gently reminded not to snatch toys, and are encouraged to apologise when they have upset another child. The childminder uses appropriate strategies according to their age and stage of development, she uses direction and explanation to ensure that children understand the right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Detailed information in the childminder's portfolio, written policies and procedures enable parents to be well-informed about the childminder and service she provides. Parents are provided with appropriate and relevant information about their child's day, through a mixture of formal and informal feedback. For example, verbal discussions and care diaries. The childminder maintains flexible, friendly, professional relationships with the parents. This ensures good home links, which enable cohesive working relationships.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has successfully completed NVQ level 3 Early Years and Education and Certificate in Childminder Practice, and updates her knowledge on current childcare issues by accessing relevant literature. She has attended a first aid course that includes training in first aid for babies and young children.

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Organisation

Unvetted persons do not have access to the children. For example an electricity man arrived during the inspection to change the meter, the childminder ensured she maintained very good supervision of the children throughout the visit.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised and maintained confidently. However some relevant written consents have not been obtained from parents, this could pose a slight risk to children. For example parental consent for transporting children in car, going on outings, applying suntan lotion and taking photographs. She has a range of policies and procedures in place, to promote children's welfare, care and learning.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the organised space, time and resources and receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make sure the bathroom cupboard was safe, obtain an up to date copy of the ACPC procedures and child protection letter for parents, obtain a copy of the District Medical Officers memorandum of children's illnesses and obtain written parental consent to seek any necessary emergency treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All of these recommendations have been addressed to improve the safety and welfare of the children.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 the fire blanket is suitably positioned in line with the manufacturer's recommendation • ensure all parental consents are in place, in respect of permission for using transport, going on outings, applying suntan lotion and taking photographs.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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