Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY308708 Inspection date 18 July 2006 Inspector Alison Weaver

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2005. She lives with her three children aged two, four and eight years. They live in a house in a residential area of Eastbourne near to schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor, an upstairs bedroom and bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has one rabbit, three caged birds and a tank of fish. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding one pre-school child. The childminder attends local carer and

p.2

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 toddler groups on a regular basis. The childminder supports children who have English as an additional language.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, homely environment. They learn about good personal hygiene through effective everyday routines. They wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before meals. Children are encouraged to brush their teeth after meals. In hot weather, the childminder ensures the children stay cool and clean. Good hygiene practices adopted by the childminder, such as for nappy changing, contributes to keeping children healthy. Appropriate care of sick children, clear accident procedures and the childminder's up-to-date first aid training means that she can act in the best interest of children should they become poorly or have an accident. Children learn about healthy eating through the meals and snacks the childminder provides. She offers healthy foods on a daily basis, including a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and salad items. Children help to prepare the meals with her, which

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

encourages them to try different foods. They learn what foods are good to eat as they take part in activities such as sticking and cooking for fun where they make pizza faces and pitta pockets. In hot weather children have ready access to drinks to prevent them becoming dehydrated. Children enjoy regular physical activities and fresh air. They go on outings to the local parks and playing fields where they have opportunities to run around and play with footballs. Young children learn to move their bodies in different ways, supported well by the childminder. They jiggle to music and develop their throwing skills as they use beanbags. They learn to walk using the furniture as an aid and by using the variety of push along toys.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a generally safe home where the majority of risks are minimised successfully. Children are supervised appropriately and their needs are considered when assessing the risks in the home. The childminder ensures that children have a variety of safe and suitable age appropriate toys to play with when they are with her. The childminder has a wide variety of toys and equipment for the children in the toy room. However, the toys and resources are not all safely accessible to the children as many are not stacked and organised in a way that would encourage children’s independence. The childminder shows a satisfactory awareness of safety in the garden and overall,

p.3

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 takes appropriate steps to ensure children do not come to harm. However, this area is not secure which puts children at risk from intruders. A satisfactory evacuation plan, smoke alarms and an accessible fire blanket contribute to keeping children safe in the event of a fire. Children learn to keep themselves safe when on outings as they practice crossing roads and develop their understanding of what to do if they get lost. The childminder's practice of making sure that each child wears a wristband with her details helps to protect the children in her care. Should a child go missing it would be easy to contact her. The childminder’s satisfactory knowledge of child protection procedures contributes to the safeguarding of children. She knows what to do if she suspects a child is being

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy themselves in the relaxed and caring environment. New children are supported well as they learn to separate from their parents. The childminder is sensitive to their needs and gives the children a good level of attention and care. They soon develop their confidence and sense of security with the childminder. The childminder builds good, close relationships with the children. She helps children develop their communication skills by talking to them and reinforcing words. Younger children’s social skills develop as they visit local toddler groups. The children happily play with a wide range of age appropriate toys and play equipment, which challenge and stimulate them. They have some opportunities to develop their independence, for example, by the use of the large whiteboard and the dressing up clothes, which are in easy reach on low pegs in the hall. Children enjoy a

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

variety of interesting activities including crafts, water play and play dough. Children explore different natural objects such as pebbles and shells as they play in the sand. As they have fun, the children develop and learn new skills, such as playing with musical instruments, posting shapes, and manipulating buttons on toys. Children love the African instruments, enjoying making sounds with the beaters. The childminder helps to promote children’s developing skills. The childminder devotes her time to playing with the children and supporting them in their play. The positive interaction by the childminder helps the children to achieve. The childminder has started to implement the use of Birth to three matters framework with young children to help them make progress but is not making full use of this yet.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude towards equal opportunities. She values children as individuals and takes into account their needs when caring for them. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure she respects their wishes and provides consistent care for the child, particularly with regard to any traditions and

p.4

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 customs. She makes sure that children have images and toys that are familiar to them and reflect their ethnic background. Children have access to a good range of resources that show positive images of different cultures, religions, and disabilities. These include an interesting collection of musical instruments from around the world which children regularly enjoy playing. The childminder makes good use of libraries to increase her resources. She teaches children about the wider world through music, food and topics on bodies. They learn to acknowledge and respect differences through the activities she plans and provides. The childminder has limited experience of working with children with special needs but is fully aware of the need to work closely with parents and relevant agencies to

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

ensure that she provides appropriate care for each child. Children benefit from a lot of praise and encouragement given by the childminder. The childminder shows a sound knowledge of behaviour management. The childminder discusses any concerns about behaviour with parents so that they can work together to devise a suitable strategy that both parties can use to support the child. The childminder provides useful clear written detail about her procedures and childminding service to parents. This helps ensure they have a good knowledge of her practices and procedures. The childminder communicates effectively with parents of young children by using daily care diaries. These keep parents well informed about their child, for example, what the child has eaten that day.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children receive good support from the childminder and benefit from a day that is flexible to meet their needs. The space and resources are organised satisfactorily to meet children’s needs. The required documentation and consents are in place and are well maintained. These documents help to support the care of children and comply with the regulations. The childminder keeps herself informed of some current childcare practices by attending a few courses, including one on food hygiene. The childminder uses this developing knowledge to improve the care she offers minded children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

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 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • improve safety with regard to access to the outdoor area • continue to develop the care of younger children by making more effective use of the Birth to three matters framework.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6