Childminder in West SussexOfsted inspection, 23 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298804 Inspection date 23 August 2005 Inspector Christine Clint

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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She now cares for children in the family home, which is a bungalow, situated in the Rose Green area of Bognor Regis. It is within walking distance of local shops, schools and amenities. The whole of the bungalow will be used for child care and there is an enclosed garden with a secure play area, separated from the pond. The childminder will jointly care for children at times as her daughter is also a registered childminder. There are currently no

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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 children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has completed the Introducing Childminding Practice course. She also has a certificate in first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a comfortable clean and organised home, with plenty of light and fresh air. Their nappies are frequently changed and hygienic procedures are followed. The childminder shows concern for children's welfare and comfort. She uses anti-bacterial spray before and after meals to ensure the cleanliness of surfaces and encourages children to follow sensible routines for hand washing and maintaining personal hygiene. Younger children have organised facilities for sleeping and safe, accessible, travel cots on the same level; the childminder shows a sufficient understanding of checking sleeping children regularly. There are positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and the childminder is prepared to follow procedures for administering and recording medication. Children's first aid needs are covered because the childminder has attended training and has a basic first aid kit available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat freshly cooked meals and the childminder shows a keen interest in providing healthy food for children, she encourages older children to participate in cooking activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe within the family home, they have space to move from room to room and easy access to the secure area on the patio. Children can play safely on the patio because the childminder has totally fenced this area to prevent children having access to the pond. Children can see the fish easily through the fence. Children are protected from hazards within the family home because the childminder has taken steps to ensure that the premises are safe. She has a stair gate to prevent access to the kitchen, if required and can close the doors to the utility room. However one interior, glass door is not fully protected. Children can access a wide variety of play equipment which is easily stored in the workshop at the end of the patio. Play equipment is varied and different boxes of toys are brought in from time to time according to the age of children present. Children play with suitable resources and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the childminder removes any smaller items when necessary. Children's safety is sufficiently considered because the childminder has provided an emergency fire plan and all fire precautions are in place. She also has a sound understanding of child protection procedures.

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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 Children can select appropriate toys which are provided to suit their age and stage of development. They can move independently between the play equipment, which is varied at times. The childminder shows a positive understanding of children's natural curiosity and she interests children by showing them, for example, how to copy and make an echo sound. Children can ride on wheel toys and cars inside and on the patio, the childminder assists younger children and encourages them to wave goodbye. She introduces them to imaginary play by pretending to pour tea and drink from a cup. Children are encouraged to progress in their physical movements and abilities by practising walking and moving themselves along on wheel toys, they are praised for managing to independently get off a ride-on toy. Smaller children are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learning to interact with adults and they are beginning to understand language, they are able to make their needs understood through facial expressions and noises. The childminder responds consistently and understands their emotional, physical and social needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have equal access to a range of activities and the childminder understands that all children should have the same opportunities whilst they are cared for. She provides some play equipment which reflects diversity within society. Children's special needs with regard to diet are appropriately considered, the childminder has experience of providing food for children with allergies. She is prepared to consider the needs of children and discuss any issues with parents. Children's behaviour is suitably managed by maintaining their interest and involvement, encouraging them to think for themselves and by keeping children occupied. The childminder has fairly firm boundaries for children who do not comply with the routines in place. Links with children's parents and home life are maintained through the use of day books, which help to inform parents of children's welfare and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare is fully considered at all times during the day because the childminder is attentive and suitably organised. She currently has all documentation available which applies to caring for children in her daughter's home and she will revise this to cover childminding from her own home. For example, the public liability insurance. There are at present, no clearance details in place for her husband. The childminder has completed the Introducing Childminding course and has a current certificate in first aid. She is aware of the regulatory procedures for inspection and of notifying Ofsted of any changes. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children attending.

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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 that all adults on the premises complete clearance procedures • make the low level glass safe in the interior door • ensure that all records are completed for individual children attending.

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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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