Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY297791 Inspection date 19 May 2005 Inspector Jacqueline Crawford

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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 has been registered since December 2004. She lives with her husband and their 1 year old child. They live in a house in the village of Angmering West Sussex, near local shops and schools. Most areas of the ground floor and a bedroom on the first for sleeping, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play . The family have a pet cat. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently

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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 minding 3 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children on local walks and outings to nearby parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle because the childminder maintains a very high standard in health and hygiene practice throughout her provision. She does everything possible to prevent the spread of infection, for example, ensuring food preparation surfaces are spotless, washing baby and toddler toys frequently, teaching children to the importance of regular hand washing, therefore children are developing an awareness of good hygiene routines. Children benefit from a well-balanced diet and the childminder's strong knowledge of healthy eating. She provides an extensive range of nutritious snacks and meals, which include a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy making choices and the meals and snacks appeal to them and meet their individual dietary requirements. The childminder keeps detailed records and works closely with parents to ensure all children receive a unique care package, which ensures children's health, safety and

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Helping children to be healthy

dietary requirements are fully met. Children are active and enjoy a wide range of physical activities within the home, garden and on outings, which enables them to develop their fine and gross motor skills effectively, contributing to their good health. Children benefit from the spacious play areas and the comfortable sleep and rest facilities, which allows for their sleep routines and play opportunities to be met according to their developing needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a spacious, safe and secure environment, where risks are identified and minimised as the childminder is vigilant about safety and has a clear awareness of potential hazards. Children feel safe and settled as they have ample space to move around freely and safely, whilst receiving exceptional levels of support and supervision from the childminder. Children have access to a very wide variety of toys and interesting play equipment, which are of good quality and regularly checked for safety. Toys and activities are rotated and made easily available to children at their level, encouraging the children to make choices and enabling them to increase their growing independence extremely well.

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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 Children are made fully aware of dangers through clear instructions, general conversation and effective daily routines, for example when preparing for outings and getting to and from the car safely, holding hands, and by using safety equipment correctly. Children are well protected because the childminder knows her role in child protection and has a very sound understanding of procedures. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is promoted and safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and developing their confidence and skills during daily routines and in their play. The imaginative use of natural resources, such as water play with plastic bottles, smooth wooden off cuts as building blocks, and the good range of toys and equipment, enable the younger children to enjoy their play and progress well. Older children enjoy creative play, such as art and drawing, however, generally activity resources to interest older children are limited. Children enjoy walks and regular outdoor play in the garden, using a range of play equipment suitable for younger children. Children benefit from the warm and affectionate relationships and good interaction they have with the childminder. They feel special, important and part of the family as the childminder knows each child well. The childminder strongly supports each of the children and encourages them to try new activities and challenges. The childminder's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

effective practice and flexibility means that activities are organised according to children's stage of development and ability. Children are developing their confidence and skills as the childminder encourages and praises with them as they achieve, for example, when playing with the children at their level with shape sorters and enjoying interactive picture books together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging and quickly settle into routines because the childminder ensures they are consistent with home. Children's individual or additional needs a catered for through detailed discussion with parents. The childminder ensures parents are kept informed of their children's daily care and progress by keeping daily record sheets and by providing parents written information about the provision. Children are beginning to understand boundaries as they explore and make new discoveries. The childminder's written behaviour management policy includes sensitive strategies appropriate to the children's level of understanding and is shared with parents.

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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 have opportunities to make choices and take decisions in their play, choosing an activity and sharing it with the childminder. The childminder provides positive of praise and encouragement, which enables children to develop self-esteem and become aware of their own needs and the needs of others. The range of resources and outings provided enable children to become aware of diversity and of a wider society.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's professional approach to childminding, good practice and procedures ensure all children are protected and well cared for. The comprehensive information about the provision, and the required paperwork and records ensure parents are kept fully informed about their children's well-being and progress. Children benefit from the well-organised, safe, secure and stimulating environment where they are protected by policies and procedures, which are implemented effectively. Children have ample play and learning opportunities, because the childminder has high regard for the children's learning and welfare and organises daily activities and routines effectively. The childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration and the inspection process in order to keep children safe. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • Increase the range of toys and play materials for older 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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