Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298265 Inspection date 16 June 2005 Inspector Teresa Elkington

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and three years, in the market town of Horsham, West Sussex. The premises is located within easy reach of schools, pre-schools and shops. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, which includes toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for three children aged nought to eight years and currently has two children on her register, who attend on a part-time basis.

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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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children recognise the importance of good hygiene routines to maintain their personal health, as they spontaneously wash their hands before mealtimes and after visiting the toilet. Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. Daily routines incorporate visits the park and use of the garden area. Children are helped to develop control of their bodies, for example, as they carry water across an obstacle course. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play, which maintains children's continuity of care. Meal and snack times are sociable; children sit at the table with the childminder. Children are provided with a range of healthy snacks including fruit, breadsticks and raw vegetables, encouraging them to develop healthy eating practices. The childminder encourages the children to make healthy eating choices and older children are offered opportunities to be involved in the preparation of their food,

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Helping children to be healthy

helping them to understand the process of getting food to the table. Children's individual needs dietary needs are met as the childminder takes into account the wishes of the parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming child friendly home where children feel safe and secure. Children are cared for in a spacious home where risks are identified and minimised so that children can play safely in all areas that are available to them. Children can easily access the toys and resources which are checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm them. When on outings and walking with the childminder, children are taught to understand why they need to stay close, hold hands and abide by road safety rules, which helps them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe. Children are protected well. The childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and feels confident that she would recognise these and understands her role in the protection of children. 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

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 well settled and very at home in the childminder's house. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. The interesting and worthwhile range of activities and outings provided help children learn a great deal about the world in which they live. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, music and pretend play. Children approach the childminder happily and receive plenty if physical affection and cuddles, enabling them to feel and happy and secure in their environment. Children learn about the importance of working together and to think problems through, for example; as they decide how best to display pictures that they have made, which

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

allows them to develop their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder spends a lot of time talking and playing with the children, consequently they are well supported in their play and are making good progress in all areas of development. Outings are undertaken on most days and include visits to a variety of local parks and drop-in groups providing them with opportunities to socialise with a wider group of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a sound understanding of all equal opportunities issues, and has a positive attitude towards diversity this helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through the regular outings and trips provided. Children receive positive praise and encouragement from the childminder which promotes their self-esteem and encourages them to develop their self confidence. Children learn to play together amicably through the realistic and consistent boundaries set by the childminder. This helps them to become aware and except the needs of others. Children benefit from the strong relationships that the childminder builds with parents. Information regarding children's achievements and personal needs is exchanged in a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

daily basis, which maintains a consistent approach to the children's care and their changing needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the well-organised daily routine, which is planned around their individual needs. 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. The childminder has a business like approach to her childminding and maintains her records well promoting the children's welfare, care and learning. Regulatory

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 documentation is maintained, however, some written parental consent is required to ensure the children's well-being at all times. Regular reviews are held with parents to ensure that children's continuing needs are supported and met at all times. The childminder has attended relevant courses in support of her work with young children, which enables her to provide for the needs of the range of children cared for.

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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): • maintain appropriate permissions from parents for the seeking of medical treatment or advice.

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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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