Childminder, Out-of school day care in Brighton and Hove

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298645 Inspection date 21 July 2005 Inspector Bridget Richardson

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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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 7 and 4years in Brighton. The lounge, kitchen and one bedroom of the childminder's flat are used for childminding. Visits to local parks and children's play areas are undertaken on a regular basis by the childminder to offer outside play to children. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 2 children at any one-time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 on a part-time basis and 2 children over 5 part-time after school. The childminder walks to the local school to collect children.

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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 attends the local toddler group. The family has a hamster. The childminder supports children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean environment where they generally learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Children who are infectious do not attend which helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Outings to the park and the local indoor play area, where there is a large play equipment, gives children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills. There are effective storage facilities for the food provided by parents to prevent spoiling. Children increase their understanding of the importance of a healthy diet as they access freely available drinks and are given opportunities to make independent choices from food provided. Children who receive meals enjoy nutritious food. However information on any special dietary requirements or allergies are not all in place to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in an organised environment. They have access to a suitable range of toys and play equipment, which are easily accessible to children. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder follows children's interests. For example, following on from nursery allowing children to have a teddy bears picnic in the lounge and discussing with them what they thought they needed. Children have a clear sense of security which is supported on outings with a range of safety precautions in place. They learn through discussion with the childminder on how to keep themselves safe. However, children’s safety in some parts of the home require improvement so as children can access these areas without risk of harm. The childminder has a suitable knowledge of child protection issues to ensure children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled and at home in the childminder's house. They enjoy a variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. Outings are undertaken on most days

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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 and include the local parks and indoor play centre. This provides children with opportunities to socialise with a wider group of children and learn about the world in which they live. The childminder is warm and caring, making children feel comfortable and valued. She has good relationships with the children and enjoys their company. The childminder spends time talking and playing with them, which promotes children's confidence and self esteem. Children are supported in their play and are making progress in all areas of development. The childminder has no knowledge of Birth to Three Matters framework, which limits her ability to ensure activities for children and babies under three are appropriate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel good about themselves and are beginning to learn to show respect for others. They talk happily about things that are important to them and their home life. The childminder has systems in place to support children who have special needs. Close liaison with parents helps ensure children's needs are planned for. However, written documentation on children’s individual needs is not in place which limits the childminders ability to ensure these are being met. Children behave well and benefit from lots of praise and encouragement and from some basic ground rules that are consistently applied. Relationships with parents are friendly and supportive. Verbal feedback is given to parents about what activities their child has completed. The childminder listens to what parents have to say giving them the opportunity to have input in to what their child does whilst in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at home and benefit from the 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 attends training whenever she can. This ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. However, documentation required for the safe and effective management of childminding practice is not in place. This does not contribute to the welfare of the children who attend and requires improvement. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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.

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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 an accurate attendance register is maintained at all times • ensure up to date information records are maintained on all children attending and that all permission forms are in place • ensure wires throughout the home are made safe or inaccessible to children • gain knowledge and information on Birth to Three Matters and implement in to child care offered • ensure the low level lock on the bathroom door and the razor in this area are made safe or inaccessible to 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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