Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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155445 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2007 Inspection date Teresa Colburn Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her one child aged eight years old in the Southgate area of Crawley, West Sussex. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding with sleeping facilities on the first floor, there is a garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the local library and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years on a full time and part time basis, and seven children over the age of five years 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a very clean environment as the childminder has a good understanding of encouraging good practices within her home. Children are beginning to understand the importance of personal hygiene. For example, the childminder ensures children's hands are clean before eating and after using the bathroom. However, children dry their hands on a shared towel, therefore this poses a potential risk to children. Children are learning self-care and independence, as the childminder enables them to follow consistent potty/toilet training routines. Children are gently reminded to use the toilet, they are continually praised for any attempts and are rewarded with stickers for being clever. Children are cared for appropriately when sick or injured, parents are requested to collect children early when unwell, ensuring they are cared for in their own environment. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate so

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Helping children to be healthy

is able to administer first aid in the event of an accident. She understands her duty to record accidents and medications administered to help safeguard children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes healthy nutritious eating for children. Mid-morning children are offered hot toast. Both children readily sat at the small table happily eating and drinking. They freely requested a cake they had made the day before with the childminder. Children are offered a good range of healthy finger food options at lunchtime, for example, cheese, ham, cucumber, yoghurt, kiwi, strawberries and crackers. For dinner children are offered a varied menu, for example, chicken with vegetable, spaghetti bolognese and chicken pasta. Children can freely access fresh drinking water to ensure they are sufficient hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have warm relationships with the childminder, who is responsive to their needs. They enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. For example, local walks, trips to parks, attending mini tots sessions at the local leisure centre and playing in the outdoor play area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a comfortable and child-centred home, they are happy and relaxed in their surroundings. On entering the premises, children remove their shoes to ensure the play areas remain clean. Children can access a good range of play equipment and toys. Most resources are stored in a cupboard within the lounge, children can freely request additional resources. The childminder and children routinely visit the local toy library, children are encouraged to independently select resources they would like to borrow. The childminder makes regular checks on equipment and toys to ensure they remain clean, in good condition and age and stage appropriate for the children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and there are effective procedures to ensure the safe arrival and departure of children. Children are well supervised and kept safe at all times due to the childminder's good supervision. Children's safety is well maintained because the childminder has an understanding of the potential dangers and hazards. For example, kitchen cleaning

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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 products have been made inaccessible, a stair gate restricts access to unsuitable areas and two smoke detectors have been installed. However, the fire blanket is not fitted in a suitable position, potentially making it ineffective in the event of emergency. Space within the home is well organised, for example, good clear floor space allows children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, and an understanding of the procedures to follow if she had concerns about a child in her care. She was aware of maintaining accurate written documentation of any concerns. The childminder attends safeguarding training to ensure she is up-to-date with all current guidance. Therefore this ensures the children are well protected and safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and confident. They approached the childminder for support indicating good relationships are built. The childminder is warm and affectionate, making children feel comfortable and valued. For example, she provides good interaction, encouragement, praise and reassurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident in their surroundings and at ease with each other. They enjoy a range of activities and resources, appropriate to their individual needs and stage of development. They occupy themselves happily and the childminder provides opportunities for them to play by themselves or with her. For example, children happily played picture lotto, they listened intently to the sound being played on the CD and excitedly placed their counter on the correct picture. The childminder replayed the sound again if the children were unable to recognise the sound first time. Children are encouraged to consider how things work, for example, when building a train track the childminder encourages children to consider how the train can reach the end of the line when the track is incomplete in parts. Children are taken on various outings to further extend their development through first-hand experiences. For example, being a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

farmer for a day at a local farm, visiting wildlife centres, outings to the beach, visiting the local aviation museum, trips to the local toy library, parent and carer groups and mini tots exercise sessions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder recognises children's developmental stages and offers activities and resources to help promote this. As a result of these aspects, children are able to enjoy and achieve whilst in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is clearly aware of individual needs and treats them with respect, helping them feel good about themselves. Children have access to a suitable range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunities, therefore ensuring children know about the wider world.

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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 The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and has a good understanding of the importance to work closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure the child's requirements are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement, and some basic house rules which are consistently maintained. The childminder stays calm and offers good explanation, for example, children started jumping up and down on the sofa, she calmly reminded them they could hurt themselves. Children are beginning to learn right from wrong, through the childminders behaviour management strategies. Children show some understanding of working co-operatively as they share resources. For example, children enjoy negotiating and playing with each other between play tents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has friendly but professional relationships with parents. She discusses the children's needs thoroughly with the parents ensuring their individual needs are well met. Detailed information in the childminder's portfolio, written procedures and informal discussions enable parents to be well informed about the childminder and the service she provides. Parents stated they were happy with the care provided, how their child is developing and the two-way partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very 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. There is a flexible routine in place that offers balance of quiet time and activity times to meet the children's individual needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has effective procedures in place and all relevant documents are well maintained and stored effectively to maintain confidentiality. She has a range of policies and procedures in place, to promote children's welfare, care and learning. She regularly undertakes additional training to enhance her skills and keep herself up-to-date with current childcare practices. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the daily attendance register be kept up-to-date in line with regulations and obtain written permission from parents in respect of seeking any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment for children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All of these recommendations have been addressed to improve the safety and welfare of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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.

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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): • ensure suitable hand drying procedures are promoted • ensure the fire blanket is suitably positioned.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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