Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300656 Inspection date 10 November 2005 Inspector Jill Steer

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged two years and one year in Worthing, West Sussex. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time, and is currently minding one child under five years on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children, and she attends the

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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 local toddler group. The family have two cats, one dog, and a hamster .

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. The childminder cares for children in a well-maintained and light environment, but hygiene practices, particularly regarding the family pets, are insufficient to protect children from the spread of infection. Food is freshly prepared each day according to children's own dietary needs. The children eat their lunch sociably, sitting together picnic style on the floor, but they sometimes put their food down on the carpet where the dog has been. They are not encouraged to eat the food and wander around, dropping food on the floor, resulting in the children remaining hungry and then asking for snacks. The dogs food bowls are accessible to children as they are kept on the floor where they play. Children enjoy activities to promote their good health such as taking the dog for a daily walk and playing in the garden. Here they have access to some equipment which allows them to use their bodies and develop large muscle control. They can

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Helping children to be healthy

jump on the bouncy castle and pedal the ride on toys in the fresh air. Parents are encouraged to keep children at home when they are unwell, minimising the spread of infection. Children begin to learn about good personal hygiene, and the childminder has systems in place to enable them to develop independence. For example there is liquid soap and steps to the sink for hand washing, but they are not encouraged to do this on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Although children play in a generally homely environment, they are not able to freely choose what they play with. Most toys are stored upstairs alongside items belonging to the childminder which are not suitable for children to access. There are sufficient toys available for the number and ages of children currently attending. Children are exposed to many hazards which have not been identified by the childminder. For example, outside in the garden there is a broken fence and indoors, electrical and glass items are accessible to children. Inconsistent supervision of the children playing upstairs further compromises their safety as they can reach personal hygiene products and medicine. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and knows how to report any concerns which promotes children's welfare. She does not however, share this procedure with the parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is inadequate. Children are relaxed and settled. However they frequently play alone as the childminder supervises her own children who are demanding of her attention for much of the time. Children wander off aimlessly from activities as they lose interest due to lack of interaction and encouragement from the childminder. Children demonstrate little confidence in making their own choices about play, so shadow the childminder's children and their activities. They lack the guidance and support necessary to develop independence and therefore progress, in their learning. They enjoy sharing stories together with the childminder, sitting together companionably. Televisions play continually, inhibiting children's opportunity to develop language. Play is superficial as children are distracted by the persistent sight and sounds of children's programmes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are sufficiently met to help them settle at the childminder's home. Information is shared between parents and the childminder on a daily basis to provide continuity of care for the children. Their daily achievements are discussed to ensure parents are kept informed of the children's development. Children are encouraged to share and take turns, learning to have consideration for others. The childminder gives some praise to encourage children to behave well, and handles them with care and concern. She has a satisfactory understanding of caring for children with special needs, and is prepared to work with other agencies as necessary. Children begin to become aware of the world around them as the childminder takes them for walks in the local community visiting the shops and park. However, they have limited opportunities to learn about equality, as few of the play materials

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Helping children make a positive contribution

available reflect diversity within society.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder is suitably trained to care for young children. However, she does not use her experience to ensure children have sufficient support and guidance as they play. The organisation of play materials prevents children developing independence and inhibits their freedom to explore and investigate. Children are cared for in an environment which is organised to ensure sufficient time for rest, play and meals. But they do not always receive adequate individual attention

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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 due to the demands on the childminder from her own family responsibilities. Some of the required documentation to support children's welfare is in place and stored securely. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure good hygiene practice reduces the risk of infection from animals • assess the risks to children within the home and take steps to minimise these • ensure children can easily access a suitable range of toys and resources at all times These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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