Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY219321 Unique Reference Number 04 April 2007 Inspection date Jacqueline Crawford 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 2002. She lives with her husband and one child aged seven, in a house in Littlehampton, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently minding one child under five full-time and three children over five before and after school and during school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler and carers groups, takes children to the library, local parks and places of interest. The family have a variety of small caged pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well cared for in a home that is very clean and maintained to a high standard. They enjoy a healthy lifestyle as the childminder follows appropriate guidelines and effective procedures in all areas of the provision. The high quality of care is reflected in the

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 comprehensive information given to parents and the extremely clear records in place. Children's health is promoted effectively as they are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill, because the childminder maintains a current first aid certificate and ensures first aid kits are easily accessible in the home and on outings. Extremely good pet care and hygiene routines are followed to ensure children are effectively protected from infection. Children learn about the importance of washing hands before and after touching the tortoise and other pets. Children become increasingly independent in their care routines and when using the bathroom, developing a good understanding of personal hygiene and good practice. Children's understanding is extended further, through posters displayed which illustrate in a child friendly way effective

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Helping children to be healthy

hand washing procedures. Even the youngest children are effectively guided by the routine and know exactly what to do by following the pictures. Children also understand about the importance of using sun cream to protect themselves from the sun. For example, children demonstrate their understanding effectively as they play together and discuss their Australian project.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs fully met, because the childminder works effectively with parents and keeps comprehensive records. The childminder holds a current food hygiene certificate and is fully aware of children's individual needs. Arrangements for providing food and drink are agreed with parents. Children's packed lunches are refrigerated to ensure their well-being. Children receive a wide variety of healthy snacks and nutritious meals, which include fresh fruit and vegetables. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating through meaningful discussions with the childminder, posters displayed and through a range of projects, such as growing vegetables in the garden. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day. The facilities for the storage and food preparation are extremely good as the childminder maintains high standards of hygiene throughout the provision. For example, thorough daily

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Helping children to be healthy

cleaning routines and by using various coloured chopping boards for different foods to prevent cross contamination. Children have opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs in quiet and comfortable surroundings. They benefit from plenty of fresh air, regular physical activity and outdoor play. Children use a wide range of equipment such as a trampoline, balancing beams and by learning to throw balls accurately into a basket, to increase their control and co-ordination. Excellent use is made of the garden as children have free access to outdoor play and learning whenever possible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well cared for in a secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. They benefit from a dedicated playroom which is very welcoming, with free flow access to a child friendly outdoor play space. Children are extremely well protected from harm because the childminder uses effective risk assessments and checking procedures to ensure possible hazards are identified and minimised. Children become aware of emergency procedures as regular fire drills are practised and are clearly recorded, with emergency notices and fire safety posters displayed to inform both children and parents. The excellent health and safety procedures in place supported by the childminder's excellent awareness, ensures that children's safety is paramount.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use an excellent range of toys and play equipment which is of high quality and supports the needs of the children being cared for. These are maintained in a suitable, safe and clean condition. The child height storage units enable children to access toys and resources independently and safely. Children are well protected from harm on outings and when travelling in the car, because the childminder is vigilant about the children's safety at all times. Age

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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 appropriate car and booster seats are fitted and equipment such as buggies are of good quality, to ensure children are protected. Children learn to keep themselves safe on outings and during their play. For example, holding hands when crossing roads, learning about road safety rules and using play equipment correctly to avoid accidental injury. Children have effective play opportunities which provide challenges within safe limits supported by excellent supervision. Often the childminder is accompanied by another provider on outings, to ensure that children are always well supervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively protected because the childminder fully understands her role in safeguarding children. She has sound knowledge through awareness training and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary. The childminder has an extremely good understanding of local procedures with her own written safeguarding procedures in place, which are shared with parents. The childminder's effective provision ensures that the welfare of children is paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are warmly welcomed into a bright, stimulating and child friendly environment. They flourish in the care of the childminder who approaches activities with enthusiasm, encouraging children to become fully involved. Children benefit from the caring and close relationships they have with the childminder and each other. The childminder is attentive to children's individual and developing needs and interaction between them is excellent. Children spontaneously want a cuddle and say they love her, she is responsive by hugging them back. The aim of her provision is that 'children arrive and leave with a smile on their face'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy an excellent range of well planned themes and activities which are both stimulating and fun. Children’s understanding is extended further through meaningful discussions with the childminder, enabling them to acquire new knowledge and skills and to respond to challenge. For example, children decide that the dolls are going on holiday to Australia. The childminder helps them to develop their idea further by finding out about life in Australia on the internet, printing off pictures and information for them to use in their role play. Children are very interested in the young pet tortoise and are fascinated with the other animals. They learn about the pet care and hibernation and enjoy role play with a tortoise puppet borrowed from the local toy library. Children have excellent opportunities to extend their imaginative ideas in art and craft activities, for example, using natural resources gathered on walks to make

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

collage pictures and experimenting with paint and hand printing. The provision of imaginative ideas, such as treasure baskets and a play tent made into a sensory room, enable the younger children to explore and develop their senses effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder maximises the learning opportunities for children by using everyday routines for counting, discussing and discovering. For example, children learn to understand why they need time for their lunch to settle, before enjoying active play on the trampoline. Children are taken on frequent outings and have many opportunities to become aware of the world around them. They enjoy story times at the library, visits to local toddler, music and movement groups, the toy library and more organised educational activities in the local children's centre. Children receive a great deal of attention and the childminder becomes fully involved in their play. She asks relevant questions to children throughout their play to encourage them to explore their own ideas and to make progress in their learning.

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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 The day is extremely well organised around children's routines. Children benefit from the excellent planning of activities, which include provision for both wet and fine weather during school holidays. The childminder has an excellent understanding of child development and refers to guidance such as Birth to three matters and the Foundation Stage in planning age appropriate activities for children. She keeps children's individual development records which include photos to share with their parents. The childminder recognises the importance of play in children’s learning and development and is confident in her knowledge gained through training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder works effectively with parents to meet individual children’s needs, which ensures they are included fully in the life of the setting. All children are highly valued, treated as individuals and made welcome in the setting, as every child receives a unique package of care. Children are beginning to recognise and value the differences and similarities of others, through the effective discussions and the use of posters. For example, children copy sign language illustrated on a poster and become aware that they are able to communicate with others in this way. They have equal access to a wide range of activities, toys and resources, which reflect positive images of diversity and the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The warm relationships enjoyed by the children enable them to feel secure and to develop a sense of belonging. Children know their ideas are valued and their contribution is appreciated. Children learn to understand responsible behaviour and play extremely well together. Children receive excellent support from the childminder, becoming aware of their own needs and the needs of others. Strategies for dealing with unwanted behaviour are agreed with parents, providing consistency for children between the provision and home. The older children have written and agreed their own set of 'rules' which are displayed together with information about bullying. Children's understanding is supported extremely well, through discussions and the childminder's sensitive approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's care is significantly enhanced by the strong relationships the childminder has with their parents. She has a flexible approach which is appreciated by parents and helps children to settle into her care. Parents are kept extremely well informed about the provision and their children's care and development. They receive comprehensive and well presented information about the provision, including some of the policies and procedures, together with regular feedback through discussions. Parents are kept fully informed about the planned activities and the records kept relating to their children’s development. The childminder also provides regular and extremely well produced newsletters, together with a parent notice board and an information file relating to child care. Parents fully appreciate the extremely good information they receive and the photographic and written information given to them about their children's care, learning

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is highly motivated and demonstrates an extremely professional approach throughout her whole provision. Space in the home is used effectively and the day is organised extremely well to ensure that all children’s needs are fully met. Children are familiar with daily routine and are very comfortable and at ease in the childminder’s home. The childminder's

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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 excellent organisational skills and her well implemented policies and procedures, ensure children are extremely well protected and cared for. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and uses guidance such as Birth to three matters and the Foundation Stage to plan and to provide for children's care and learning. The childminder is well qualified and is continually developing her knowledge through training and by attending relevant short courses; she is currently working towards becoming an accredited childminder.

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Organisation

All of the legally required documentation is in place and is clearly maintained. The childminder keeps appropriate records and consent forms for individual children, however, she has not obtained written consent from parents to cover for emergency treatment. Children's records are stored securely and shared appropriately with parents respecting confidentiality. The necessary documentation is displayed to inform parents of the conditions of registration. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children in her care.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made to ensure that the daily register is kept in line with regulations.

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Improvements since the last inspection

An accurate record of children's attendance is now in place, thus supporting the security of 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. 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 documentation includes written permissions where necessary

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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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