Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343851 Unique Reference Number 18 April 2007 Inspection date Chris Mackinnon 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 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 2006. She lives with her two children aged four and one child under one year in Hove, East Sussex. The lounge and one bedroom are used for childminding and children have access to a communal garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from illness by the childminder's sound hygiene practice. Children learn to keep clean, supported by the childminder's guidance and clear hygiene routines. Children learn the importance of a healthy diet and experience new foods. The childminder has an awareness of food allergies and ensures children are suitably protected. The childminder shares information daily with parents, to ensure children's healthy growth and development are supported appropriately. Children's physical development is promoted sufficiently with a range of physical activities and regular use of outdoor play areas, contributing to the children's good health.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. An organised range of appropriate safety precautions keeps children safe within the childminder's home. Children learn to play safely with others, supported by the childminder's guidance and close supervision. Children have access to play materials that are safe and children can select play items easily. The childminder has a developing range of resources, but a lack of assembly resources and more challenging play items for older children limits children's choices. Children have access to an acceptable selection of reading materials. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures and an awareness of her responsibilities in safeguarding children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children explore and play in a well prepared play environment. Children develop confident speech and language skills during a range of well organised games and activities. Children are introduced to shapes, colours and counting and their physical development is well supported. Younger children are able to explore tactile and early-play resources. Older children enjoy challenging art-crafts activities and imaginative role-play. The childminder takes an active part in story-telling and reading books with children. Children learn about nature during outdoor activities and have a developing awareness of where they live. The childminder uses her child care training and experience effectively to support children's learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel secure within the setting, supported by the childminder's close care and positive use of praise and encouragement. Children are given clear boundaries and unacceptable behaviour is calmly managed. Children are encouraged to share and help each other and be aware of the needs of others. The childminder is open to caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. The childminder is considerate of the need to be inclusive, but there is a lack of resources available to help children learn about diversity and the wider world. The childminder has established positive relationships with parents and is able to provide information on individual children's development and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from secure daily routines and take an active part in organised activities. Children have access to suitably prepared play areas within the home. A developing range of resources are in place to promote children's learning and achievement. The childminder has attended training in childminding practice and has suitable first aid training to work with children. The childminder has clearly written policy guidance documents that parents may see. The childminder's record keeping is organised and up-to-date. 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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

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 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): • develop the range of assembly resources and play and learning items for older children • introduce more activities and resources to reflect diversity and support children's awareness of the wider world.

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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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