Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344720 Unique Reference Number 26 April 2007 Inspection date Felicity Gaff 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 husband and four school-aged children in East Grinstead, West Sussex. She uses the ground and first floors of the house for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog, a cat and two rabbits. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children both of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the library and to play in the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn appropriate personal hygiene habits, and the childminder explains the reasons for everyday routines to help them understand how and why to keep themselves healthy. She maintains the premises in a suitably clean and hygienic condition, although she does not minimise the risk of cross infection by providing children with individual hand towels. Children follow a healthy lifestyle by routinely walking to and from school, and through daily opportunities

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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 for vigorous outdoor play in the nearby park. The childminder maintains the necessary documentation to support children's health. She seeks information from parents about children's dietary requirements and provides suitable, nourishing snacks and meals. She adapts her routines well to ensure she meets children's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder organises the available space effectively so that children can reach their toys and play materials easily and use them safely. She makes good arrangements for children to enjoy messy activities. Babies and younger children are suitably protected from hazardous items. There is sufficient, suitable furniture, although the provision for children to relax and rest in the play room is basic. The bunk bed ladder is not effectively protected to prevent children climbing to the top bunk. The childminder creates a welcoming atmosphere for children and parents, for example through home-made posters. She assesses risks on the premises generally well, for example by excluding the garden from the area used by the children until refurbishments have been completed. She makes good provision to keep children safe on outings. She has a suitable understanding of how to protect children from harm or abuse by

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

recording and reporting any concerns, and shares the procedures with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle readily into the childminder's home and enjoy using the age-appropriate play resources. She organises her time well to ensure she is always able to read a story or provide a cuddle when children need it. She uses incidental opportunities effectively to help children learn, such as by counting with them and sharing books and stories. Children are proud to show the creative work they produce, such as colourful paintings, and to take them home. Children's needs and interests are well met because the childminder organises her day well, for instance ensuring they enjoy active physical play each day after school. Children benefit from the time the childminder devotes to them and the sensitive support she offers to help them develop their self-confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder creates suitable partnerships with parents to ensure she understands and is able to meet children's individual needs. She makes sure she understands their wishes for the care of their children so the children receive consistent messages to help them learn how to behave. Children learn to value themselves and confidently express their preferences about what they do. There are limited resources reflecting positive images of ethnic and cultural diversity, which provide opportunities for children to develop respect for difference. The childminder is aware of the need to adapt the service she provides to accommodate children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the conditions of her registration and organises her time well to allow her to give the children her full attention. She arranges toys, furniture

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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 and equipment thoughtfully to promote harmonious play. She maintains all the required documentation, and stores children's personal details discreetly to protect their privacy. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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. 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): • ensure children follow good hygiene practices for hand washing • improve arrangements for preventing children climbing bunk steps

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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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