Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345210 Unique Reference Number 25 June 2007 Inspection date Fran Fielder 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, five and two years. The family lives in a village near Uckfield, East Sussex. The three rooms on the ground floor of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently looking after five children, all on a part time basis. The childminder drives to local school to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and relaxed environment. The childminder encourages good hygiene by ensuring children wash their hands after visiting the lavatory. Effective daily routines and the childminder's own good practice prevent the spread of infection.

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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 The childminder has a very good understanding of healthy eating for you children. She provides breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks according to needs. Sitting together at mealtimes, makes eating a social event. Nutritious meals such as meatballs and pasta or fish dishes always include a variety of vegetables. This ensures children develop healthy eating habits from a young age.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activities that help keep them in good health. Outings to the park and local walks ensure plenty of fresh air. Visits to soft play centres allow young children to develop physical skills in a safe environment. Indoors they enjoy dancing and regularly play in the garden on swings and slides. The spacious outdoor area allows children to run around and explore.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a spacious and welcoming environment that allows them to move around safely. There is a range of good quality toys that are stimulating and suitable for children's age and stage of development. Resources are safe and easy to access. Each child has a named peg for their coats and bags which gives them a sense of belonging.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and children cannot leave without an adult. A risk assessment of the house and garden means all areas are safe although the fire blanket is not fixed to the wall. Clear procedures for outings ensure all children learn how to walk safely on the road. The childminder is consistent when applying safety rules and makes sure all children understand these. She supervises all children when in the garden until they fully understand the rules. Young children are always supervised both indoors and out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She knows how to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care. This safeguards and promotes children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy warm and positive relationships with the childminder. She is calm, patient and attentive giving excellent support to help settle new children. Praise and encouragement builds self-esteem. Children independently choose from a good selection of toys. Children learn important social skills such as sharing and taking turns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a good range of activities that are fun, age appropriate and support development. They enjoy imaginative play and spend time planning shows to entertain each other. They dance, dress up and play with musical instruments. Quiet activities include looking at books, drawing and completing jigsaws. Good interaction with the childminder ensures children's language develops well. In the garden, children enjoy treasure hunts, mini Olympics and scavenger hunts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equality of opportunity and has a positive attitude towards diversity. The childminder treats children with respect and acknowledges their need to express themselves as individuals. All children have access to a range of resources that

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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 promote equality and reflect positive images of diversity. The childminder has a good understanding of how to support children with varying needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They benefit from praise, encouragement and some basic rules that are consistently applied by the childminder. Appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, help children understand right from wrong. The childminder works with parents to devise strategies to support children. This ensures a consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder gives parents detailed information about her service and ensures they are aware of all aspects of her service. She gathers all relevant information before children are placed with her ensuring they can be cared for appropriately. She uses a care diary to record what children do during the day. This together with daily discussion with parents ensures continuity of care. The childminder asks parents for feedback so she can improve the service she offers.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play in a well-organised environment where they receive good support to make them feel secure and confident. The childminder attends training courses to enhance her skills and the service she provides. This increases her knowledge of childcare enabling her to support individuals according to their needs. There are excellent contingency plans in place to ensure children's safety in an emergency.

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Organisation

All required paperwork is in place and well maintained. Some written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care. The information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. 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.

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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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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

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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 the fire blanket is fixed in a suitable position in the kitchen

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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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