Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY251235 Inspection date 01 June 2005 Inspector Michele, Karen Beasley

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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 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and 1 pre-school aged child. They live in a house in the Horsham area close to local schools, shops and parks. The ground floor is used for childminding with access to a toilet on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. At present the childminder cares for 5 children on a part-time basis and 1 child on a full-time basis. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of The National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to learn good habits to prevent the spread of infection, for instance hand washing after going to the toilet and using separate towels to dry their hands on. Parents are informed when their children are ill and written permission is obtained for medical assistance. The childminder takes the children on regular trips to the park and library to promote their physical development. Children have regular drinks throughout the day and have healthy options such as home baked bread. Children are given good opportunities to use large and small equipment indoors and outdoors which helps them to develop their control and co-ordination. Children are protected and kept healthy through the childminder's clear understanding of procedures regarding accidents and the administration of medication.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a safe and secure environment inside the house as the childminder is vigilant and aware of potential hazards. There are good arrangements for the supervision and safety of children such as fire safety precautions, however fire drills are not carried out with all children. Children are made aware of dangers through general conversation and daily routines, for example, they know to cross roads with care. When on outings the childminder takes emergency contact numbers out with her to enable her to reach parents quickly. Children move freely and safely around the home. For example they access equipment at low level in the lounge which helps them keep themselves safe. Children make their own choices throughout the day and take responsibility for themselves, for example, through tidying up the toys they have used. Children are well protected, the childminder has a sound awareness of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection procedures enabling her to promote the welfare of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and have good self-esteem, the childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental needs and she participates fully during activities, encouraging children to join in. Children have many opportunities to develop their skills and progress well in all areas in a stimulating, exciting and interesting environment. Children are valued as individuals, the childminder differentiates activities and resources effectively taking each child's abilities and needs into account. Quality conversation flows freely between the children and the childminder develops the children's communication and social skills effectively. The childminder asks open-ended questions at every opportunity, encouraging the

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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 children to think about what they are doing. Children are supported well in using their senses to explore resources such as using musical instruments to learn about sound which fosters their overall development. Children discuss with the childminder things they would like to do during their time with her, this allows the children to feel ownership over the planning and enjoy the activities they have chosen.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good partnership with parents. The childminder liaises closely with parents and has on going discussions and gives daily feedback to ensure individual children's needs are meet. This gives parents good opportunities to share what they know about their children. Children learn to behave well, have good manners and take turns though examples set by the childminder. The childminder praises and encourages each child, focusing on the positives to boost their confidence and self-esteem effectively. Children understand the simple and consistent house rules, they share the toys and resources fairly, learning to show consideration for others. Children are beginning to show an understanding of the world around them, through practical activities, a range of resources and regular outings.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met very well, they feel settled and happy. They are able to move freely around the home and garden, selecting their chosen activity independently. This enables the children to feel at ease within the well organised environment provided by the childminder. The organisation of activities provides good support for the development of children's independence. Good attention is given to record keeping and written policies which are clear and shared with parents. The childminder has attended relevant courses such as First Aid and Introduction to Childcare practice, which enables her to knowledgably support the children and meet the needs of the range of children cared for.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since December 2004 there has been one complaint relating to National Standard 11. The complaint relates to Behaviour Management. Ofsted investigated this complaint and found that the childminder continues to meet the National Standards.

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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 The provider continues to remain qualified for registration.

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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 regular fire drills are carried out with the children.

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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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