Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510368 Inspection date 03 August 2005 Inspector Fran Fielder

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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 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 1998. She lives with her husband and their 3 children aged 13, 10 and 6 years in a residential area of Uckfield. They live close to the town centre, parks and schools. Minded children have access to the lounge and kitchen. Older children can use a bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently caring for two children both of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder collects children from local schools.

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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 The childminder is registered to provide overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive meals and snacks that are generally healthy. They eat fruit, crisps and sandwiches and evening meals always includes fresh vegetables. This encourages children to eat food that is good for them. Children can ask for drinks whenever they need one. This encourages children think about their personal needs. The childminder follows good hygiene practice so children learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Children learn why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet, before eating food and after playing with animals. Children enjoy a variety of outdoor activities that contribute to their good health. They enjoy team games such as football and netball. They play on large equipment at the park and play centres. This allows children to practise and develop physical skills. The childminder develops warm relationships with young children. This supports their

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Helping children to be healthy

emotional wellbeing. They confidently approach her for support or for hugs. If a child becomes ill while in her care, the childminder acts in the best interests of the child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean and welcoming environment. The childminder's home is well maintained and spacious. This allows children to move around safely. They have access to a sufficient range of toys and resources that are appropriate for their age. When buying new toys the childminder looks for a safety mark to ensure they are suitable for children. Items with small parts that could cause choking are not accessible to young children. Sensible measures within the home ensure children are safe. The garden is level so children can play safely without tripping. Appropriate procedures for outings ensure children's safety. For example, children are secured in car seats or buggies and they hold hands when crossing roads. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection issues. This safeguards the children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home. The childminder is warm and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. Older children learn

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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 important social skills and play well together. Children enjoy a good range of activities that support their learning and development. They paint, draw, glue and stick which supports children's creative development. They play imaginative games and take on roles of teacher and pupil. Many activities encourage an interest in number and the world around them. For example, they count footprints in the snow and collect leaves and conkers on nature walks. In the garden, children enjoy water games, a bubble machine and playing in the paddling pool. They benefit from various outings to playgrounds, parks and the library. Quiet times include snuggling on the sofa to read stories. This encourages a love of books and language.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and make themselves at home. Children are treated as one of the family and are made to feel good about themselves. There are some resources, mainly books, that show images of various cultures. Children enjoy making and playing Indian instruments. This ensures children develop a positive attitude towards diversity. A regular two-way flow of information ensures children with special needs receive appropriate care. The childminder has attended a Makaton sign language course, which means she can support children who have speech and language difficulties. Children's behaviour is generally good and they mostly play well together. Behaviour management strategies do not always help children learn self-control. The childminder is clear about acceptable behaviour so children learn right from wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive sufficient adult attention to make them feel secure. Appropriate contingency plans ensure children remain with a suitable adult in the event of an emergency. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. The childminder tries to keep up to date with current practice and guidance by attending courses whenever she can. All required paperwork is in place and mostly well maintained. The childminder rarely gives children medicine. When parents ask her to give medicine she does not always get written consent. The childminder gathers all relevant information about the children so she can give appropriate care. Informal discussions with parents allow her to pass on information to ensure continuity of care. Overall, the provision meets the range of needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained written permission from parents to seek medical treatment in an emergency. This ensures she can act in the best interest of the children if parents cannot be contacted. She now keeps a written record of medication given to children. She gets prior consent from parents but not always in writing. This is a requirement to ensure all parties know about medication given to children and to safeguard their welfare.

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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 medication records to include written permission before giving medicine • increase knowledge of behaviour management techniques in order to meet individual needs

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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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