Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY216343 Inspection date 24 November 2005 Inspector Christine McInally

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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 first registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 5 and 8 years. She is currently caring for 11 children on a part-time basis. They live in a house in Hurstpierpoint, with shops, parks and the local primary school within walking distance. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is involved in running a local toddler group for minded children on a regular basis, and 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 enjoy a worthwhile range of activities which help to promote their good health. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet or before eating food. The childminder's clear understanding of the need for good hygiene is reflected in her daily practice. She has effective nappy changing routines and good procedures if children become ill. These measures help reduce risks of infection to children. Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. They attended toddler groups, visit the park and have regular access to outdoor play. Babies are given good support to develop their physical skills, they are provided with good clear floor space allowing them to move freely around the room. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play. Children have a good

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Helping children to be healthy

relationship with the childminder, who is responsive to their emotional needs. Children gain a good understanding of the elements of a healthy lifestyle. Meal and snack times are sociable; children sit at the table with the childminder. While parents currently provide packed lunches for the children, the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming child friendly home where children feel safe and secure. Children enjoy their play in a safe environment where the childminder has identified and minimised risks, such as, ensuring items that might be harmful are inaccessible to the children. Space within the house is well organised, for example, good clear floor space allows crawling babies to move around safely. Children can easily access the toys and resources which are checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm them. When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe. However, when on outings contact numbers for parents are stored only in the mobile phone and if the phone fails she would have no access to the parents numbers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an awareness of all safety-related issues and has in place all the relevant policies and procedures to ensure children's safety. Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has an understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has a good knowledge of the procedures to follow should she have any cause for concern. All of these measures contribute to the safety and welfare of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and very at home in the childminder's house. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. The interesting and worthwhile range of activities and outings provided help children learn a great deal about the world in which they live. Children have access to a good range of well chosen resources which are used to support children's learning and development in all areas. The childminder reads to the children and asks questions helping to develop their language skills. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, music and pretend play. The childminder is extremely warm and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. Children are very happy, relaxed and confident in the childminder's care;

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

she enjoys their company and knows them well. She spends a lot of time talking and playing with them, consequently children are well supported in their play and are making good progress in all areas of development. Outings are undertaken on most days and include visits to a variety of local parks and drop-in groups providing them with opportunities to socialise with a wider group of children. The childminder gives very good support to the children in their play, providing an environment that allows children to respond with enthusiasm to new challenges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel good about themselves because the childminder treats them with respect. They develop an awareness of their own and other cultures because the childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through the regular outings and trips provided. Children are happy and feel secure in the childminder's home. They develop stable relationships with others and benefit from the childminder's frequent praise and encouragement. The childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries and children learn what acceptable behaviour is. The childminder has friendly but professional relationships with the parents. She discusses the children's needs thoroughly with the parents ensuring their individual needs are well met. She informs parents fully of her practice ensuring children have continued support. The childminder forms good relationships with the children and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

values their contributions; as a result, they are developing their own personal independence well.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children flourish in the excellent adult support they receive and benefit from the well-organised space, time and resources provided. Children's enjoyment and achievement is successfully supported by the childminder who demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and is currently undertaking an approved childcare qualification. The childminder also has appropriate first aid training to work with children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder has a business like approach to her childminding and maintains her extensive records well. She has friendly but professional relationships with the parent's keeping them well informed of their child's progress and achievements. The childminder discusses thoroughly all aspects of the children's care with parents, promoting the children's welfare, care and learning.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has removed the wire fencing which was stored behind the garage, ensuring a safe environment for children's outdoor play.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 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 that when on outings contact numbers for parents are available other than on the mobile phone.

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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 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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