Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY218221 Inspection date 01 July 2005 Inspector Liz Margaret Caluori

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and their two children, aged 10 and 7 years, within easy walking distance of Bexhill town centre. There is a children's playground less than five minutes walk away and the seafront and Egerton Park are also close. The areas of the property used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen/diner and toilet on the ground floor. Two bedrooms on the first floor can be used for sleeping if necessary but minded children do not normally have access to the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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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 has completed the Certificate in Childminding Practice. She is a member of the Bexhill and Sidley Sure Start Childminding Network and works to the standards of the National Childminding Association's "Quality Childminding Charter" in accordance with the "Children Come First Scheme".

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the strong emphasis the childminder places on physical exercise. They are regularly taken to a number of local parks and are developing good balance and co-ordination through use of the fixed climbing equipment. They are developing very good personal hygiene routines and even the youngest children are very well supported to understand the importance of washing hands when coming in from the garden, before eating and after using the toilet. Cleaning and hygiene practices within the home are excellent. Children's health is promoted strongly through a range of well thought out and effective practices. The childminder maintains all necessary documentation relating to accidents. Whilst she also maintains medication records, these are entered in children's diaries which travel between the childminder and the parents and so are not always kept in her home as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Whilst lunches are generally sent in by parents and carers, the children also enjoy a wide range of healthy snacks and treats provided by the childminder. The childminder has recently changed her practices to focus on healthy eating and children are learning the importance of a balanced, nutritious diet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well protected by the effective procedures that the childminder has in place to minimise risks both within the home and on outings. The childminder gives children a great deal of information and experiences which help them to understand safety issues. As a result of this they are learning to independently follow safe practices such as wearing sun hats and applying sun cream. Children are appropriately supervised at all times. With the childminder's skilful support, they confidently explore and experiment for themselves in a safe environment. The garden area in particular, which includes a number of water features, is an extremely stimulating area and has been arranged with complete regard for safety. The main pond area is inaccessible to children without the childminders direct supervision and they enjoy studying nature whilst learning about water safety. Children are well protected by the childminder's detailed knowledge and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She fully understands her responsibility to report any concerns that she may have and has all necessary

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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 contact numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in the warm, stimulating atmosphere within the childminder's home. They form excellent relationships with the childminder and particularly appreciate her gentle good humour. They show clear enjoyment in their time with her and respond enthusiastically to the support and encouragement they receive. They are developing very good self esteem as a result of the close attention paid to their opinions and feelings. Children benefit from an excellent range of activities, all carefully planned to meet their individual needs. The childminder skilfully uses information provided by parents and carers, as well as her own observations to understand each child. This ensures that she is fully aware of each child's likes and dislikes, moods and mannerisms and all round developmental needs. This enables her to provide activities which stimulate each child's interest and help them to progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children are taken to a very wide range of toddler groups and local facilities such as the library and baby gym. The childminder's active involvement with other local childminders enables the children in her care to mix with other minded children on a regular basis. Through this social interaction they develop friendships and are learning to play co-operatively. The younger children are also benefiting greatly from the one to one attention that they receive. For example, a toddler who chooses his own activity and selects his own resources approaches the childminder readily for attention. He expects and receives a great deal of her attention. Whilst she supervises and supports his play, the childminder encourages him to explore and make decisions for himself. He does this confidently, secure in his position within the setting. Children are developing extremely good manners and follow the positive example set

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

by the childminder by saying please and thank you and listening courteously when being spoken to. Older children enjoy a range of more complex arts and crafts activities. They have recently made a range of jewellery and have enjoyed using a variety of mediums including leather which they soaked and carved for themselves. One of the older children has shown her appreciation of the childminder in writing, commenting on the imaginative range of activities she provides and on her calm, consistent manner. The childminder uses a range of sources, including the internet and the library, to support the activities provided allowing children to undertake research for themselves. Scrap books and examples of work provide evidence of children's progression in many areas.

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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 The provision is outstanding. Children benefit greatly from the exceptional efforts the childminder puts into forming and maintaining positive relationships with parents and carers. Through a variety of regularly updated written information parents are kept informed of all aspects of the childminder's practice and any changes that take place. Children's easy integration into the setting is helped significantly by the close links between the childminder and the child's home. The childminder's thorough knowledge of each child as an individual, along with her understanding of child development, ensure that all children receive equal levels of opportunity. The childminder has recently increased the provision of resources and activities aimed at promoting positive images from throughout the community. As a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

result children are learning about different cultures and religions as well as developing a positive understanding of some issues faced by people with disabilities. Children's behaviour is excellent. They are polite, patient and sociable with a good understanding of the routines within the home. They confidently contribute to the planning of the activities and freely express their opinions. The childminder is well equipped to care for children with special needs. She is currently learning sign language and is able to use this new skills to increase communication with a young child who is being taught sign language by his parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space is well organised, allowing children sufficient room to take part in a variety of activities both in the house and in the garden. The childminder's ongoing commitment to training and personal development greatly benefits the children in all areas. Similarly, the clear and comprehensive maintenance of all records and documentation ensures that children are cared for safely and appropriately. The childminder effectively meets the needs of all the children in her care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has increased and improved the range of resources and activities aimed at reflecting different cultures and religions.

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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 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): • review and improve the maintenance of written medication records to ensure that they are available for inspection at all times.

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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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