Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY283216 Unique Reference Number 23 July 2007 Inspection date Sue Taylor 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her partner and child, aged nine, in the Hampden Park area of Eastbourne. It is within walking distance of local schools, parks and shops. Children have access to the through lounge and an upstairs toilet. There is a garden available for outside play, but it is currently not safe or secure for use by minded children. The childminder takes children on regular outings

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children aged under five years, she also cares for children aged over eight. She is registered to care for a maximum of two children overnight.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. They learn about the importance of hygiene as they wash their hands after nappy changes or using the toilet and before eating. The risk of cross contamination is reduced through the use of wipes or by the older children

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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 having their own towels. The childminder uses antibacterial spray to ensure toys and surfaces are kept clean. Children who are infectious do not attend thus preventing the spread of contagious ailments. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate so she is able to administer appropriate care to children, in the event of an accident or injury.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to control their own thirst needs, as they have their own beakers with drinking water to hand. They receive very healthy snacks such as fresh and dried fruit. The childminder has a good understanding of the need to provide nutritious and balanced meals. Children bring packed lunches that are stored in the fridge to prevent spoiling.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good opportunities for physical play and exercise in the fresh air. The garden, when safe, is used with play resources such as the ride on toys, the sand pit and a small slide. Children are taken out daily. They use large equipment that encourages their physical development. Their hand-eye coordination is promoted through play. Children’s emotional well being is supported through the good relationship they have with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The house is secure when minded children are present. They use the through lounge that has a safety gate at the doorway, this prevents access to the stairs or the kitchen without supervision. A safety gate at the door of the bedroom used for overnight stays has a safety gate to prevent children accessing other rooms where there may be hazards. Risks in the home have been minimised, for example, there is a secure fireguard, low-level glass is safety glass and there are smoke detectors on both floors. Children are able to go into the garden from the lounge and children have been using it. However, it is not secure as there are gaps in the side fencing. In addition, the garage is open and contains items that are potential hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s resources are age appropriate and cleaned regularly. Children have easy access to the available play materials. This enables them to make safe choices about their play. The childminder supervises children when out and about, teaching them how to cross roads safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound awareness of child protection. She is aware of her role in safeguarding children’s welfare. Written child protection procedures inform parents of her responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder promotes children’s learning through play. For example, they count as they do buttons up or when out shopping. They have opportunities to do painting and sticking. They get to explore different textures such as coloured rice, sand and playdough. The childminder plays with the children at their level, and talks to them, offering them encouragement and support. Children look at books and the childminder asks them about the story. This helps develop their communication and language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are settled and enjoy a wide range of activities throughout their time with the childminder. Their social skills are promoted as they attend various groups, mixing with other children of differing ages. They go on outings to farms, where they can touch the animals. They visit the local libraries, the parks or the beach. The children relate well to the childminder and happily approach her for support.

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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 The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework and has recently begun to record children’s development and achievements. Each child has a daily contact book where the childminder notes information about a child’s day to share with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an acceptable understanding of equal opportunities and has a positive attitude towards diversity. She obtains the necessary detail about a child’s individual needs from parents. She has a selection of books that provide positive images of other cultures and disability. However, there are very few play materials and this restricts children’s growing awareness of the wider world. The childminder states she sometimes borrows items from the toy library.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and respond to requests from the childminder. The behaviour management policy explains how the childminder uses positive discipline methods. She finds distraction useful and has house rules to share with the children and parents. Children benefit from the praise and encouragement the childminder gives.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships develop with the parents. They are aware of the childminder’s practices through the written policies and procedures. They know about their child’s day from verbal feedback and with the care diaries for the younger children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from the well organised day and environment. They receive good adult support. The childminder has a number of groups and events that she attends with the children. Children have opportunities for quiet and active play. The childminder supervises children well and ensures they are not left alone with unvetted persons.

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Organisation

The relevant recording systems are in place, such as a daily register and accident book. Written consents are available, for example for emergency medical treatment or for transporting children in a vehicle. The paperwork and required documentation is organised and helps ensure children are appropriately cared for. The portfolio of relevant information shared with parents includes such areas as behaviour management, complaints and child protection. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that an accurate record of attendance is maintained and that the fire safety procedures are followed. During this inspection the record of attendance was seen to be completed well, accurately recording children's attendance daily. The required fire safety procedures were met with smoke detectors on both floors and a fire blanket on a suitable wall in the kitchen.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to extend her existing range of resources to promote equality. She has a selection of books and states children use resources when at groups or from the toy library. However, there was little evidence to support this and this remains a recommendation at this inspection.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. 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 the garden is secure and safe from hazards before used by minded children • demonstrate how children have access to a range of resources and activities that positively promote diversity

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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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