Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

505715 Unique Reference Number 27 July 2007 Inspection date Sue Taylor Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1987. She lives with her husband and child aged 15, in Eastbourne, East Sussex. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family have a dog, a cat and a rabbit.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years at varying times during the week. She also cares for children over seven years.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for the children. With a very clean and tidy home, she makes good use of the space to meet the children's needs. Children benefit from good natural light and use of the rear garden. The childminder follows good

p.2

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 practices to ensure a good level of hygiene. For example, she wears disposable gloves during nappy changes and sleeping toddlers have clean linen. Children learn the importance of hand washing and the use of paper towels for hand drying helps prevent cross contamination.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children’s medical needs are met well. The childminder has recently updated her first aid training so is able to care for children appropriately in the event of an accident. She has a first aid box in the house and takes one when going out. Written consent is obtained from parents for medication and a clear record kept.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children bring packed lunches or pre-prepared food that the childminder reheats. Food is stored in the fridge to prevent spoiling. Children’s snacks are healthy and they have easy access to their own drinks. This helps them control their own thirst needs. The childminder fully discusses children’s diet with parents to ensure she meets their individual needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children get exercise as they walk to the park or the shops. They use the garden for physical play. The play materials help develop their motor skills. They have a close relationship with the childminder. As a result, their emotional well-being is supported.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder promotes safety within the home and has safety measures such as a secure front door, socket covers and a fireguard in place to reduce any potential risks to minded children. The use of a safety gate at the lounge door prevents unsupervised access to the stairs and kitchen. This enables children to explore their play environment safely. The rear garden is enclosed and safe for children to use. The dog has its own fenced area that keeps children safe.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The resources are of good quality and in good condition. They are stored in labelled boxes, enabling children to make safe choices about their play. The childminder organises the use of children’s resources to ensure the space they use is uncluttered.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of the signs of child abuse and attended a basic training course last year. She is very aware of her responsibilities and informs parents of her role in safeguarding children’s welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has good relationships with the children; as a result, they are happy and settled in her care. She interacts with them well, is interested in what they have to say and spends time playing with them. Children chat freely about their lives and with imagination. Their early learning is supported as they play. For example, using bricks to sort into colour groups or counting as they build towers. Children’s play resources are changed throughout the day, with children helping to make choices. They show a good level of concentration and creative thinking as they play.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework. She has a tracker book to note children’s progress, however, she is not yet using this to identify where children are or to promote the next steps in their development.

p.3

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 Through discussion and the sharing of photographs, the childminder shows how children enjoy a good range of activities. For example, cooking cakes to take home, helping to water the plants and walking the dog. They attend toddler groups, that helps support their social skills and visit places such as the beach, local parks and farms. They experience painting and explore playdough. The childminder shares books with children and develops supporting activities. For example, a child helps draw a plate of different foods after reading The Hungry Caterpillar and draws a web for the Incey Wincey spider.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s individual care needs are met well. Each child is valued for who they are. They have a good relationship with the childminder and as a result, they are relaxed and content. Children have access to a reasonable range of resources that promote equality and reflect positive images of diversity. This helps children gain an awareness of the wider world as they play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development of children, help them understand right from wrong. Good praise and encouragement helps children respond positively. They learn to share toys and to help tidy away.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

A good relationship develops with parents. Past comments are positive, such as the childminder being trustworthy, warm, friendly and caring. Written policies are shared. They include detail about the childminder’s practices. The childminder is aware of the current regulation in relation to the complaints procedure and informs parents, however, the written detail needs updating. Parents learn about their child’s day from verbal discussion with the childminder; one child has a home contact book to share information.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The majority of the required documentation and records are in place and well organised. However, although parents are made aware that emergency medical advice and treatment is sought when needed, they have not provided written consent.

p.4

Organisation

Children benefit from the well organised day and environment. They receive good support from the childminder. She supervises the children well and ensures they are not left alone with unvetted persons. The childminder has attended short training courses to extend her knowledge, including child protection. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, as requested, the childminder has increased the range of toys and resources in order to meet the needs of all children. They have an interesting range to choose from. The accident record is accurately maintained and now includes detail of injuries that children arrive with. However, the information is not confirmed by parents as they are not countersigning the record.

p.4

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

p.4

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain written consent from parents for emergency medical treatment or advice • update the current written complaints information provided for parents to reflect the regulation and correct contact details for Ofsted • consider developing practice in line with the Birth to three matters framework, keeping records of children's development and their next steps

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5