Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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957273 Unique Reference Number 28 August 2007 Inspection date Fran Fielder 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 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and 10, in Crowborough, East Sussex. The whole ground floor is used for childminding and there is a room on the first floor for minded child who need a sleep. The garden is not used by minded children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children all on a part-time basis. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group and regularly visits local parks. She goes to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 satisfactory. Children play in a clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Effective daily routines such as washing hands mean children develop good hygiene habits from an early age. The childminder regularly cleans the toys to prevent cross infection. Accident records are well maintained and the childminder has written consent to seek treatment in the event of an emergency. However, she does not always obtain prior written consent each time she gives medication. This means appropriate medical care for children is not assured.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide most food for their children. This is carefully stored to prevent contamination. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating for young children and ensures all food provided by parents is nutritious. Water is always available in suitable containers. Children have plenty to drink and this contributes to their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of physical exercise that keeps them healthy. Indoors children enjoy playing on musical mats. They regularly go for walks and visit the park where there is large equipment. This gives children the opportunity to develop climbing and jumping skills and gain strength. All these activities ensure children's enthusiasm for physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children have very warm relationships with the childminder who is responsive to their needs. This caters for their emotional well-being and ensures they feel safe, valued and comfortable in the childminder's home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a spacious and well-organised environment. This allows children to move around and play safely. They have easy access to a wide range of good quality toys and resources. These are stimulating and appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children. The childminder has a very good storage system that means children can only access suitable items.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has written consent from the parents to use her garden. However, her registration does not allow minded children to use the area, as it is not sufficiently safe. Parents are also aware of the restriction but are keen for their children to play in the garden. There are clear procedures for outings to ensure children's safety at all times. When crossing roads the childminder explains the need for caution.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very good understanding of child protection issues. She is clear about her role and explains this to parents. This safeguards and promotes children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and confident in the childminder's home. They feel secure and comfortable feeling entirely at home in their surroundings. Children are independent and make decisions about their games and activities. The childminder has an excellent understanding of

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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 child development. She plans well for children and knows how to support individuals to allow them to achieve their full potential. Children enjoy very positive relationships with the childminder. Lots of praise and encouragement builds self-esteem and makes children want to tackle new challenges.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wonderful range of activities that are fun and age appropriate. They love to put together jigsaws and enjoy taking turns to fit the pieces. Skilful questioning helps children organise their thoughts. The childminder, for example, asks questions and plays 'I spy' while reading 'In the garden'. Visits to the library enhance children's interest in books. Children love to join in songs such as 'There's a worm at the bottom of my garden'. Children have the opportunity to paint, make models, dress up and listen to music. Visits to toddler clubs give children the opportunity to mix with other children. This helps them develop important social skills such as sharing. Excellent interaction with the childminder ensures children's language develops exceptionally well. Every moment of the day is stimulating and exciting because the childminder focuses her attention solely on the needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children as family members and acknowledges their individuality. She has a good range of toys and books that reflect positive images of people from different backgrounds including those with disabilities. This helps children see and accept differences from an early age. She knows the children well and this makes children feel confident and relaxed. Constant praise and encouragement helps children develop a good self-image.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well when with the childminder because they have such a fabulous time. She uses positive strategies to promote good behaviour. She is always calm and warm, making sure children understand why they can or cannot do things.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

New parents receive a pack that includes valuable information about the childminder and the service she provides. Children have a book that records what they do when they are with the childminder. Parents appreciate this as it ensures continuity of care. The childminder devises individual plans and makes sure parents are aware of the developmental aims for their children. Daily chats also ensure parents have a clear picture of their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. Most required paperwork is in place and well maintained. The childminder did not inform the registering body of a significant change to the premises.

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Organisation

Children play in a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to make them feel secure and confident. The childminder has very good contingency plans in place to cater for emergencies. She is well qualified and is keen to develop her knowledge of childcare. This ensures she builds her knowledge of childcare so she can support individual children. The information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure her public liability insurance was up to date and to get written consent to seek treatment in an emergency.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder's public liability insurance is in place. All parents have given written consent for the childminder to seek emergency treatment for their children. This means she is able to act in the children's best interest if she cannot contact the parents.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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): • devise a system to ensure the registering body is informed of significant changes to the premises • ensure parents give prior written consent to administer medication • ensure children do not have access to the garden

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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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