Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY136434 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2005 Inspection date Christine McInally 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 first registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and their daughters ages 13 and 8 years. The property comprises a bungalow in the Woodingdean area of Brighton, close to local amenities. There is an enclosed garden which offers opportunities for outdoor play. The childminder is currently caring for four minded children on a part-time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a committee member of the Brighton & Hove 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 are protected from illness and infection by the childminder's consistent and well organised hygiene routines. 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.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. This provides good opportunities for exercise and fresh air. For example, they develop their co-ordination through climbing and balancing on the fixed equipment in garden. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children gain a good understanding of the elements of a healthy lifestyle. They are provided with a range of healthy snacks including breadsticks, rice-cakes and fruit encouraging them to develop healthy eating practices. 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. She encourages the children to make healthy eating choices, for example, as they try the tomatoes grown in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming child friendly home where children feel safe and secure. Children enjoy their play in an extremely safe environment where the childminder has meticulously identified and minimised risks, for example, installing an outside gate so there is no direct access to the property.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space within the house is well organised, allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children can easily access the toys and resources which are checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of all safety-related issues and has in place all the relevant policies and procedures to ensure children's safety. She has a thorough understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and feels confident that she would recognise these and understands her role in the protection of children. 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 relaxed and settled in the warm, family atmosphere. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. The interesting and worthwhile range of activities and outings provided help children learn a great deal about the world in which they live. The childminder spends a great deal of time playing directly with the children and they listen with great interest as she explains things to them or tells them a story.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to the childminder and are beginning to learn important social skills. The childminder regularly takes children to a number of local groups where they enjoy mixing with other children and are learning to share and take turns. They are very sociable and confident when meeting new people.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is extremely warm and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. The childminder has very good relationships with the children and gives very good support to them in their play. This provides 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. However, she has a limited range of resources that reflect diversity. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through the regular outings and trips provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and feel secure in the childminder's home. Children 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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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. The childminder forms good relationships with the children and values their contributions; as a result, they are developing their own personal independence well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very at home and benefit from the well organised play space provided. Children's enjoyment and achievement is successfully supported by the childminder who has an approved childcare qualification and a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. They receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well

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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 helping them feel secure and confident. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder has established positive working relationships with parents and maintains her records well promoting the children's welfare, care and learning. She discusses all aspects of the children's care with the parents, who are kept well informed of their child's achievements. The childminder also has appropriate first aid training to work with children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has increased the range of resources available that reflect diversity helping children develop a positive view of the wider world. However, she acknowledges that the range available is limited.

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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): • continue to increase the range of resources that reflect 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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