Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 505566 Inspection date 01 August 2005 Inspector Fran Fielder

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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 was registered 1996. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, and three adult children. A student also lodges with them. He lives in a semi-detached house in a residential area of Eastbourne, close to local schools and shops. There are several local parks close by and the beach is a short drive from the property. The whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any

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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 one time. He and his wife are currently caring for 20 children aged from 1 to 10 years, all on a part time basis. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and comfortable environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Effective hand washing routines and the childminder's own good practice prevent the spread of infection. The family dog receives regular preventative treatment to ensure children cannot pick up any diseases. Parents supply meals and snacks but the childminder monitors the contents of the packed lunches to ensure children have a balanced diet. Lunches are refrigerated to keep perishable foods fresh for children to eat. Children sit at the table to eat and drink which is beneficial for their digestion. Drinks are available at all times and children are encouraged to drink more in warm weather. This prevents children from becoming dehydrated. Children enjoy cooking activities and learn about healthy foods. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities that encourage a healthy life style.

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Helping children to be healthy

Games in the garden and walks to local parks ensure children get plenty of exercise. Playing on large equipment and flying kites help them develop control and improve their physical skills. The provision of Wellington boots and waterproofs keeps children warm and dry while playing enjoyable water games. Children enjoy using various water sprayers that need different levels of strength and expertise. Children aged under three years enjoy warm relationships with the childminder. The childminder acknowledges differences and makes them feel special. This promotes their emotional wellbeing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and welcoming environment where their paintings are displayed and valued. The childminder's home is spacious and well organised which allows children to move around safely. Carefully selected toys ensure children have a good choice of safe and suitable resources. Children benefit from well-supervised outdoor play. A low-level handrail on the steps in the garden helps children learn how to keep themselves safe. Clear procedures for outings ensure children's safety at all times. For example, children wear brightly coloured tee shirts when visiting busy places like the beach. This means the childminder can easily see the children and monitor their whereabouts. They also wear jelly shoes so they do not hurt their feet on the stones.

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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 The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a good understanding of child protection issues. This safeguards children and promotes their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy, confident and very well settled. They relate very well to the childminder and to each other and clearly enjoy each other's company. Children independently choose from toys and resources that are stimulating and fun. Excellent support from the childminder encourages independence and an eagerness to succeed. Every part of the children’s day becomes an adventure. Children enjoy an exciting range of well thought out games and activities that fully support their intellectual and emotional needs. For example, a homemade gully attached to the garden wall allows children to experiment with water and balls and watch how they travel. Children drive wheeled toys through artificially made puddles. This is both stimulating and fun. They show excitement and enthusiasm when 'painting' their 'den' with water using different sized decorator's brushes. Children enjoy an extensive range of art and craft activities that encourage creativity

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and develop new skills. They make flowers using simple origami techniques. This involves following instructions and encourages concentration. Making plaster casts of fun figures such as 'Bob the Builder' requires dexterity and children receive excellent guidance to perfect their skills. Children look for numbers on walls and fences. They count steps and cakes and look for shapes and colours as they walk to and from the park or when playing in the garden. This develops children's mathematical thinking and encourages an interest in number. Regular outings to local venues, such as a farm or the beach, help children understand the world around them. Children spend time discussing and recalling the places they visit. This supports their language development and helps them understand about the past. The childminder develops delightful relationships with the children who are clearly extremely fond of him. He is warm and gentle and children listen carefully as he

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

offers guidance and instruction when playing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated as very special individuals. This means they feel good about themselves. Lots of talking and gentle reminders ensures children learn to show respect for others and their environment. Children learn important social skills such as sharing and listening to each other. They enjoy each other's company and treat each other kindly. Some resources reflect cultural diversity and the childminder helps children learn about their own culture.

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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 Good explanation helps children learn right from wrong and teaches self-discipline. Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement and from some basic ground rules that are consistently applied. Children take responsibility for tidying up toys, washing up and hanging out the washing. This promotes their independence. A very good partnership with parents contributes considerably to children's well-being. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for the children. The childminder gathers all relevant information about the children's needs. This ensures he meets individual needs well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from playing in a well-organised comfortable home. They receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Time is well used and the childminder's flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own games. The childminder has experience of caring for children of all ages. Children benefit greatly from his knowledge of child development. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. All required documentation is in place and mostly well maintained. This ensures the smooth running of the provision, which promotes children's wellbeing. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has kept a clear record of attendance which shows when children arrive and when they leave. He also consistently gets written permission from parents before giving any medication. This ensures the smooth running of the provision and safeguards children's welfare.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • develop medication records to include a parent's or carer's signature after medication has been given

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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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