Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 301156 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Ann Law

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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 in 1989. She lives with her husband and one adult child in Greenfield, near Oldham. The whole ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet facilities and a bedroom for sleeping children on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden, which is shared with other properties, for outside play. The childminder is currently minding two children under five years during the day. She takes children to the local library and park.

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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 cared for in a clean and generally tidy environment. The childminder actively promotes good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy. For example, children consistently wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder provides healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for the children, which regularly include fresh fruit. Detailed records actively seek information regarding any allergies or intolerances children may have. The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure the meals meet the children's individual dietary requirements and do not compromise their health. Children have regular access to a broad range of physical activities, both within the setting and in the local community. Garden games and visits to the local park improve children's physical skills. They rest and sleep according to their individual

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Helping children to be healthy

needs, for example after lunch children can sleep if they wish.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a mainly safe indoor and outdoor environment. The childminder has identified many risks within the home and for most of them she has put adequate safety measures in place, such as safety gates and some socket covers. However, not all risk assessments are sufficiently secure in protecting children from harm; consequently this may compromise children's safety on the premises. The childminder takes positive steps to help children to learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, she gives clear explanations to a toddler of how to come down the stairs in a safe manner. This allows children to explore what they can do on their own and actively increases their capacity to become independent. All of the required procedures and documents are in place to ensure the childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare. The childminder holds a current first aid

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

certificate and she has a sound understanding of child protection procedures in line with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and content in the welcoming environment. A varied range of toys and resources are available to the children and they play with enthusiasm. For instance, children show great interest in sharing story books with the childminder and

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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 they look carefully at the pictures. The childminder skilfully interacts with the children and they enthusiastically predict what comes next, developing their communication skills. Children are developing an awareness of self and show delight in looking at themselves in the mirror when they have had their hair brushed. The childminder raises their self-esteem with complimentary comments and the children value their own identity. They confidently demonstrate their own particular characteristics and preferences, such as choosing their own hair bobbles and are developing a realisation of their own personality. The childminder routinely involves children in real-life experiences, such as visits to the local shops and parks. This gives children the opportunity to be part of their local

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

community and to develop their social skills. Children are secure in their relationship with the childminder and are able to make connections in their learning. For example, when eating slices of apple, they begin to connect objects and ideas, saying "this is my second piece of apple".

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and have their needs well met. They have access to a suitable range of toys and resources which promote a positive view of a diverse society. Children are made very welcome in the home, but have little access to personal images of themselves within the setting. As a result, they do not fully experience a sense of belonging in the environment. The childminder discusses strategies for managing children's behaviour with parents and they agree a consistent approach which takes into account children's level of understanding and maturity. This positive approach to behaviour management establishes clear and realistic boundaries for children and effectively promotes their welfare and development. The childminder works successfully with parents to promote continuity and consistency of care for children. Children's emotional needs are well met in relation to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

toilet training, because parents and the childminder liaise closely and this allows children a sense of security. Daily verbal exchanges ensure parents receive general information regarding the care their child has received.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The well organised and relaxed environment allows children to feel at home and gives them the confidence to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder uses her time efficiently to ensure that she meets the individual needs of all the children in her care, such as time to eat, rest and play. All of the required documentation is in place, although not all was available for

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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 inspection and the childminder attends any legally required training courses. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to increase her knowledge of child protection and to increase children's awareness of equal opportunities. The childminder has obtained the Oldham Area Child Protection Committee procedures and holds the current telephone numbers for reporting suspected child abuse. This has contributed to the safeguarding of children's welfare. Additional resources promoting positive images of people with disabilities have been added to the play provision to increase children's awareness of the wider world.

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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): • review the storage arrangements for hazardous materials to ensure they do not pose a risk to children's safety • consider different ways of providing children with a real sense of belonging in the setting • ensure all documentation is available for inspection at all times.

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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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