Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 505681 Inspection date 09 January 2006 Inspector Alison Weaver

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and three children. Two of these are now adults and one is aged 12 years. They live in a house in a residential area on the outskirts of Bexhill near to shops, parks, and schools. Most of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, including living room, kitchen/diner, and toilet. The main lounge is used for minded children's sleeping. The first floor bathroom is used for minded children. There is a fully- enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has two dogs. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently

p.2

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 minding four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. The childminder supports children with special needs.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. They learn the importance of personal hygiene through good everyday routines, such as hand washing. She develops children’s understanding of staying healthy by chatting to them about germs as they wash their hands. The childminder has appropriate hygiene procedures to help keep children healthy, including effective nappy changing. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of what constitutes a healthy and balanced diet for children. The childminder respects parents’ wishes and meets any dietary needs. The childminder ensures she obtains information from parents about a child’s individual routines to ensure consistency of care for the child. Children rest and sleep as needed. Each day children enjoy outdoor activities, which helps them develop control of their bodies and improve their physical skills. The effective procedures for the care of sick children promote children’s welfare.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Verbal feedback keeps parents informed of any health concerns. The childminder undertakes specialist training when she cares for a child with serious medical conditions. This ensures that children are cared for well and appropriately. The childminder is very careful when using creams such as for protection against the sun. She makes sure that none of the children will be put at risk if they have allergies to certain products.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. The childminder assesses the potential risks for individual children to ensure they are safe in her home at all times. The necessary precautions are taken to minimise hazards for the children to enable them to move and play safely in the home. Children play with safe and suitable toys and equipment. The childminder checks that the toys are appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children present. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they develop their understanding of road safety when on outings. The childminder only takes the children to places which are safe for children and where they can be easily supervised. The childminder has the required documents in place and carries out suitable procedures to ensure children's welfare is promoted. She has a satisfactory

p.3

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 knowledge of the signs of child abuse. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to protect a child by reporting any concerns she has relating to abuse.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, confident, and settled. Many of the children cared for attend for very short periods of time so only have the chance to do a few activities with the childminder. However, the childminder makes sure they have fun with her and enjoy the satisfactory range of resources available. They become absorbed in the activities, for example as they make towers with the bricks. Older children enjoy making camps in the garden. Children play independently but also enjoy the support the childminder provides. She encourages their learning as they play and helps them develop new skills. The children build warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder. The childminder is sensitive to children’s needs and responds well to them. She encourages them to develop their independence and to take responsibility. This includes children learning to put toys away when they have finished playing with

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

them. The childminder plans a variety of outings for the children to broaden their awareness of the wider world.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a positive attitude towards equal opportunities. She values children as individuals and takes into account their interests when providing activities. Children learn about other countries through the childminder sharing the experiences of her family. Children have access to some resources that show positive images of other races, religions, and cultures. The lack of resources showing images of disability limits their understanding of this aspect of society. The childminder has a lot of experience of working with children with special needs so has a good understanding of possible issues around their care. She works closely with parents and health professionals to include these children in the setting. Children benefit from the praise and encouragement given by the childminder. As a result, they are confident and well-behaved. Basic ground rules maintained by the

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder help children learn what behaviour is acceptable. The childminder discusses any concerns about behaviour with parents so that they work out appropriate strategies to support the child. The childminder works satisfactorily with parents to provide consistent care for the child. She does not always ensure that she has all the necessary written information about a child’s home language, religion, and culture to enable her to make sure all their individual needs are met. Parents are kept informed about the child’s day through verbal feedback.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children benefit from a well-organised environment and day. Children receive appropriate adult support and attention, which helps them feel secure. The childminder supervises them closely at all times. The majority of the relevant and required documentation and consents are in place and generally well maintained. A written parental consent is missing relating to the use of transport. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the safety of the home and the renovation work does not have an impact on the safety of the children. She ensures that children are kept away from any work being carried out and the area is always safe for their use. The childminder obtains written permission from parents for outings. The childminder has increased the resources that show positive images of culture so children become more aware of the wider world.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure that all relevant information is obtained from parents about the child's family background, including information about language and religion • obtain written parental permission for the use of transport • extend resources to include some that show disabilities.

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 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

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.6