Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY235360 Inspection date 11 August 2005 Inspector Jacqueline Crawford

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

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and 2 children, one child is adult age and one is 8 years old. The family live in house in Littlehampton, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 5 children under 5, part-time and full-time, and 2 children over 5 after school and during school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect the children. She regularly takes children on outings, to

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 local parks and the library. The family have 2 pet cats. The childminder has a relevant child care qualifications.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle, because the childminder ensures good health and hygiene procedures are followed throughout the provision. Children learn the importance of effective hygiene practice and regular hand washing, through daily routines and explanations from the childminder. Clear information is shared with parents regarding sickness or injury, which ensures high priority is given to children's welfare. Children enjoy a variety of healthy and nutritious snacks, which promote their understanding of healthy eating. The childminder has a flexible approach and will provide freshly prepared meals for children. Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works effectively with parents, keeps individual children's records, and follows appropriate food hygiene and safety guidelines. Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and regular physical activity, through the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

extremely good provision of garden play and outings. Children enjoy a wide range of play equipment and extended activities, developing their physical skills effectively. Babies and children sleep and rest according to their needs in comfortable surroundings. Detailed records are kept to inform parents of children's sleep patterns, diets and daily routines, which contribute to the children's general well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The childminder is vigilant about children's welfare and actively promotes safety within most areas of the home. However, doors leading to the play room and the garden, pose as a potential hazard to young children, because they are not secured or guarded. The childminder has her own written policies and procedures, which are well implemented and ensure effective practice for keeping children safe within the home and on outings. Children benefit from a suitable and safe range of good quality toys, play resources and equipment which meet the needs of the children who attend. All toys and equipment are regularly checked and kept in a safe and clean condition. Children enjoy helping the childminder to maintain cleanliness by assisting her to wash toys and the outdoor play equipment. The childminder ensures children are safe when

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

travelling in the car, and that they understand personal safety when on outings. She takes positive steps to ensure they are protected from the sun during hot weather.

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 Children are well protected, because the childminder understands her role in child protection through training. She has a sound knowledge of procedures and a clear awareness of her responsibilities in safeguarding children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are settled, content and show a real interest in the activities provided. They develop their confidence and high self-esteem effectively because of the excellent support and warm relationships they have with the childminder. Children are motivated and interact extremely well in their imaginative play. The childminder provides an excellent range of stimulating activities which meet the needs of the age range of children attending. She knows the children well, so adapts activities which take into account the children's ages and abilities. All children contribute to the 'summer holiday' diary, which clearly shows the children's enjoyment and achievements. Children acquire new skills and knowledge, through the extremely well planned outings and the interesting activity programme. Children have opportunities to relax and enjoy stories, and to participate in quiet activities such as board games.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The extremely good range of toys and resources, provide stimulating play provision for babies and toddlers. The childminder provides excellent care for babies and young children, as she has a sound understanding of child development. Her practice is enhanced because she takes into consideration Birth to Three Matters. She makes informative notes of babies and young children's achievements and development, using daily diaries to inform parents of their children's progress and development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met effectively, because the childminder ensures each child is fully included in life in the setting. Therefore, children are comfortable in the childminder's home and feel part of the family. Children benefit from the well organised environment, where they can freely access a stimulating range of resources and become aware of diversity through a range of activities and stories. Children understand responsible behaviour and play harmoniously together. The childminder provides a clear set of boundaries which children understand, and are agreed with parents. The childminder's sensitive and calm approach, maintains a caring environment where children thrive. Children are developing an awareness of their own needs and the needs of others, as the older children include the younger children in their play. Children are cared for by a childminder who builds strong relationships with children

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

and trusting relationships with their parents. The effective partnership with parents and the well presented information they receive, ensures they are kept fully informed about the provision and their children's well-being, and their children's individual

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 needs are fully met.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the well organised home environment and the effective activity programme. The childminder maintains all of the legally required documentation, which ensures children are well cared for and protected. Her full set of policies and procedures, are extremely well implemented and are made available to parents. The childminder ensures parents are kept well informed through regular discussions and the children's daily diaries. This reflects the childminder's sound knowledge of child development and her extremely professional approach to childminding. The childminder holds a current first aid and other relevant childcare certificates. She continues to develop her good practice and qualifications, through additional training and development. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made, to keep an accurate record of attendance.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

An up-to-date and clear register of children's attendance is now maintained.

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 good. 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 reasonable steps are taken to minimise hazards to children on the

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 premises, both inside and outside

p.5

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

p.6

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