Coleman Street Annexe

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 114353 Inspection date 31 August 2005 Inspector Jacqueline Crawford

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and 4 children aged 11, 13, 15 and her adult child. The family live in house in Littlehampton, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children under 5 either part-time or all day. She minds 2 children over 5 before and after school and during school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a parent and toddler

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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 group and takes children to the local park and shops. The family have 3 pet cats and guinea pigs which are housed outside.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because they are cared for in a warm and clean environment. The childminder ensures they learn the importance of good hygiene practice such as regular hand washing, through daily routines and clear explanations. The childminder is aware that in order to protect children from infection, she needs to make sure the cat litter tray is stored away from children's play areas. Children learn about healthy eating and enjoy nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit. The childminder makes sure children receive regular drinks, particularly during hot weather. Babies bottles and some items from children's lunch boxes are appropriately refrigerated. However, the childminder does not ensure all perishable food in lunch boxes has suitable cool storage, putting children at risk from tummy upsets. Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and physical activity, in the garden and on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

They are developing their co-ordination and control effectively, because they have access to good physical play equipment and outdoor play provision. Children and babies rest and sleep according to their needs, in comfortable surroundings. Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works effectively with parents. Clear information is shared with parents regarding sickness and injury, which contributes to the children's well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment, because the childminder takes positive steps to ensure children's safety. She has a clear awareness of potential hazards, such as being aware that babies need to be strapped into highchairs at mealtimes. She ensures children are closely supervised when playing outside and cannot access the large trampoline in the garden. Children feel safe and settled and move freely and safely around the setting. Children have access to good quality toys and resources, which are regularly cleaned and checked for safety. Children understand simple safety rules and to learn to use the play equipment safely under the guidance of the childminder. For example, younger children learn to negotiate their way round the climbing frame and use the slide safely. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety on outings and when

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

travelling by car, using wrist straps for younger children when walking and equipment which meets standards for safety. Children are well protected because the childminder fully understands her role in

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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 child protection. She has a secure knowledge of appropriate procedures to put into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled, building their confidence and self esteem effectively because the childminder provides plenty of praise and encouragement. Children are supported well by the childminder in their play and learning, and benefit from a good range of resources and activities. Toys and play equipment are age appropriate and meet the developing needs of the children being cared for. Children show interest and enjoyment in their play, in which they express their ideas and acquire new skills. For example, during craft activities and imaginative role play. Children benefit from the warm and supportive relationship they have with the childminder. The extremely good interaction and conversations, enable children to learn to communicate effectively and to build friendships. The childminder provides very good care for babies and young children, she has a sound understanding of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

child development and of how young children learn. She makes informative notes in daily diaries for babies, which informs parents of their children's daily care and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are fully included in the life of the setting, because the childminder works effectively with parents to meet individual children’s needs. The childminder's equal opportunities and special needs policies, ensure all children are valued and are welcome in the setting. Parents are kept well informed about the provision and their children's care and development, through regular discussions and daily diaries for the younger children. The childminder builds strong and trusting relationships with parents and the children. Parents value the quality of childcare and information they receive. Children show a strong sense of belonging and of feeling part of the family, by playing an active role in the welcoming environment. Children understand responsible behaviour and are encouraged to play harmoniously together. The childminder's calm and sensitive approach helps the younger children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to share fairly and to learn to take turns in their play. The childminder provides clear rules and boundaries which children understand and are agreed with parents. Children are becoming aware of their own needs and the needs of others, as they make choices in their play, and help the childminder and the younger children. Children freely access a stimulating range of resources and are becoming aware of diversity through a range of activities and stories.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the organised and stimulating child centred environment. The childminder has regard for the well-being of all children and ensures they are well cared for and protected. All adults in the household and students on work experience are vetted. The childminder's set of policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and their ability to make a positive contribution. All of the legally required documentation and records are in place and the childminder knows to ensure accurate records of attendance are maintained. The childminder holds a variety of training certificates including a current first aid certificate and an NVQ3 qualification. She extends her knowledge and understanding of child development and early years education, through additional training and development. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has developed her knowledge and understanding of child protection through attending relevant training. She has introduced an equal opportunities policy increasing her understanding of equal opportunity issues, and she has improved her complaints procedure. The greenhouse has now been removed, thus improving health and safety in the setting for children.

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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):

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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 • ensure pet litter trays do not pose a health risk to children • ensure food is stored at an appropriate temperature

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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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