Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343658 Unique Reference Number 08 October 2007 Inspection date Janet Marie Thouless Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and eleven years in Angmering, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for two on part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder collects children from local schools and takes them to the park and library. She also attends the local carer and toddler groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminder Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming home where, through daily routines they learn the importance of good hygiene practice. The childminder herself, demonstrates good hygiene

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 awareness and her practice helps reduce the risk of cross contamination. Older children use liquid soap and individual towels whilst younger children use wet wipes which help reduce the spread of cross infection. The childminder's good nappy changing routines and good hygiene procedures protect children from the spread of infection. Effective procedures are in place to ensure the childminder acts in the best interest of the children if they are ill, she holds a current first aid certificate and keeps all necessary medical and accident records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy snacks include a range of fresh fruit, plain biscuits and drinks. However, parents of young children bring prepared meals and formula milk from home and these are stored appropriately in the refrigerator to prevent spoiling. Younger children are provided with regular drinks through-out the day whilst older children are able to access drinks independently when needed which helps them to remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

The daily routine enables children to participate in physical play activities, such as local walks and regular visits in the park. Children also use a range of physical play resources, such as slides, swings, ball games and wheeled toys. This enables them to develop their gross motor skills and co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe and secure in the family home because the front and rear doors are locked when they are present and the garden gate is secure. Children's safety has been prioritised and the childminder has completed a written risk assessment. Children play mostly in the lounge and they are fully supervised when using the garden. Children are able to select from a good range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate resources, set out by the childminder and rotated on a regular basis. However, older children know they can request resources of their choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy their play in a safe environment, where the childminder has identified and minimised risks, such as ensuring items that might be harmful are inaccessible to children, the front and rear doors are locked and visitors sign the visitors' book. The childminder has placed children's individual details in bags by each exit within the home so parents can be contacted quickly in an emergency. A local childminder is used as a place of safety, however, this information is not shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is clearly prioritised because the childminder has a secure knowledge of identifying concerns and of referring these to relevant agencies. She has attended child protection training and informs parents of her duty to respond to any concerns about the children in her care.

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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 lots of continual praise, cuddles 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 young children being cared for. Children show interest and curiosity in their play. For example, younger children explore the range of cause and effect toys on offer, they confidently push buttons and smile broadly showing great delight when lights flash and sounds are made.

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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 enjoy looking at books with the childminder and the childminder repeats the names of animals to support their enjoyment often repeating the names of favourite animals over and over again. After school children have access to a good range of toys and resources, together with age appropriate craft activities on offer to suit their individual interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the warm and supportive relationship they have with the childminder. The good interaction and conversations, enable children to learn to communicate effectively and to build friendships. Children are listened to and their communication skills promoted as the childminder positively responds to their gestures and questions. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and how to ensure children learn in a fun informal manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit greatly from the good partnership the childminder has with their parents. The children's needs are effectively met because the childminder values each child and treats them as individuals. The children's needs are identified and supported well, because the childminder seeks information on each child from parents. The parents are kept fully informed about their children's care and progress through daily discussions and the use of a diary for the younger children. Parents receive comprehensive information regarding polices and procedures, which introduces them to the service on offer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's behaviour calmly and appropriately and this enables them to know what is expected of them. Children benefit from lots of praise, cuddles and support, and the childminder is a good role model. Clear consistent boundaries are established along with effective age appropriate strategies that help children to understand acceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest, such as local drop in groups, parks and organised trips. The childminder provides a range of resources to promote the children's learning about the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder has a positive approach and experience of caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised daily routine which is planned around their individual needs. They are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's home, which means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder has completed the required childcare and first aid training and displays her registration certificate for parents to view. Children benefit from her commitment and enthusiasm to her work and parents value the service she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed all mandatory records along with clear comprehensive policies and procedures that support her childcare practice. The childminder has knowledge and understanding of the recent changes to regulations relating to complaints. However, the current complaints procedure does not show how any complaint received will be investigated as required. The childminder has high regard for children's well-being and their personal development. Children benefit from her commitment to providing good quality childcare. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standard 1: Suitable Person and Standard 11: Behaviour management. The complaint related to behaviour management techniques and the childminders knowledge of the care of babies. Ofsted visited the childminder to investigate the concerns. As a result of this visit, two actions were set under National Standard 7: Health and National Standard 11. The provider has updated her procedures for nappy changing routines and attended training on behaviour management. Ofsted was satisfied with the steps taken and the childminder remains qualified for registration. The provider has made a record of the complaint in the complaint record.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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.

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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): • ensure parents are aware of emergency procedures. • update the complaints procedure in line with current legislation.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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