Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY232616 Unique Reference Number 13 February 2008 Inspection date Jill Steer Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 three children aged four, nine and 10 years in Findon, West Sussex. The whole of the childminder’s home is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group. The family have two guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of a local childminder support group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder makes time to promote the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. She encourages them to follow good hygiene routines, for example, by ensuring children wash their hands before eating, after playing in the garden and

p.2

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 after using the toilet. The childminder has a clear understanding of the required procedures regarding accidents and the administration of medication. However, she does not have written consent for emergency medical treatment which does not ensure children can receive suitable emergency treatment. The childminder has a suitable first aid qualification and the first aid box is readily accessible for managing any children's accidents. All accident and medication records are in place along with a sick child policy.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works effectively with parents to meet children's individual health and dietary needs. Children benefit from healthy snacks and nutritious and balanced meals, which are often provided by the parents and include fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder makes mealtimes enjoyable as she chatters to the children as they eat, encouraging them to eat and enjoy their food. Children have access to regular drinks, including water, in suitable quantities for their needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Daily outings in the fresh air help children learn about leading a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy local walks and visits to the park, as well as outdoor play in the childminder’s garden. Visits to soft play venues enable children to practise and develop their large muscle control and co-ordination whilst using up lots of energy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a homely and welcoming environment which ensures their well-being and comfort. The childminder uses the available space appropriately to enable children to move and play freely. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of potential hazards, as risks in the home and outside areas have been minimised which enables children to move around the environment safely. Children understand simple safety rules and learn to use the resources safely under the guidance of the childminder. Children have access to a good selection of toys and resources, which are regularly checked for safety. These are readily accessible to the younger children to self-select when required. However, toys for older children are stored in bedrooms so children need to ask the childminder for what they want which removes their ability to make free, independent choices.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant about children's safety when out walking and when travelling by car, using appropriate safety equipment and discussing safety whilst crossing the road. The children wear safety wrist bands and they all stay together or within sight so outings are safe and pleasurable. Children are well protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She is knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of abuse and who to contact about any concerns and has current literature in place to support her in this area of her work. This ensures the childminder acts in the best interest to safeguard the welfare of the children in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and at ease in the childminder's home where meaningful play opportunities are planned to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. They are well supported by the childminder who offers guidance and individual attention to ensure that they receive the most from their play experiences. The childminder gently guides and supports children, for example as babies learn to crawl, she carefully places

p.3

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 an interesting toy slightly out of reach to encourage them to move towards it. She shows babies how things work and encourages them.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language development is extremely well supported as the childminder constantly chatters about what they are doing, pointing out and naming items, asking questions and sharing books as they sit cosily together looking at pictures. She uses a telephone to encourage a baby to speak, holding it to her ear and saying ‘hello Mummy’, then asking the baby to do the same. Consistent support and praise from the childminder encourages children to become increasingly independent so they feel at ease to ask her for help. The childminder fully understands each child's individual needs and provides appropriate care and support. Children are making good progress in their development because the childminder offers activities that engage children to keep them well occupied.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are becoming aware of a wider society through the childminder's very positive attitude towards promoting diversity. She has resources available to reflect different people in the world around us which helps children to develop a positive attitude towards others. This is further extended as topics children learn about at playgroups are continued with the childminder. For example, when children brought home Chinese lanterns the childminder helped them find out about them on the internet. During their many local outings the childminder encourages discussion as they look in various shop windows such as the bakers and jewellers, pass by the saddlers and consider the incapacities of people leaving the Doctor’s surgery.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well as they clearly understand acceptable boundaries and recognise right from wrong through helping to compile the house rules. They benefit from the constant praise and encouragement, which reinforces their self confidence. Children are treated with respect and courtesy and the childminder demonstrates a positive role model to children. As a result, children co-operate well with one another, recognise the importance of sharing and show care and respect for their peers and play materials.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has with their parents who are kept fully informed about their children's care and progress through a daily diary and discussions. Two way sharing of information about the children’s needs ensures they receive continuity of care which provides them with reassurance and security.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She understands how children develop and learn and ensures they each receive care appropriate to their individual needs. This results in a very child-centred, friendly environment and provides a high quality service where children are valued and safe. However, not all children can access resources independently due to the storage arrangements, reducing their opportunities to make decisions and choices.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder's clear policies 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, which include children's full names and times of attendance.

p.4

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 However, consent forms for emergency treatment have not been sought from parents. The childminder has regard for the well-being of all children and ensures they are well cared for and protected and all adults in the household have been vetted.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure children's full names are recorded in the register. All children's full names are now recorded with their daily attendance.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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 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): • improve opportunities for all children to make independent choices from a range of accessible resources • obtain parental consent for emergency medical treatment

p.5

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

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.5