Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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957266 Unique Reference Number 25 August 2005 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged six, and three year in Horsham, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding, with toilet facilities being upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at anyone time and is currently minding three children. She walks to the local school to take and collect children. She also takes children to the local park and groups for play activities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home, where through daily routines they learn the importance of good hygiene practice. They know to wash their hands before eating, using the toilet and, help themselves to tissues to care for their own personal needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs, likes and dislikes are discussed with parents and children are offered nutritious meals and snacks using fresh ingredients. Children have access to water or juice and request or help themselves to drinks when thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a healthy lifestyle and have many opportunities to enjoy fresh air and physical play. They enjoy regular garden play; walks to the park and outings to activity venues, which helps children develop their physical skills. The childminder ensures that precautions are taken to prevent children from the risk of sunburn through ensuring that they apply sun creams and wear a sun hat.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe and organised home environment where risks are minimised. This means children are able to move around the home safely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and maintains children's safety outside the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder checks toys and resources to make sure they are clean and safe for children to use. Toys are plentiful, in good condition and well organised. The storage and easy access to toys, enables children to make choices in their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She has clear knowledge of the local area child protection procedures and has attended relevant training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They confidently choose from a good range of toys and resources, which promotes their independence. Varieties of toys that the childminder knows the children enjoy are easily accessible to them. They enjoy chatting and playing together for example, with construction, IT games, beads, books and garden games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show positive relationships with the childminder, happily telling her about their return to school and who their new class teacher will be. The childminder knows the children well and adapts games to take into account their individual interests and abilities. Children's development is effectively promoted with the childminder spending time talking to the children, asking good

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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 questions and listening to what they have to say. Children are sociable, happy, have fun and enjoy quality time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected as individuals because the childminder is committed to providing an inclusive environment. Their daily needs are acknowledged and parents' views are sought to achieve this. Parents are kept informed about children's progress through daily discussion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop an increased awareness of diversity and understanding of others because the childminder makes good use of a range of resources and activities on offer. Through discussion, the childminder helps children gain an understanding of differences in people's culture in the wider world.

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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 descriptive guidance and support and, the childminder sets clear boundaries and uses effective strategies that are agreed with parents to help children understand right from wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well-organised environment and daily routine. They receive good adult support and attention to make them feel happy and secure in their surroundings. Space is used well and children are able to initiate their own play from the well-presented resources on offer.

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Organisation

Most required documentation is held in a well-presented portfolio and the childminder understands and complies with regulatory requirements. However, the childminder has not sought permission from parents to transport children in a vehicle.

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Organisation

Children are supervised well at all times to ensure they are protected from unvetted persons. The childminder's experience and regard for the wellbeing of all children, positively supports children's developing needs. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, one recommendation was made. This was to ensure written agreements are in place with all parents setting out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child and business arrangements.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has completed written agreements on all children, with parents, to ensure expectations on care and business arrangements are effectively met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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 all records which promote the welfare and care of children are suitably detailed and maintained.

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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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