Downs Park School

Inspection report for early years provision

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114685 Unique Reference Number 29 October 2007 Inspection date Chris Mackinnon 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 first registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and their four children (two are now adults) in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. The lounge and a children's play room are used for childminding. Children also have access to an enclosed deck and back garden for outdoor activities. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years and is currently caring for four children under five years. The childminder makes regular trips to local parks and children's play centres.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has well organised hygiene routines that protect children from illness and infection. Children's cleanliness and toileting is also well managed. Children's healthy eating is effectively encouraged with a good range of healthy foods and snacks provided. The childminder has experience of food allergies and is able to support children's individual dietary needs. The childminder works effectively with parents to support children's health and progress. She has up-to-date first aid training, but the accident record is not fully confidential. A wide

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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 range of active games and outdoor play activities is also provided to successfully promote children's physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has an effective range of safety precautions and children are encouraged to play together safely. Children access a good selection of resources, with many tactile and soft-play play items provided for younger children. A wide range of challenging early learning resources is also in place for older children. A good variety of art-craft materials and role-play items supports children's creative and expressive development. A well organised selection of reading materials is available and children also have access to a computer. The childminder is well trained and experienced and has a good awareness of the need to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children explore resources and play happily in well organised play areas. Children enjoy a wide range of activities and planned play and learning themes, introduce shape, colour and numbers to their learning. Younger children enjoy exploring a good range of tactile and soft-play materials and older children have art-crafts and many well organised role-play and expressive games. Children's literacy is effectively supported with regular story-times and children explore nature and learn about the wider world. A good range of physical activities both indoor and outdoor are included to support children's physical development. The childminder is experienced and well motivated and successfully supports children's achievement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is encouraging and enthusiastic and children successfully learn to share and be aware of the needs of others. The childminder also helps children to learn acceptable behaviour. Children have access to resources that reflect diversity and children enjoy regular other culture activities to support their awareness of the wider world. The childminder has close and consistent relationships with parents and provides regular information on individual children's care and welfare. The childminder has a well organised range of policies and written guidance for parents, but the contact details of the regulator Ofsted, are not up-to-date.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has prepared her home well to support children's play and learning. Children benefit from well organised and planned activities and take part in many fun and creative art-craft projects. Children's learning and achievement is also effectively promoted by a wide range of stimulating resources and play and learning materials. The childminder's record keeping is well organised and accessible. The childminder is a confident and experienced provider, with a level 3 early years childcare qualification. She has also attended training to support children's early learning. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has widened the range of written agreements with parents and fitted a second smoke alarm, providing improved outcomes for children in Positive Contribution and Staying Safe.

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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.

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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): • revise the record of children's accidents to be more confidential • up-date the complaints policy to include the current contact details of the regulator, Ofsted

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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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