Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

507307 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2008 Inspection date Carol Newman 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in Worcester Park in Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the library, soft play and local parks.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The environment is clean and tidy and children receive good support to develop personal hygiene practices. Effective daily routines and explanations help children understand that

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 washing hands after visiting the toilet reduces the risk of passing on germs. However, children are at risk of infection from shared towels for hand washing.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of her responsibility to obtain prior written parental consent before administering any medication. This ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and most contents of the first aid box are suitably maintained. This means the childminder can give appropriate care if there is an accident.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder follows correct storage and re-heating procedures for the food provided by parents, to prevent spoiling. Fresh drinking water is available at all times and children confidently help themselves.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular exercise that contributes to their good health.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder organises the indoor space effectively, allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children use a wide range of good quality toys and resources appropriate to their age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy their play in a safe environment where the childminder uses a risk assessment to reduce potential hazards. Children are protected from harm through safety measures, such as socket covers, safety gates and a secure outdoor play space. There is a suitable emergency evacuation procedure in place. However, children do not learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe as the childminder does not practise the evacuation procedures with the children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sufficient understanding of safeguarding children issues and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. This ensures she can recognise when a child is in danger and can act in the child’s interests.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children explore and experiment through a range of well-planned activities that are appropriate for their stage of development. For example, they engage in imaginative play using a range of resources, such as the police station, the play kitchen and the toolkit. Children pretend to make a power station and know they need power to make light.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy listening to stories and learn about the meaning of words through the childminder's expressive reading and good explanations. They learn about the sounds letters make when playing letter pairs with the childminder. Children’s creative development is encouraged through activities, such as art and craft and making seasonal cards. Activities are laid out for the children and there is a system so that children can choose other toys, resources and activities that are not readily available.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder enjoys her time with the children. She engages in meaningful play and children are comfortable and confident in her care.

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children talk happily about their home life and things that are important to them. The childminder encourages all children to participate in the activities provided. This ensures children have equal opportunities to maximise their enjoyment and potential. There is a range of resources that provide children with a positive outlook on the wider world.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder does not have experience of working with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, all children progress well due to her consistent support. She willingly discusses any concerns with parents to ensure the children's individual needs are met.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder supports children in sharing and turn taking. Behaviour management strategies are appropriate and help children understand right from wrong. A good two-way flow of information with parents ensures continuity of care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Some written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and for the most part, relevant information is shared with parents. However, some records required for the safe and effective management of the childminding provision are not in place and/or well maintained at all times, particularly with regard to the children's attendance records, medication records and records of existing injuries.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder attends training when necessary. This ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. The children's day is well-planned allowing children time for quiet and active play.

p.4

Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to develop her knowledge of child protection issues, with particular regard to the indicators of abuse. The childminder attended a course in May 2006 to develop her knowledge of child protection issues.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder also agreed to ensure that the premises are secure and children cannot leave them unsupervised. The childminder now locks the door and keeps the key on the window sill next to the door, to ensure children cannot leave the premises without a suitable adult.

p.4

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 action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.4

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.

p.4

Complaints 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

p.4

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): • ensure children's personal hygiene is promoted and the risk of cross infection is minimised with regard to hand washing procedures • ensure that the emergency evacuation plan is regularly practised so that children become aware of the procedure to follow • ensure all records required for the safe and effective management of the childminding provision are in place and well maintained at all times, particularly with regard to the children's attendance records, records of existing injuries and medication records.

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