Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY257015 Unique Reference Number 12 February 2008 Inspection date Felicity Gaff 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three school-aged children in a village near Newhaven, East Sussex. She uses the ground floor of the house for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding four children under five and seven children over five before and/or after school or during school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a carer and toddler group and takes children to play in the nearby park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn to follow an active lifestyle. They routinely walk to and from school and the garden is well arranged to allow outdoor play throughout the year. Children are cared for in a clean environment and follow good personal hygiene habits. The childminder takes effective steps to protect them from health risks associated by pets; for example, the dog does not go

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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 in the garden, which ensures it is always free from fouling. The childminder manages minor accidents appropriately and has clear policies to exclude sick children to prevent cross infection. She maintains most of the documentation to support children's health, although she does not seek sufficiently clear authorisation for emergency medical advice or treatment, which affects her ability to meet children's needs. The childminder provides opportunities for children to try a wide range of foods. She records and accommodates any dietary requirements and makes sure children receive the meals their parents wish them to have.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home, which is well organised and maintained in good decorative order. Children enjoy a good range of toys and play materials suitable for their ages and stages of development. The childminder provides high quality toys that are organised well to allow children to reach them safely. Children learn to tidy toys away after use to keep them in good condition and help minimise the risk of accidents. They begin to learn how to keep themselves safe on outings by following suitable road safety rules. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She understands her responsibility to safeguard children by recording and reporting any concerns that a child might be neglected or abused.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the setting because the childminder provides a stimulating range of interesting outings and activities, as well as individual time and attention. The childminder uses imaginative play well to extend children's language by encouraging them to talk about what they do. Children share age-appropriate books with the childminder and spontaneously join in with familiar songs. They develop their independence and a sense of autonomy as they choose from a good range of high quality play resources and experiment with messy play. They take pride in cooking and decorating attractive cakes. The childminder makes good use of everyday activities such as putting on shoes and sorting toys to help children learn to count and compare numbers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop positive attitudes towards their own needs and those of other people. The childminder organises activities and provides interesting and attractive resources presenting positive images of ethnic and cultural diversity to help children understand about the wider world. She plans activities to include all the children who attend, working effectively with parents and other settings to meet the needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder establishes clear simple house rules, and uses positive methods such as explanation and distraction to help them learn how to behave. She creates strong partnerships with parents and works flexibly to meet their childminding requirements. Parents are delighted with the high quality of nurturing care their children receive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She maintains most of the documentation required to support children's welfare and ensures it is stored discreetly to protect their privacy. She organises her childminding commitments to conform to her conditions of registration at all times. However, she does not display her certificate of registration clearly enough when childminding. She takes suitable steps to protect children from people who have not been vetted.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection the childminder agreed to develop the promotion of anti-discriminatory practice, and to improve the arrangements for transporting children by car and for managing emergencies.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children now have access to a range of resources reflecting positive images of ethnic and cultural diversity to help them develop an understanding of and respect for difference. The childminder ensures children are fully insured when travelling in her car. She discusses contingency arrangements with parents, but does not seek clear written permission from them for emergency medical advice or treatment, which limits her ability to meet children's needs in an emergency.

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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): • seek parental authorisation for emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure certificate is clearly displayed when childminding.

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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 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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