Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY269535 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Christine McInally 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 has been registered since October 2003. She lives with her husband and two young children aged 8 and 11 years. They live in a detached house, situated in a residential street in Burgess Hill, close to a County Primary School and play areas. She is currently registered to care for six children under eight years. During the course of the week she cares for a total of eight children on a part time basis. Childminding takes place mainly on the ground floor where sleep and toilet facilities are available. There is a large, secure garden to the rear of the house. There is a pet dog within the household.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a warm and clean environment. There are good standards of hygiene within the house ensuring children's general good health. She teaches children the importance of good hand washing routines; she explains why this is necessary so children learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Consequently children know why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet or before eating food. The childminder maintains a current

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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 first aid certificate keeping her knowledge up to date. Children are protected from illness and infection through a sickness and exclusion policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. They have regular access to outdoor play in the safe, secure garden. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play. Children have a good relationship with the childminder, who is responsive to their emotional needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is promoted by the provision of healthy meals and snacks. Meal and snack times are sociable; children sit together with the childminder who chats to them about what they are eating. A wide selection of fruits and vegetables is offered to the children with their meals; encouraging them to develop healthy eating practices. She encourages the children to make healthy eating choices and older children are offered opportunities to be involved in the preparation of their food.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder is extremely vigilant with regard to children's safety and has created an exceptionally child friendly, safe environment where children feel safe and secure. Space within the house is extremely well organised, allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are consistently helped to develop an understanding of keeping themselves safe, for example, through discussions regarding 'stranger danger'. When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder works directly with the children and is vigilant as they play and this keeps them safe. Children use a broad range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, helping them to enjoy a wide variety of experiences safely. They are encouraged to choose freely for themselves, which positively supports their growing independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of her responsibilities to safeguard children in her care. She is well aware of the possible signs and symptoms which could cause concern. The childminder understands the procedures to follow in the event of having concerns about a child's welfare and has all the necessary documentation to refer to, such as local procedures. This ensures children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides children with warm care and attention, for example, cuddles when the children wake from sleep or as she involves herself in their play. As a result children are happy and settled in her care. They confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages, for example, children who are cared for after-school are supported well with appropriate activities and play, such as board and card games, arts and crafts and puzzles. Children are stimulated and well motivated because the childminder regularly changes the toys and equipment available. Children thoroughly enjoy the individual time and attention which is given to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a good range of well chosen resources which are used to support children's learning and development in all areas. She reads to the children and asks questions

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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 helping to develop their language skills. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, music and pretend play. The childminder is beginning to use observations to assess children's progress and to plan for their next stage in learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a good range of outings. These include meeting up with other childminders and children which supports and develops their social skills. Outings to the Triangle Leisure Centre provides opportunities for physical play in the soft ball area. The childminder spends a lot of time talking and playing with them, consequently children are well supported in their play and are making good progress in all areas of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect, helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a sound understanding of all equal opportunities issues, and has a positive attitude towards diversity. This helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children benefit from the childminder's organisation of activities to provide an inclusive provision for all. They are becoming aware of their local community through visiting local amenities, such as the Triangle Leisure Centre.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder supports and manages the children's behaviour well. She acts as a good role model, setting realistic and consistent boundaries. The childminder uses praise, explanation and encouragement effectively helping children learn to distinguish between right and wrong taking into account their levels of understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has excellent strategies for building good relationships with parents which contributes significantly to children's well-being. She ensures records of activities and procedures are comprehensive and clear. She meticulously shares information to ensure consistency and helps parents feel involved in their child's development.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. The childminder has developed detailed policies and records that support her very good childminding practice. Children flourish in the excellent adult support they receive and benefit from the well-organised space, time and resources provided. Children's enjoyment and achievement is successfully supported by the childminder who demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and is currently undertaking an approved childcare qualification. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder has a business like approach to her childminding and maintains her records well promoting the children's welfare, care and learning. All legally required documentation and records relating to the minded children are retained ensuring the childminder is able to care for children in a safe and confident manner. Observations relating to the child's minded day, development and general well-being are fed back to parents informally as they collect their child and more formally in the daily contact books. The excellent communication between the childminder and parents, helps support children's learning and development.

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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 put in place parents written permission for outings and for use of the car; helping to further promote children's safety.

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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): • continue to develop observation and assessment of children and use the information gathered to plan for their next steps in learning

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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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