Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY269598 Unique Reference Number 14 March 2008 Inspection date Liz Margaret Caluori 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 2004. She lives in Hove, East Sussex, with her three children aged 12, nine and eight years. There is also a 15 year old student living with the family. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed patio rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding 11 children under eight, of whom six are under five years. In addition, she is caring for two children over eight years. All children attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Brighton and Hove Accredited Childminding Network.

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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 play in a clean, well presented environment. They are very well supported to develop good personal hygiene practices. They routinely wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder provides paper hands towels to minimise the risk of cross infection. Children are also taught about the importance of good food hygiene through cooking activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder’s commitment to promoting healthy eating. They enjoy trying new tastes and regularly discuss the nutritional value of different foods. In addition to portions of fruit each day, children are provided with a range of snacks, such a pitta bread, crackers and bread sticks. They also have drinks available to them at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has attended first aid training and is therefore able to treat children in case of a minor accident. Effective procedures are also in place to care for sick children. All required records are maintained and these are generally clear and well ordered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have very regular opportunities to play in the fresh air and to get physical exercise. The childminder walks to and from the local school and also takes children to play in the park. When weather permits they also visit the beach. Younger children also play in the childminder’s garden and enjoy visiting local soft play centres and toddler groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected by a range of safety precautions in place in the childminder’s home. These include a fire guard in the lounge, locks on low level kitchen cupboards and a gate to restrict access to the stairs. The childminder has a written health and safety policy which is shared with parents and carers. She also has well thought out arrangements in place should an emergency situation arise. She interacts regularly with another childminder who she could call on if necessary. This is a person with whom the children are familiar and parents are provided with a photograph so that they will recognise her.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supported to learn how to protect themselves. They benefit from the on-going advice and guidance of the childminder. They also take part in activities to teach them about specific issues, such as safe road crossing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has given consideration to protecting children in case of a fire. She has devised a clear evacuation plan and the house is fitted with smoke detectors on each floor. There is also a fire blanket in the kitchen, although this is positioned past the cooker, making it impractical to use in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very clear on her responsibilities regarding child protection. She is confident in her ability to detect the potential signs and symptoms of abuse. She has the contact details in order to make a referral if necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy and settled in the home. They form very warm, positive relationships with the childminder and respond well to the constant smiles, praise and encouragement they receive.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities within the house are generally initiated by the children and the childminder provides support and resources to extend their play. However, she is also skilful at providing activities specifically aimed at supporting individual children. She has a very good understanding of the personality and developmental stage of each child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The activities which are popular with the children include cooking, arts and crafts, imaginative play, construction, books, puzzles and music and movement. The childminder is currently working with young children to develop their language skills and to practise writing. They are also regularly taken to a number of local groups to experience a greater range of activities and to socialise. Older children have access to the full range of resources and are also given time and support to do their homework or practise their reading.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a written policy outlining her commitment to promoting equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. Children are provided with a range of resources that promote positive images of people from throughout the community and wider world. They also take part in activities aimed at broadening their understanding; for example, they have recently enjoyed exploring some elements of African culture through music and food tasting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective procedures are in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards ensuring the needs of all children are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is entirely typical for their age and stage of development. The childminder has a written behaviour management policy. This sets out her commitment to promoting good behaviour through praise and positive reinforcement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective communication between the childminder and their parents and carers. The childminder provides a good range of written information which outlines various aspects of her service. This includes the procedures to be followed to investigate and record complaints should one be received. She also makes time available each day to speak with parents and exchange information.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder manages her time effectively to ensure that each individual child receives the care and attention they need. As a result of this children are happy, settled and confident.

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Organisation

All the required written records are maintained and these are generally clear and well ordered. This contributes to the effective management of the childminder’s service.

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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 Space within the home is well organised to ensure that a wide range of activities can take place at the same time. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection a number of recommendations were made. The childminder has addressed all concerns raised. The registers of attendance have been improved to clearly indicate children's times of arrival and departure. The childminder now also obtains written parental permission to administer creams. The maintenance of clear and accurate documentation helps to safeguard children. It was also recommended that the fire blanket be securely mounted to the wall. Whilst this has been done, a further recommendation has been made to move it to a more easily accessible position.

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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): • relocate the fire blanket to ensure that it can be easily and safely accessed in case of an emergency.

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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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