Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY275561 Unique Reference Number 19 November 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and their two children, one school age and the youngest aged under two years. They live in a first floor flat in the Hangleton area of Brighton & Hove. Two rooms are used for childcare and children also have access to a secure paved outdoor play area. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years and is currently caring for up to four children under five years. The childminder makes regular outings to toddler groups and local play centres.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept happy and active through the childminder following well organised hygiene procedures. Children have consistent support with learning hygiene and toilet use. Children are effectively encouraged by the childminder to explore resources and develop healthily within a well organised play and learning environment. Children enjoy many physical games and have much active role-play. Children also enjoy a range of outdoor games with the childminder. Children have a range of healthy meals and snacks and their individual dietary needs are well

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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 considered. Regular outings to local parks and play centres also effectively support children's healthy growth and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected from accidents and harm by the childminder's range of effective safety procedures. Close supervision and well organised activities, successfully contribute to children’s safety. The childminder ensures children use resources safely and children are also encouraged to play safely when outdoors. A well organised range of stimulating play and learning resources are available for children over a wide age range. Messy-play, role-play and sensory items are all well organised. A wide range of art-crafts and assembly resources are also provided. The childminder is well qualified and has a clear 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 are effectively encouraged by the childminder to enjoy their play and learning. A wide range of planned activities helps children learn about shapes, numbers and become skilful with assembly materials. Children have access to a good range of books and enjoy developing language and learning words. Children enjoy art and crafts and are encouraged to be expressive with musical games and role-play. Children also enjoy a wide range of physical activities, well designed to support their healthy growth and development. The childminder works closely with individual children, supporting their confidence and effectively encouraging successful play and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are successfully encouraged to be happy in the childminder's home. Children's behaviour is well managed and the childminder also encourages children to share and be aware of others. The childminder is trained and has experience of working with children with disabilities. She is also effective in ensuring children learn about diversity and the wider world. Parents of younger children are given clear information on their children's care. Parents of older children are also supported, but would benefit from access to more detailed records of individual children's development. The childminder has a partnership with parents policy and provides clear details of her activities and childminding service

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has prepared her home effectively to support children's play and learning. A wide range of stimulating activities is provided and children's growth and development is successfully supported. Many well organised play and learning resources are in place to help children have fun, be expressive and learn new skills. The childminder's record keeping is up-to-date and she also has a well organised range of written policies to guide her childminding practice. The childminder is well trained and experienced and is part of an approved network of childminders. 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 introduced a record of complaints and up-dated the medication record, supporting improved outcomes for children in Being Healthy and Positive Contribution.

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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 the recording of individual children's learning and development

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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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