Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY284972 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2008 Inspection date Christine McInally 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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder first registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and three school age children in a house in a residential area of Portslade. The whole of the ground floor and an upstairs bedroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden which children use under supervision, for outside play. Local shops, pre-schools, schools and parks are within walking distance. The family have a pet dog. The childminder attends the local childminding group. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for five children on a part time basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is effectively promoted by the childminder who is aware of good hygiene practices, which she consistently applies to a high standard. Children are looked after in a comfortable, very clean family home. Play and care areas, children's toys and equipment are all maintained to a high standard. She teaches children the importance of good hand washing routines; she explains why this is necessary so children learn the importance of good personal

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 hygiene. Consequently children know why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet or before eating food. The childminder maintains a current first aid certificate, keeping her knowledge up to date. Children are protected from illness and infection through a sickness and exclusion policy.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children understand the benefits of exercise and take part in activities which help them stay physically fit. They enjoy regular outings to activity and adventure parks during school holidays. Every day children benefit from either a planned or spontaneous activity to promote their physical well-being. They are encouraged through the childminder's infectious enthusiasm and enjoy extending their skills.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of healthy meals, which are provided by the childminder. She considers children's individual needs, with older children involved in the choice and preparation of meals. Children enjoy their food and are encouraged to make healthy choices. They are introduced to new foods sensitively and develop an understanding of the importance of a healthy diet through carefully planned activities and conversation.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety and protection are given high priority by the childminder and her exemplary practice is backed by comprehensive procedures. The childminder is extremely vigilant with regard to children's safety and has created an extremely child friendly, safe environment where children feel safe and secure. For example, she ensures safety resources, such as stair gates and cupboard locks, are in place. As a result children are able to move around safely, freely and independently and risk of accidental injury is significantly reduced. The childminder carries out written risk assessments before taking children on outings and visits. When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of toys, resources and equipment that are suitable and safe. Regular checks ensure that toys and activities remain safe and suitable for children to use. They independently access the toys and activities, which are rotated on a regular basis in order to provide a variety of opportunities that meet their changing needs and interests.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a very clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures. She is aware of her role and responsibility to protect the children in her care. Parents are made aware of her child protection policy so that they know what action she will take if she has any concerns. All of these measures contribute to the safety and well-being of the children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children very much enjoy their time with the childminder. They all receive attention and genuine affection from the childminder; they are very secure and settled. Children participate in a huge range of activities, which develops new interests and extends their knowledge. The childminder's skilful planning provides increased challenges to help children make all round progress. She makes observations and assessments of the children's learning and uses the information gathered to help inform her planning. This ensures children's individual needs are well met.

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 Children are extremely happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. The childminder has produced laminated cards which show all the resources available so children are able to ask for resources for themselves, encouraging their independence. Children flourish through the stimulating and purposeful activities provided. Their play is promoted by the childminder's infectious enthusiasm and passion for having fun. She spends a great deal of time playing directly with the children who respond well to the consistent attention.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Worthwhile outings, walks and visits enable children to be active and to explore features of the natural world. Children's enjoyment and achievements at the childminder's are promoted through the excellent records in place including many photographs of the children, daily contact books and lovely displays of children's own artwork.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children have a real sense of belonging due to the childminder's extremely warm and caring nature. Children's individual needs and characters are clearly understood and respected by the childminder. All children are welcomed and included in the provision. Children feel good about themselves because the childminder treats them with respect and has a thorough understanding of equal opportunity issues. She has a positive attitude towards diversity. Children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them through planned activities and the wide range of resources available to them which reflect diversity. All children are highly valued as individuals; their needs are effectively met using the information gathered from the parents, and children themselves, when they first start with the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved. Priority is given to ensuring they have choices, plenty to do and time to enjoy activities and experiences. Children are encouraged to be polite and helpful, respect each other and to look after toys and resources. Children's positive behaviour is very much encouraged as they benefit from the consistent praise and encouragement offered by the childminder.

p.4

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. Written feedback from parents demonstrates their high regard for the childminder's practice and her skills in caring exceptionally well for their children. Parents are kept fully informed of the childminder’s practice, through verbal feedback and daily contact books, ensuring children’s continued support.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children flourish in the excellent adult support they receive and benefit from the well-organised space, time and resources provided. The childminder has developed detailed policies and records that support her very good childminding practice. She keeps detailed records and observations of children's progress, thus ensuring children are fully supported in reaching their potential. Children and families enter an inviting child-orientated environment and activities are enriched by a comprehensive range of good quality toys and resources. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has a business like approach to her childminding and maintains her extensive records well. She has friendly but professional relationships with the parents keeping them well

p.4

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 informed of their child's progress and achievements. The childminder discusses thoroughly all aspects of the children's care with parents, promoting the children's welfare, care and learning.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has updated her childminding folder and introduced daily contact books for the exchange of information, ensuring children's well-being. She has increased the range of resources available that reflect diversity, helping children develop a positive view of the wider world.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.5

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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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