Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY287558 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2007 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 outstanding. 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 husband and one child aged five years, in a house in the Hangleton area of Hove. The lounge-dining room and one bedroom are used for childminding. The fully enclosed garden is available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children on a part time basis. The childminder collects children from local schools and attends the local pre-school and toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because their physical, nutritional and health needs are very well met as a result of effective procedures and practices employed by the childminder. Children enjoy an excellent range of activities and experiences indoors, outdoors and away from the childminding setting which actively contribute to their good health and well being. The childminder teaches children the importance of good hand washing routines; she explains why this is necessary so children

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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 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 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 a wide range of activities, which contributes to their good health. Every day children benefit from either a planned or spontaneous activity to promote their physical well-being. They benefit from regular visits to local parks and soft play areas. Children enjoy music and movement activities indoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children increase their understanding about a healthy lifestyle by helping to prepare food, participating in cooking activities and by growing tomatoes and herbs with the childminder. Children can access drinks whenever they need to, which helps them recognise and respond to their body's needs. They are introduced to new foods sensitively and develop an understanding of the importance of a healthy diet through carefully planned activities and conversation. For example, children learn what are healthy foods as they discuss the healthy food poster on display in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a homely and cheerful environment where they safely access resources on their own. The childminder displays examples of children's work and this makes children feel valued and secure. Children play with a vast range of safe, suitable toys, which the childminder rotates regularly to develop new interests and skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder conscientiously preserves children's wellbeing by continuously monitoring safety issues in and around the home, and by supervising children closely. She understands and addresses children's developmental changes through a process of ongoing risk assessments to keep the environment safe as children grow. When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety. Children know and practise fire evacuation procedures. Both these measures help them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe.

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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.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy, settled and relaxed in the company of the childminder. They are motivated, eager and actively participate in and enjoy the activities and experiences offered to them. Children flourish as they have many stimulating experiences that promote all aspects of their learning and development. They take great pride in sharing a photo album showing themselves taking part in all kinds of stimulating activities and outings which they recall with good detail. They enjoy outings to a variety of local farms, parks and toddler groups.

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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 Children are extremely happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. 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, for example, as she encourages the younger child to change the doll's nappy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's enjoyment and achievements at the childminder's is promoted through the excellent records in place including many photographs of the children, daily contact books and lovely displays of children's own artwork.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's sense of belonging is fully fostered through the warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere and the childminder's overwhelming dedication to their care. 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 develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through the regular outings and trips provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are valued and cared for according to their individual needs. Children's behaviour is excellent. The childminder encourages children's behaviour and achievements through the use of positive praise and encouragement. This positive praise encourages children to persevere and practise skills. Children develop a sense of pride in their achievements as they are congratulated when they complete an activity, such as putting the number cards in to the correct order.

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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. Successful relationships with parents support the children's development very well, letters of support from parents were seen during the inspection. These were extremely positive about the care the childminder provides for their children. Feedback on children's development and general wellbeing is given on a daily basis both verbally and through the written contact books.

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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. She keeps detailed records and observations of children's progress, thus ensuring children are fully supported in reaching their potential. Children access toys, equipment and activities which are well planned enabling children to feel confident and happy. 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 wellbeing 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

Following the last inspection the childminder effectively increased the range of resources that reflect diversity; helping children develop a positive view of the wider world.

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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 outstanding. 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

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

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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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