Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY291587 Unique Reference Number 09 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 first registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and their two children in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. The lounge and two upstairs rooms are used for childminding. Children also have access to an enclosed garden and purpose built play area for outdoor activities. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years and is currently caring for up to five children, four under five and one aged five plus. The childminder makes regular trips to local parks and children's play centres.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from illness and infection by well organised hygiene practice. Children learn to keep clean and wash their hands, supported by the childminder's effective guidance. The childminder works closely with parents to support individual children's healthy growth and development. The childminder has clear and well organised records of children's medication and accidents. Healthy meals and snacks are provided and children learn about different types

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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 of foods. Children's physical development is effectively promoted with well organised physical activities and regular outdoor play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely and are effectively supervised by the childminder. A well organised range of safety measures are in place within the childminder's home and children are encouraged to use resources safely. Children have access to a wide range of play and learning materials and can choose play resources easily. The range of play materials for younger children is well presented and older children have access to good selection of art-crafts materials, role-play items and books. The childminder has attended training and has an effective 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 play happily and enjoy the childminder's well prepared play environment. Clear daily routines and planned activities, effectively encourage children's development. Children have access to tactile and sensory play and children's speech and language is also well supported. The childminder effectively supports children's developing awareness of shape, colour and counting. Children's interest in books and stories is also encouraged. A good range of physical activities are provided and children have frequent access to outdoor play. The childminder is confident and well organised and effectively supports children's enjoying and achieving.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and happy, well supported by the childminder's close care and supervision. Children behave well and are effectively encouraged to play together happily. A clear range of resources are in place to help children learn about other cultures and the childminder is also open to caring for children with disabilities. The childminder has established effective relationships with parents, providing information daily on children's care and development. A well organised range of parental agreements are in place and the childminder provides parents with clear details of her childminding service.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play and learn effectively, well supported by the childminder's well planned and organised activities. Children also access well prepared play areas within the childminder's home. A wide range of resources are in place to support children's tactile and sensory play and children enjoy stimulating art-craft projects and have much outdoor play. The childminder is well organised and keeps clear records and documentation, to effectively support her child care. She has also attended training in childminding practice and has established close links with other local 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 improved methods of recording accidents to children, improving outcomes for children in Staying Safe.

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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): • develop the range of early learning activities to provide more challenges for older children

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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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