Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY351351 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2008 Inspection date Shan Gwendoline Jones 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 2007. She lives with her husband and three young children in Southwick, Brighton. The whole ground floor and one upstairs bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years and five children under eight years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and parks. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and well being is effectively promoted. They are taught the importance of good personal hygiene as they wash their hands before eating and after playing outdoors. The

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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 risk of cross infection is minimised as they have disposable paper towels to dry their hands on. Children are protected from unnecessary illness and do not attend if they are contagious. There are effective policies and procedures are in place to administer first aid and record accidents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Due to the warm care given to children by the childminder, children’s emotional well-being is fully promoted. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Young toddlers confidently move around in the childminder’s home.

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Helping children to be healthy

Meal and snack times are sociable; younger children sit in their high chairs table and eat together accompanied by the childminder, who offers encouragement and support where needed. Children are provided with a healthy range of meals and snacks, which include fresh fruit and vegetables, this encourages them to develop healthy eating habits. Older children enjoy a hot snack after school such as, pasta or cottage pie and fresh vegetables. The childminder provides food for the children in consultation with the parents to ensure their wishes are met. She has a clear understanding of the children's dietary needs and their individual preferences.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day in fine weather there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies and improve their physical skills. For example, children play in the garden, walk to and from school and visit the park. Younger children enjoy regular visits to local toddler groups where they meet with their friends and are able to participate in a wide range of activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Younger children are able to sleep and eat in comfort and safety as the childminder has appropriate furniture and equipment, such as a travel cot and high chairs. A suitable range of play resources are available for children. Toys are set out in the play area for them to select what they wish to play with. All furniture and play equipment is clean and in good condition, for the well-being of children. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Steps have been taken to ensure that hazards to children are reduced and appropriate safety equipment is in place. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. For example, children learn how to cross the road safely. There is a fire blanket and she can clearly explain her fire evacuation plan. However, an emergency escape plan has not been practised with children to ensure they can be evacuated quickly from the premises, if necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well being is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of child protection. She has just completed recent training in child protection to update her knowledge. She has a very good awareness of the signs and symptoms of possible child abuse and the procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and content in the childminder's care and settle well into the daily routine. The childminder and the minded children have formed close, warm relationships. Interaction is very good, the childminder is proactive in responding to the children's needs and requests. Good eye contact is given and plenty of cuddles, so that the child understands that they are

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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 valued by, and important to, their carer. In addition, younger children benefit from the Birth to three matters framework used by the childminder to support and promote their learning in the earliest years. As a result children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing in a child centred environment, where the toys are readily available, enabling them to make their own choices of what they would like to play with. Children are developing their language skills as the childminder talks to them and encourages them to chat. The childminder sits on the floor guiding and supporting children. They enjoy playing with the posting box and looking at books with the childminder snuggled on her lap. Older children benefit from an environment where their likes and interests are well catered for. For example, after school they have designed and created their own football game cards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have the opportunity to socialise with others as they regularly attend drop-in groups. They also benefit from visits to places of interest such as the local parks and farm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging. The childminder treats all children with equal concern and aims to meet their individual care needs. Due to the childminder’s responsive care, children feel valued and cared for. Children are developing their understanding of responsible behaviour. Dependent upon their stage of development, they are starting to play co-operatively with each other and as a result, learn right from wrong. The childminder uses positive methods such as distraction and re-direction to resolve disputes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children are beginning to learn to appreciate and respect others' similarities and differences through the resources available and the childminder's positive attitude to providing an inclusive service. Children have access to a good range of resources that promote an understanding of others, such as books, puzzles and puppets. She provides good support to children for children with learning difficulties and works closely with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's care is enhanced by the positive relationship that the childminder has with their parents. Clear lines of communication ensure that the children's needs are well met. The childminder's portfolio offers parents detailed information regarding the service that they receive. Policies and procedures are clearly written and shared with parents to ensure they are fully informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for in a very organised environment where daily routines flow smoothly. All of the children attend on a part time basis. Consequently, she ensures that she does not exceed the maximum number of children she may look after on any one day. She also maintains all required documents to safeguard the welfare of the children. The maintenance of clear documentation, completed in consultation with parents, ensures their individual needs are met. The discreet storage of children's personal details protects their privacy well. Each child has their own file of appropriately detailed personal information. These are easily accessible to the childminder and provide good reference material which support her in effectively meeting the children's needs. Overall record keeping is maintained to a high standard. As a result children's health, welfare and development are promoted successfully.

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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 Children's care and welfare is significantly enhanced by the professional attitude and commitment the childminder has to her business. She is proactive in seeking training to enhance her own personal development, for example, attending courses on the Early Years Foundation Stage and commencing the Diploma in Home Based Childcare.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, this is the first inspection following registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 complaint 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): • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that fire drills are regularly practised with the 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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