Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360296 Unique Reference Number 08 February 2008 Inspection date Gill Moore 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 satisfactory. 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 registered in 2007 and lives with her husband and two young children. They live in the residential area of Littlehampton, West Sussex. Local schools, shops and parks are within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part time basis. There were no children present during the inspection. The family have one cat as a pet. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group and childminding group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is also a qualified early years practitioner.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's understanding of the importance of taking regular exercise is promoted because the childminder provides daily opportunities for them to engage in physical activities. They

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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 participate in dance and music sessions within the childminder's home and develop their skills using a range of apparatus at local parks. Equipment, such as balls, bicycles and scooters, are available for use in the childminder's garden, although this was not currently in use at the time of the inspection. The childminder takes children for walks to feed the ducks, ensuring they benefit from opportunities to spend time outside in the fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted because good standards of hygiene are maintained throughout the childminder's home. They are encouraged to follow good personal hygiene routines, washing their hands before sitting down to eat and after going to the toilet, increasing their awareness of how to look after their bodies. Suitable procedures are in place to respond to and record accidents and any medication administered and written parental consent is requested for children to receive medical treatment in an emergency situation. Children are offered a nutritious range of meals and snacks, increasing their understanding about healthy eating. For example, cereals and toast are offered for breakfast; sandwiches, pasta dishes and soups are provided at lunch time, and meals, such as jacket potatoes with a range of fillings and chicken with sauce and rice, are offered at tea time. Fresh fruit, cheese and breadsticks are provided for snacks

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Helping children to be healthy

across the day, together with milk and regular drinks of water. Written menus are discussed and agreed with parents, ensuring all children's dietary requirements are catered for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and safe environment where they move freely and safely around the childminder's home. They mainly play in the lounge and dining room and help themselves to a range of resources and equipment suitable for the ages of children being cared for. All furniture, equipment and play provision is clean and well maintained, helping to promote children's safety. The childminder has a secure understanding of safety issues and removes risks and hazards within her home. For example, children are currently not using the childminder's garden because a shed is being erected and she has identified too many risks in this area whilst building work is being carried out. Cleaning materials and chemicals are inaccessible and plugs and the coal fire have been made safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children begin to increase their understanding of how to keep themselves safe through discussions, for example about road safety, and through the implementation of regular fire drills. Smoke alarms are tested frequently, to ensure they are in good working order, and a fire blanket is fitted in the kitchen, which helps to promote children's safety in the event of a fire. Children are protected and safeguarded from harm because the childminder understands her role with regards to protecting children in her care. Written policies outline arrangements for the collection and non collection of children and formal risk assessments identify how children's safety is to be fully ensured within the home and when on outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit because the childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and has in-depth knowledge and understanding about how young children learn through play. She introduces a wide range of activities and experiences for children, appropriate to their age and level of understanding, both in her home and makes good use of the local community. Children are provided with opportunities to be creative using media, such as paint, glue, corn flour dough and Paper Mache. They use equipment, including dolls, pushchairs and cars, to express their imagination and

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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 spend quiet times completing puzzles, playing games and exploring books, with the childminder and their peers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children attend local toddler and childminding groups and visit parks and soft play areas frequently. They walk to the park and feed the ducks and enjoy visits to the seaside. The childminder takes children to the local library and they post letters at the post office, making very good use of every opportunity to promote children's learning. Older children have access to a range of puzzles and games, as well as creative resources, and all children benefit from opportunities to choose their own equipment and play provision playing an active role in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are valued as individuals and the childminder ensures she finds out about their individual needs, likes and interests and home and family circumstances. This enables her to plan suitable activities and experiences and also helps secure relationships. She has a good understanding of equal opportunities and ensures this is reflected throughout her practice. The childminder promotes a fully inclusive environment and invites every child to participate in activities provided and access the full range of play provision. Children begin to gain an understanding of diversity because she talks to them about the similarities and differences between themselves and others. This is enhanced through the use of puzzles and books promoting positive images of ethnicity, gender and disability. Children participate in planned activities linked to festivals and special events, increasing their awareness of other cultures

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and beliefs, for example they recently made lanterns when learning about Divali.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to behave in a positive manner and benefit from consistent boundaries and house rules. The childminder recognises the importance of praise to boost children's confidence and increase their sense of self assurance and belonging. She uses discussion and distraction methods to deal with unwanted behaviour and talks about the effect their behaviour has on others, helping children to recognise and understand the consequences of their actions. Children benefit because the childminder recognises the importance of establishing and maintaining secure friendly relationships with parents. Effective settling in and induction procedures help to ensure children are settled and develop a sense of security. Information about the childminder's practice is shared with parents through informal discussion, review meetings every three months and through written information included in a parent pack and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder portfolio. Parents are provided with contact details for Ofsted and know how to make a complaint through a written complaints procedure. The childminder is fully aware of the need to keep records relating to complaints, although has not introduced the requirement to keep a complaints log.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is extremely well organised and makes good use of time and space to ensure children are well cared for and enjoy the time they spend in her care. She has a secure knowledge of child development and provides a stimulating range of experiences, matched to children's age and stage of development, promoting their learning and increasing their confidence. As a result, 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 The childminder keeps well maintained documentation, over and above what is required, although there is a minor weakness in the recording of children's attendance. Full names of children are not recorded on the daily register and records do not reflect the actual time children are in the childminder's care, on a day to day basis. Children's health, safety and well-being are promoted because the childminder understands the requirements of the National Standards and ensures these are implemented in practice. She has a comprehensive portfolio and parent pack, which includes information about her family, qualifications and experience, references and policies and procedures. This is shared effectively with parents, ensuring they are well informed about how she meets the requirements of her registration and promotes successful

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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 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 satisfactory. 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 procedures for recording children's daily attendance • further develop the complaints procedure to introduce the requirement to keep a complaints log

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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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