Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY359241 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2008 Inspection date Sue Taylor 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 two children aged three and seven in Eastbourne. The ground floor and upstairs bedrooms, of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two cats and a lizard. The childminder attends the local toddler groups and takes children to the local park.

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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 six children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She provides occasional care for children aged eight and over.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a National Vocational Qualification level 2 in Children's Care, Learning and Development obtained in 2008.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, homely environment. The childminder follows good hygiene routines that help children stay healthy. Children learn about the importance of hand washing and the use of individual towels helps prevent cross contamination. The childminder maintains the relevant documentation for medication and accidents. Parents are made aware of any accidents and assured that medication is administered correctly. However, the date of administration is not always that clear. Children who are infectious do not attend thus preventing the spread of contagious ailments

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Helping children to be healthy

Throughout the day children have easy access to drinks. This enables them to control their own thirst needs and helps prevent dehydration. The childminder provides healthy meals such as pasta with a variety of vegetables. Example menus are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to enjoy physical play in the fresh air. They play in the garden and go for local walks. Indoors they use a range of toys that encourage their physical development and coordination. The childminder is very warm and caring towards children, supporting their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home. The childminder has a detailed written risk assessment that shows her understanding of reducing potential hazards. She has suitable procedures in place for ensuring children’s safety in the event of a fire. Toys are age appropriate, in good condition and of good quality. Children make safe choices about their play with some resources stored at low level. The childminder ensures toys and equipment are kept clean and free from damage.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through explanations from the childminder, children learn how to keep themselves safe. Written risk assessments for varied places that the childminder visits with children, helps ensure hazards are minimised and children kept safe. For example, they learn how to cross roads safely. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate; as a result, she is able to administer appropriate first aid in the event of an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of her responsibilities in safeguarding children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and content. They develop a warm and close relationship with the childminder. The childminder spends time playing with children, getting involved in their games whilst letting the child take the lead. Toys and resources are easily accessible and enable children to make choices about their play. There is a good selection, however little use is made of alternatives to manufactured toys and games. Children’s early learning is encouraged as they play, for example as the childminder counts with children as they use the play dough. This also supports their physical development as they knead, prod and squash the dough.

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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’s speech and language is effectively developed as the childminder encourages children to talk as they play, valuing what they have to say. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder. The childminder plans for a varied range of activities such as modelling, beach trips, picnics, cooking, minigolf and walks in the woods. Children benefit from various outings to toddler groups for crafts, singing and music, that also help support their developing social skills. The childminder is beginning to make observations as children play and from these she is noting the next steps in their learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and how meeting the individual needs of children helps them settle and feel valued. The range of resources, that positively reflect other cultures and disability, helps children’s growing awareness of the wider world. Children develop good self-esteem and confidence, as they are welcomed into the childminder’s home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour management is good and effective. The childminder has a good understanding of taking children’s age and stage of development into account. Strategies used to manage behaviour are positive and help children understand what is unacceptable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are well informed about their child’s day. They receive verbal feedback and the childminder shares the new development records that note children’s achievements. Parents are well informed about the childminder’s practices from discussion or by looking through the file, which includes some written detail. Subjects covered include the fire evacuation plan, behaviour management, complaints and the non-collection of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from an organised environment and day, arranged to suit their needs and enjoyment. They receive good attention and support from the childminder, helping them feel secure and happy. The required records and documentation are in place, although the dates on the medication record are not always clear. The record of attendance is accurate as the childminder records times as children arrive and depart. Varied written consents are obtained helping to support parents in the care of their children. The childminder is keen to develop her childcare practices and is undertaking some relevant training. She has a good awareness of the strengths of her practice and is aware of the importance of being a reflective practitioner. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • ensure that the date when medication is administered is clear on the records • develop resources to include some alternative items to manufactured toys for children to explore

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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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