Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY276488 Inspection date 30 November 2005 Inspector Mary Gilbert

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 January 2004 and moved to her current address in March 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 5 and 8 in Lowestoft, Suffolk. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for three on a part time basis. The childminder walks to the local school and nursery to take and collect children.

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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 She is a member of the local childminding network and is currently working towards the Suffolk Kitemark.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment. Children enjoy a range of activities which promote their good health. For example, they have daily opportunities to play in the well organised outdoor area or go for walks to the park or seafront. Children learn to develop good hygiene routines with regards to handwashing. They learn the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Should a child become unwell whilst in the care of the childminder there are good procedures in place to advise parents or to seek advice or treatments. Accidents and medication given are clearly logged and parents informed. The childminder works with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are met. Children bring lunch boxes, and healthy snacks of fruit are provided morning and afternoon. Children are easily able to access drinks whenever they need.

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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 welcoming environment. The house and garden are well organised to provide for children's needs. For example, the outdoor area is divided into three areas, one for large play activities, one for role play and a third for wheeled toys. The house has identified areas for messy play, role play and a floor area for carpet games. There is ample space for storage of toys which children can access independently. There is a good range of resources and equipment available to meet the needs of all children. Risks to children are minimised by the childminder in the house, garden and on outings. Good procedures are in place to record children present and visitors to the house whilst minded children are present. There are clear policies and procedures written down and shared with parents. Children are made aware of what to do in an emergency. Children are well protected by the childminder's understanding of child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

issues which is supported by regular training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in the setting. They are given a wide range of stimulating

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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 experiences, both in the setting and on visits to a variety of places in the locality. Children are encouraged to make choices from the provided range of resources and daily routines provide for their needs, for example, in taking and collecting from nursery school. The childminder interacts appropriately in the children's play, asking them questions and enabling them to develop their own ideas. For example she shares books they have chosen and asks what they would like to do. However, currently no planning is in place to provide for children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are known and the childminder works with parents to ensure their needs can be met. For example, any special requirements are noted and adjustments made to enable children to access all activities. The childminder works with other professionals as required to ensure she has sufficient information to enable her to provide effective care for children. Children learn to behave well through consistent management by the childminder who intervenes appropriately. Children understand the behaviour boundaries set and respond well to praise and encouragement. Children benefit from the development of good relationships between their parents and the childminder. Daily exchanges of information ensures that children's needs are met. A contact book is kept and parents are informed of any achievements or special events. Parents' views are sought to ensure they are happy with the care

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Helping children make a positive contribution

provided, and adjustments made where necessary.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment is well organised to provide for the needs of children. Children are well supported by the high level of adult support which has a positive impact on children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. The childminder has developed clear policies and procedures which are shared with parents and work in practise to meet the needs of minded children. Records are reviewed regularly to ensure appropriate care is given. However, confidentiality is not always maintained in the way records are stored. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there are no complaints to report. 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): • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters' • improve organisation of children's records to ensure confidentiality is maintained.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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