Childminder, Out-of school day care in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304195 Inspection date 05 September 2005 Inspector June Fielden

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 2 and 3 in Copthorne, Crawley. The whole of the childminder's 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 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children part-time. She walks and drives to local shops, parks, playgroups and schools. The childminder attends toddler groups and takes children to the local library. The family have a pet dog.

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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 satisfactory. Children learn healthy habits, washing their hands before they eat and after playing in the garden or using the toilet. The childminder recently attended a first aid course and has the appropriate records to log details of accidents and medication administered to children to maintain their wellbeing. However, children's health is not fully safeguarded, as she has not obtained parents permission for emergency medical treatment or sought professional advice on the specific health condition of a minded child. The childminder is aware of the need to provide a balanced diet, and cooks evening meals for the children that include meat, fish, pasta and vegetables. Children can request water at any time, and the childminder regularly checks whether they need a drink, to ensure they are not thirsty. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute towards keeping them healthy. In

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Helping children to be healthy

fine weather they visit the park every day and play on a range of suitable equipment in the childminder's garden. When it is wet children attend indoor activities, where they can strengthen their muscles using appropriate soft surface resources, and socialise with others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Effective measures are in place to protect children. The childminder is aware of potential hazards and carries out regular risk assessments to ensure children's safety. The childminder has an emergency escape plan which she has practiced with children and smoke alarms are in place. All exits from the house and garden are kept locked to ensure children are unable to leave on their own. Children move around freely and safely in the area of the home used as a play room. The childminder provides a clean, welcoming environment for children. A broad range of toys appropriate to children's age and stage of development are accessible to them in the house and garden. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder, as she has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs of abuse and would record any concerns. The childminder knows how to seek advice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder develops children's intellectual capacities by engaging them in spelling and counting activities. She shares books with children and computer

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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 programmes are available, enabling them to become more familiar with current technology. Children participate in a variety of planned craft activities which develop their creative skills, from cooking and using play dough to making collage pictures. The childminder supports children in their imaginative play. For example, she provided children with suitable pieces of paper to use as money in their role play as shop assistants. Children independently choose what they wish to play with, and the childminder makes herself available to offer ideas and advice when necessary. Younger children benefit from being encouraged to join in games with older children, learning from their broader range of experiences while developing the appropriate social skills. As a result, younger children are confident, being able to communicate and co-operate in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder cares for minded children as part of the family and consequently they have a sense of belonging. She acquires as much information as possible about new children and uses this to meet their individual needs. One child cried when she was collected at the end of the day because she was happy at the childminder's home and did not wish to leave. The childminder makes children aware of cultural differences through the toys and activities she makes available to them, but currently lacks resources to promote their understanding of disabilities. Parents are pleased with the level of care provided for children and the information they receive about their progress. The childminder is available to talk to parents at the end of each day and she will speak to them on the telephone when more confidential issues need be discussed. The childminder develops sound relationships

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with parents and uses the exchange of information to enhance the level of care for children. As a result, parents are well informed and know how to make a complaint should the need arise. Children receive praise for their achievements. Consequently, they take pride in their work which is shared with parents. The childminder uses a variety of strategies to deal with unwanted behaviour and as a result generally manages to resolve disputes reasonably quickly. The childminder reprimands children for using inappropriate language, which develops their understanding of right and wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has produced a portfolio for new parents to make them aware of how she organises her practice. Her records are always available for parents to see and she stores them securely to ensure confidentiality is maintained. The childminder's attendance record is kept up to date and well completed. She protects

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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 from harm when visitors are present by staying with them at all times. Children are content in the childminder's home, which is arranged to allow the maximum amount of space play. The childminder organises the day to provide time for meals, planned activities and a quiet time before children go home. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children.

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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): • request training and advice from a qualified health professional to obtain a thorough understanding of the specific health conditions of minded children • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • provide resources which reflect a positive image of disability.

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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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