Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307876 Inspection date 21 November 2005 Inspector Elaine Simmons

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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 first registered in May 2005. She lives in a semi-detached house on a housing estate close to Crawley town centre. Local shops, parks, schools and pre-school are within walking distance. The childminder lives with her partner and child aged 16 months. She currently minds 2 children aged 10 months and 9 years on a part time basis over the course of the week. Registration is for 5 children under 8 years. Children have access to the lounge/ dinning room and secure rear garden. Toilet and sleeping facilities are situated on the first floor of the home and the family have two

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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 pet gold fish in a tank in the kitchen. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is currently attending the Developing and Extending Childminding Practice training course.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in the childminders clean and tidy home where they are happy and content. The childminder has good health and hygiene routines which protect children from cross infection. She ensures sickness is dealt with appropriately and maintains accidents and medication records satisfactorily. Good procedures are in place regarding the care of her pets. Children are taken out daily, they visit local parks for physical recreation and this ensures children's good health is supported. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating. Parents of very young children provide all food and drink, and the childminder makes certain that this is stored appropriately and given to children at the correct time. The childminder knows the children well, and is aware of their individual routines and preferences, which contributes towards children feeling comfortable and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminders organised and well maintained home, they are able to move freely in the lounge and dinning room on the ground floor. The childminder has good safety procedures in place to protect children from harm and gives good supervision to maintain their safety at all times. For example, she prevents access to hot radiators and cupboards containing hazards and takes children to the park for physical play while the rear garden is undergoing alterations. The children have access to a wide selection of clean, safe and suitable age related toys to help them learn and progress. These provide variety and are changed over at appropriate times during the day by the childminder, and are stored in suitable large plastic containers in a cupboard. Children can access toys easily and safely. The children benefit from the childminder's clear knowledge and understanding of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection procedures and requirements which ensure their wellbeing is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of activities for the children. Children are taken out daily and benefit from outings to local carer and toddler groups, where they can play and socialise with other children. They benefit from a daily routine that includes sufficient periods for rest and recreation. Older children needs are satisfactorily met as she encourages them to bring favourite toys from home. The

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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 childminder maintains the safety of the younger children by ensuring these toys are played with on the dinning room table which keeps small parts out of younger children's reach. She is aware of the value of children's television programmes and is selective in it's use. Children also benefit from listening to and joining in with suitable music and songs tapes giving them enjoyment and promoting their development in all areas. The childminder sits and plays with the children anticipating their individual needs, supporting their play by encouraging them, helping to build their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has sufficient, suitable resources that reflects the diversity of the wider world. She consistently meets the individual needs of the children and she ensures information is shared with parents to successfully promote children's welfare. The childminder does not mind any children with special educational needs at the present time. However she is aware of requirements and the need to liaise with parents and other professionals. Children benefit from the childminders good knowledge and understanding of age appropriate, behaviour management skills. For example, she gives children good supervision by sitting with them and assisting their play, enabling her to anticipate their needs. She provides sufficient resources to enable children to have one each of favourite toys, and uses distraction to help them achieve the behaviour required. Parents are provided with satisfactory written

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information about her childminding service. The childminder is willing to provide a daily contact diary or if they prefer to give parents verbal feedback about their child's day. This keeps parents up to date and helps to ensure children receive appropriate care at all times.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises the environment, so that the children can access resources easily and move freely and safely in the lounge-dinning room under her constant supervision. She meets the required adult - child ratios, attends suitable training to extend her qualifications. For example, she is currently completing the Developing Childminding Practice and Extending Childminding Practice course and holds a suitable, current first aid certificate to meet children's needs effectively. The children's records and all relevant documentation are up to date and in order, well organised and stored satisfactorily for easy reference and to maintain confidentiality. However the childminder has not advised parents of her complaints procedure or Ofsted's contact details. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

There are no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by a parent, 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): • ensure parents are advised of the complaints procedure and Ofsted's contact details.

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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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