Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303581 Inspection date 13 October 2005 Inspector Michele, Karen Beasley

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her partner and one young son. They live in a house in Selsey, near Chichester. There are schools, local shops and parks within walking distance. The ground floor and first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children, aged between 1 year and 5 years. The family do not keep pets.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene and develop good self-care skills through daily routines and discussion. The childminder actively encourages the older children to wash their own hands, talking about germs and the importance of being clean at meal times, while ensuring the younger children are assisted as necessary. Children are healthy and safe, and parents are well informed because the childminder has a good understanding of the procedures for recording accidents and administering medication. The records of accidents are comprehensive and detailed, how the accident happened and how it was dealt with. Parents sign to acknowledge all the entries. Children benefit from the childminder's clear understanding of healthy eating. Children talk about the types of food which are good for them, they describe how they taste and feel, helping them to learn about healthy and nutritious food. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder has a flexible approach to providing a range of snacks and meals. She works extremely closely with parents to ensure the children's individual needs are being met and the parents wishes are being respected at all times. Children have ample opportunities to develop their physical skills, such as riding on sit and ride trikes, running and jumping in the garden. The range of equipment used provides sufficient challenges for all the children who attend, helping to develop their self-confidence and muscle skills. The childminder ensures the children go out daily to reap the benefits of the fresh air and children enjoy their outings to local parks and the nearby field where they play football and frisbee throwing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a safe and secure environment because the childminder is vigilant and removes potential hazards. There are good arrangements for the supervision and safety of children such as fire safety precautions; however, fire drills are not carried out with the children. Children are made aware of dangers through general conversation and daily routines; for example, they know they must sit down on low-level chairs properly, they hold onto the childminder's hand whilst crossing the road and follow simple rules to keep them safe when they are learning to use new equipment. Children feel safe and are extremely settled because of the high levels of support and supervision provided by the childminder. Children are well protected because the childminder has a thorough understanding of child protection procedures and has completed a child protection course to update her knowledge. Children are able to access the resources freely, developing their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 independence fully. The clean and well maintained toys and play materials are stored in a resource cupboard and boxes in the lounge. Children make their own choices throughout the day and the childminder supports and encourages them enthusiastically, promoting their self-esteem effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very confident and have extremely good self-esteem. The childminder has an exceptional understanding of children's developmental needs and she participates fully during activities, encouraging children to join in. Children have many opportunities to develop an extensive range of skills and progress well in all areas in a stimulating, exciting and interesting environment. Children reach their full potential because they are able to work things out for themselves and are encouraged to persevere; for example, being supported by the childminder to achieve the goal of climbing unaided onto a chair and feeling gloop for the first time. Children are valued as individuals, the childminder differentiates activities and resources effectively taking each child's abilities and needs into account. Children's self confidence is extremely good. Children are eager to join in all

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the interesting activities and help plan the monthly topics. High quality conversation flows freely between the children and the childminder, helping to develop the children's communication and social skills effectively. The childminder asks open ended questions at every opportunity, encouraging the children to think about what they are doing. She makes eye contact and responds quickly and appropriately to the children, making them feel important and part of the group. Children benefit from the childminder's strong support, she is affectionate and consistent, she organises the routines to ensure all children have the opportunity for one-to-one activities and group activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's good partnership with parents. Children's individual needs are fully met because the childminder takes the time to get to know each child and their families. Children are extremely happy and settled. They feel valued because their individual needs are discussed during arrival and collection. Daily record sheets are used effectively to ensure nothing is forgotten, enabling parents to contribute to the children's experiences with the childminder. The childminder has no experience of working with children who have special needs at this time; however, through discussion was able to demonstrate a clear understanding of her responsibilities. She would be happy to liaise with other agencies and always works closely with the parents to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 behaviour is good because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder gives extremely clear explanations aimed at each child's level of understanding; for example, letting the children know why it is dangerous to leave toys in the middle of the room. Children understand the simple and consistent house rules, they share the toys and resources fairly, learning to show consideration for others. Children are beginning to show an understanding of the world around them, through practical activities and regular outings. The childminder has a very clear understanding of equal opportunities. However, the range of multi-cultural resources is limited therefore this impacts on introducing the children to other cultures and beliefs through their everyday routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are fully occupied and engaged with ample play opportunities during their time at the setting, as the childminder organises the daily routines exceptionally well. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children's health, safety and wellbeing is promoted effectively because all the legally required documentation is comprehensive, detailed, accurate, up-to-date and shared openly with parents. Children benefit and thrive in an extremely well organised, mostly safe, secure and stimulating environment, where they are protected by solid written procedures which are implemented effectively by the childminder. Children enjoy their time with the childminder because resources and activities are planned well, provide sufficient challenge and the days are full and run smoothly. The childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration and the inspection process,

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Organisation

keeping children safe. The childminder is enthusiastic and self-motivated, she is highly committed to providing the highest standard of care for all the children who attend. Children benefit from calmness and exceptional understanding of their individual needs.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 regular fire drills are carried out with the children • ensure that toys and resources reflect diversity of culture

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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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