Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 505560 Inspection date 06 February 2006 Inspector Fran Fielder

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and their 2 children aged 25 and 15. They live in a detached house in a residential area of Uckfield close to local schools and shops. There are several local parks a short walk or drive away and the town centre is approximately half a mile from the property. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a bedroom on the first floor for sleeping children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under 8 years at any one time. She currently cares for seven children, all on a part time basis. She sometimes works

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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 with an assistant. The family has a dog, three guinea pigs and fish in a pond. The childminder is a member of the National Child Minding Association (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and relaxed environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Effective daily routines and the childminder's own good practice prevent cross infection. When children start potty training, for example, the childminder introduces hand washing as part of the potty training routine. This ensures children develop good hygiene habits from an early age. The childminder cooks food supplied by parents. The childminder provides raisins as snacks and makes fruit smoothies. The childminder helps children understand foods that are good for them. Water is always available in suitable containers. Children have plenty to drink and this contributes to their good health. Children enjoy plenty of physical exercise that keeps them healthy. Playing in the garden on large equipment develops balancing and climbing skills. They play with bats and balls which helps develop their hand and eye coordination. Bouncing on a

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Helping children to be healthy

trampoline strengthens leg muscles. All these activities ensure children's enthusiasm for physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Young children have strong relationships with the childminder who is responsive to their needs. This caters for their emotional well-being and ensures they feel safe, valued and comfortable in the childminder's home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm, welcoming environment. They benefit from playing in a spacious well-organised environment. This allows them to move around safely. They have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for children's stage of development. Regular checks ensure there are no broken items that could harm a child. The childminder makes older children aware of the need to keep small items away from babies so they do not choke. This helps children recognise the needs of others. Children benefit from well-supervised outdoor play. They enjoy playing in the garden and sometimes feed the fish in the pond. The pond has an appropriate cover and does not pose a risk to children. Clear procedures for outings ensure children's safety at all times. The childminder uses reins to prevent young children from running in the road. When playing in public parks, the childminder keeps children in her sight at all

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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 times. She talks to children about potential dangers so children learn how to keep themselves safe. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is clear about her role and understands the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. This safeguards and promotes 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 confident in the childminder's home. They readily approach the childminder for support and she is receptive to their needs. Children show independence as they freely choose from a selection of good quality toys. Children enjoy very positive relationships with the childminder who is warm and affectionate. This makes children feel comfortable and valued. Constant praise and encouragement builds self-esteem and makes children want to tackle new challenges. Children enjoy a good range of activities that are fun and age appropriate. Children enjoy looking at books and singing action songs. Regular counting and naming colours support children's mathematical development. Visits to toddler clubs give children the opportunity to mix with other children. This helps them develop important social skills, such as sharing. Good interaction with the childminder ensures

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's language develops well. Picnics in Abbots Wood and visits to Arlington reservoir help children learn about the local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with respect and acknowledges their individuality. She has toys and books that reflect positive images of diversity. She talks positively to children about different people in society. This helps children see and accept differences from an early age. She knows the children well and this makes children feel confident and relaxed. Constant praise and encouragement helps children develop a good self-image. The childminder gathers all relevant information to ensure appropriate care. Daily feedback to parents ensures continuity of care. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs. She works closely with parents to ensure appropriate care. Children behave well when with the childminder. She uses positive strategies to promote good behaviour. This means children learn self-control. She discusses strategies with parents to ensure they are appropriate for the individual.

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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 The organisation is good. Children play in a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to make them feel secure and confident. The childminder keeps up-to-date with current good practice by attending relevant courses. She meets with other childminders to discuss practice. This ensures she builds her knowledge of childcare so she can support individual children.

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Organisation

All required paperwork is in place and well maintained. However, parents do not give prior written permission every time a child requires medication. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care. The information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to ensure parents sign all entries in the accident book. The childminder records relevant details of any accident and parents sign to acknowledge the entry. This means parents are aware of the nature of the accident and know that the childminder acts in the best interest of the child. The childminder also agreed to complete her record of attendance on a daily basis. She records times of arrival and departure each day. This means records are accurate and supports children's welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain prior written consent from parents each time medication is required

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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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