Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310549 Inspection date 08 March 2006 Inspector Jill Steer

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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 adult daughter in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have one rabbit and one guinea pig.

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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 supports children with special educational needs. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing a healthy lifestyle and have many opportunities to enjoy fresh air and physical activity. Regular outings to the park, the river or the airport, as well as to activity venues such as Mighty Mites, help children develop their physical skills, as do activities in the garden. Children begin to understand about the importance of good personal hygiene and self care skills. For example, they wash their hands frequently throughout the day using water free hand cleanser, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Children also learn how to reduce the spread of germs as they assist the childminder with routine procedures such as nappy changing, when they emulate her good practice with a doll. The childminder acts in the children's best interest when they are ill, and appropriately records any injuries. However, she does not have prior written consent to administer medication, which does not ensure their wellbeing if they

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Helping children to be healthy

become unwell. Meals and snacks are freshly prepared to ensure the children receive a well balanced diet of healthy food. They sit together sociably at the table, and helping to prepare the food encourages them to eat. Parents are consulted as to the correct diet for each child, and the childminder consults with them regarding issues such as weaning. All children are constantly reminded to drink from the filtered water made available to them at all times, ensuring they remain hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a comfortable and secure environment. They learn how to keep themselves safe as they play, through advice such as picking up toys from the floor so they do not trip, and coming downstairs on their bottom so they do not fall. Children are closely supervised on outings, staying close to the childminder and each other. They learn about road safety as they are encouraged to cross at the crossing, they push the button to stop the traffic, and know not to run as they cross while looking both ways. Children enjoy playing with a wide and stimulating range of play equipment and resources, which are regularly checked and cleaned to ensure they continue to play safely. The low level storage of the resources allows children to choose for themselves what they play with, developing their independence and self-confidence. The secure, enclosed garden provides opportunities for children to extend their play

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

experiences safely, and while still under the close supervision of the childminder.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility regarding child protection. She will report any concerns promptly in order to protect the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and relaxed as they happily play, while the childminder is close by to provide support and encouragement. They have developed warm and caring relationships with each other, and spend much of their time laughing as they clearly enjoy spending time together. Children's individual needs are recognised and provided for by the childminder. For example, she ensures babies are suitably occupied, placing toys just out of their reach to encourage them to crawl, while sitting with older children nearby to offer encouragement as they complete a jigsaw puzzle. Children feel valued as individuals as the childminder acknowledges their contributions. For example, by displaying their work on the walls which they proudly point to and explain. A balanced and well planned day ensures children experience a wide range of activities which meet all their individual needs. For example, each day includes time

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

spent outdoors, either in the garden or on an outing. They have a quiet, relaxing session after lunch, sharing books with the childminder or sleeping, as their needs require. In between times children have access to crafts and free choice play, selecting toys independently. They have fun with the childminder, as they are encouraged to ask questions and think, learning through the challenges and experiences provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to settle confidently in the care of the childminder, as they observe her friendly partnership with their parents. Information is shared between them which ensures children's needs are effectively met, and they are treated as individuals which makes them feel valued. Parents are invited to an annual social evening at the childminder's house. This gives them an opportunity to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere, while their records are checked to ensure the information about their children's care is up-to-date. Parents are asked to express their comments in writing about the care their children receive, and speak highly of the childminder. However, there is no complaints log in place for them to report any concerns they may need to raise. Children's additional needs are identified, and the childminder is prepared to adapt the service she provides to include the support

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needed for their individual development. Children behave well as the childminder manages them consistently. She constantly reinforces their good behaviour with praise and encouragement, and acts as a positive role model with her calm disposition. She provides clear explanations about

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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 what is expected from children, and about why some behaviour is unwanted. Children are able to flourish, reassured by the realistic boundaries set for them. The childminder's positive attitude towards diversity helps children learn to be tolerant and respectful. The celebration of festivals, outings within the local community, and a good selection of resources all provide children with a positive view of the wider world.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised and stimulating daily routine which is planned around their individual needs. Their health, safety and wellbeing is promoted successfully through the detailed policies and procedures the childminder has in place. These are shared with the parents so they have a clear understanding of the care their children will receive. The childminder is suitably trained and experienced to care for children. She continues to develop her skills and knowledge through attending further training courses which enhances the service she already provides to children and their families. She closely supervises and supports the children to ensure they are protected from any persons who may not be vetted. The childminder is well organised and maintains an efficient record keeping system which is confidentially stored. She clearly displays her certificate of registration and

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Organisation

accurately records children's daily attendance to reflect when she is childminding. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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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): • seek written consent from parents to administer medication • ensure a record of complaints is in place

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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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