Childminder in Brighton and HoveOfsted inspection, 1 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 130874 Inspection date 01 March 2006 Inspector Chris Mackinnon

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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 satisfactory. 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 2001. She lives with her husband and their young children in Brighton. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The lower patio area of the back garden is available for outdoor play The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children aged under 8 years. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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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 good. Children are protected from illness and infection by the childminder's effective hygiene practice. Their independence is developed when using the toilet and through the childminder's guidance and frequent hygiene routines, children learn to keep clean. They learn the importance of a healthy diet and experience new foods. The childminder has a competent awareness of food allergies and ensures children are suitably protected. She shares information daily with parents to ensure children's health, growth and development are supported well. Children's physical development is promoted effectively with a range of activities and regular outdoor trips to nearby play areas and nature trails. This contributes to the their overall good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe by the childminder's sound awareness of safety. The childminder has a range of safety precautions, but some items are not in place due to recent changes in the home. Children learn to play safely with others through the childminder's guidance and close supervision; with consideration also given to playing safely outdoors and on outings. Children have access to play materials that are safe and clean. They make choices about their play activities and can select play items easily. The childminder has an organised range of resources, including role-play and creative play materials, to support children's imaginative development. Children have access to an adequate selection of reading materials. Children are safeguarded in the setting by appropriate fire safety precautions. The childminder has a clear knowledge of child protection procedures and an awareness

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of her responsibilities in safeguarding children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children explore and play in a stimulating play environment. They develop good speech and language skills and use play and learning resources well during organised activities. Children are introduced to numbers and counting and their physical development is successfully supported. Younger children are able to explore tactile and early-play resources. Older children enjoy role-play, table-top games and imaginative art-crafts activities. The childminder takes an active part in story-telling and reading books with children, giving close consideration to those learning words and recognising shapes and colours. Children learn about nature on outings and have a growing awareness of where they live. The childminder uses her training and child care experience well to support children's learning and development.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel secure and build self-confidence within the setting, through the childminder's organised care and positive use of praise and encouragement. Children are given clear boundaries within the home and learn what is acceptable behaviour. Children are encouraged to share and help each other to be aware of the needs of their peers. The childminder is committed to providing a fully integrated service and is open to caring for children with special needs. Children's individual care and welfare is adequately supported. The childminder regularly provides parents with information on children's development and learning progress. The childminder is considerate of the need to be inclusive. However, not enough resources and activities are provided to help children learn about diversity and the wider world.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from secure daily routines and take an active part in play and learning. They have access to organised play areas within the home. An adequate range of resources are in place to promote children's care and welfare. The childminder has a recognised child care qualification and has suitable first aid training to work with children. The childminder has sound working relationships with parents, who receive clear information on their children's care and progress. Her record keeping is up-to-date but not well organised. In addition, there is also no written record of complaints. Parents receive basic information on the childminder's care procedures and childminding service. Overall, the provision meets the needs of all the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained written guidance on child protection procedures and has introduced signed consents to transport children by car, supporting improved outcomes for children in Staying Safe.

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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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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 satisfactory. 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 a full range of child safety precautions are in place within the home • develop resources and activities to reflect diversity and help children learn about the wider world • re-organise record keeping and include a record of complaints

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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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