Childminder in Brighton and Hove

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY236331 Inspection date 10 March 2006 Inspector Christine McInally

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder first registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and 3 children aged 4, 10 and 11 years. The property comprises of a semi-detached house in the Patcham area of Brighton, close to local amenities. The childminder uses mainly the ground floor for childminding purposes and there is a safe and secure garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is currently caring for 10 children; one full time and the others on a part time basis.

p.2

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from illness and infection by the childminder's consistent and well organised hygiene routines. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet or before eating food. The childminder's clear understanding of the need for good hygiene is reflected in her daily practice. She has effective nappy changing routines and good procedures if children become ill. These measures help reduce risk of infection to children. Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. This provides good opportunities for exercise and fresh air. They visit the park and have regular access to outdoor play. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play. Children have a good relationship with the childminder, who is responsive to their emotional needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children gain a good understanding of the elements of a healthy lifestyle. Meal and snack times are sociable; children sit at the table with the childminder who chats to them about what they are eating. This helps children understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices; she involves the children in the preparation of their food. She encourages them to try new foods and provides healthy snacks such as fresh fruit.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where they feel secure and confident. Space within the home, together with furniture and resources, is arranged to enable children to move around safely and to provide plenty of room for play. Children enjoy their play in a safe environment where the childminder has identified and minimised risks, such as ensuring items that might be harmful are inaccessible to the children. Children enjoy playing with toys and resources that have been carefully chosen for their stage of development and are able to choose these easily as they are stored at their level. When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety, helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe. The childminder has an awareness of all safety-related issues and has in place all the relevant policies and procedures to ensure children's safety. Children's welfare is

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protected as the childminder has an understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. All of these measures contribute to the safety and welfare of the children.

p.3

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 The provision is good. Children are well settled and very at home in the childminder's house. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. The interesting and worthwhile range of activities and outings provided help children learn a great deal about the world in which they live. Children have access to a good range of well chosen resources which are used to support children's learning and development in all areas. The childminder reads to the children and asks questions, helping to develop their language skills. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, music and pretend play. The childminder is extremely warm and affectionate, making children feel comfortable

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and valued. Children are very happy, relaxed and confident in the childminder's care. She spends time playing with them, is interested in what they do and say; children respond very positively to her.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel good about themselves because the childminder treats them with respect. They develop an awareness of their own and other cultures because the childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through the regular outings and trips provided. Children are happy and feel secure in the childminder's home. They develop stable relationships with others and benefit from the childminder's frequent praise and encouragement. The childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries and children learn what acceptable behaviour is. The childminder has friendly but professional relationships with the parents. She discusses the children's needs thoroughly with the parents ensuring their individual needs are well met. She informs parents fully of her practice and uses a journal with children cared for full time, ensuring they have continued support. The childminder

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

forms good relationships with the children and values their contributions; as a result, they are developing their own personal independence well.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very at home and benefit from the well organised play space provided. They receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well, helping them feel secure and confident. A broad range of suitable play and learning resources are in place to effectively promote children's care and welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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 childminder has a business like approach to her childminding and maintains her records well, promoting the children's wellbeing. The childminder has established positive working relationships with parents promoting the children's welfare, care and learning. While the childminder has in place a number of parental consents she does not have written consent to act in a medical emergency. She discusses all aspects of the children's care with the parents, who are kept well informed of their child's achievements, promoting their continued development. The childminder also has appropriate first aid training to work with children.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder increased the range of resources that reflect diversity, helping children gain an understanding of the wider world. She has also restocked her first aid box ensuring she can deal with any minor injuries that might occur.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain written parental consent to act in the child's best interest in the case of a medical emergency.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5