Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY281521 Inspection date 26 May 2005 Inspector Sue Taylor

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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 2004. She lives with her husband, adult son and two school children in Hastings. The lower ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with use of the bathroom upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three children.

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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 has a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm and clean environment. They learn about good hygiene practices, through effective routines and clear explanations from the childminder. Children learn about the importance of washing their hands, with young children encouraged to wash their own, after nappy changes. Clear information shared with parents regards the care of sick and injured children, ensures that children's welfare has high priority. Children are learning about the benefits of a healthy diet. They have access to drinking water throughout the day, with young children being able to access their beakers freely. The childminder provides nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to children and meet their dietary needs. The children enjoy good daily exercise and fresh air. Local walks, trips to parks and the beach contribute to their good health. Varied activities that aid children’s hand

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Helping children to be healthy

eye coordination and encourage them to improve their skills such as jumping, support their physical development well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the safe, secure and well-organised home where risks are minimised. Toys are age appropriate and of good quality, enabling children to make safe choices about their play. The childminder ensures that toys and equipment are clean and free from damage. The well-organised and safe storage of toys and play materials enables children to make additional choices from those put out by the childminder. Children learn how to keep themselves safe, particularly when out and about, with the childminder teaching them how to cross roads safely and by ensuring that they are well supervised at all times. Children understand what they need to do should there be a fire through regular emergency evacuation practices. The childminder has completed her first aid training and maintains the relevant paperwork well, ensuring children's accidents and injuries are dealt with efficiently and in line with current

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

practices. The childminder has a sound knowledge of issues relating to child protection and a clear awareness of her responsibilities in safeguarding children's welfare.

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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 The provision is good. Children are very settled and content at the childminder's house. A variety of toys that the childminder knows that the child enjoys is easily accessible and children are confident in asking to choose something else from the broad range, stored close by. Children happily play independently and gain from good adult support when necessary. Attendance at toddler groups and playing with others helps children gain good social skills, learning to share and take turns. Children's language and communication development is met well by the childminder. She spends time talking to the children, asking good questions and listening to what they have to say. Older children are encouraged to develop their reading and writing skills. Children's creative and imaginative play is well supported by activities such as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

making models from recycled packaging and painting. The childminder further challenges children in different ways, such as exploring the mixing of colours and learning to count. Children's artwork is valued, with examples kept in a folder to share. Children start to have a sense of belonging and their self-esteem fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an acceptable attitude towards equal opportunities, ensuring that children are valued for who they are. Children have resources to play with that show positive images of other cultures however those that reflect disabilities are limited. Some activities help children's growing awareness of the wider world. The childminder has no experience of working with children with special needs, though she has a general understanding of possible issues. Children learn about acceptable behaviour with the childminder who has consistent expectations and gives clear explanations. Methods to manage behaviour are appropriate to children's age and understanding and discussed with parents. Children benefit from lots of descriptive praise and encouragement, and consequently they are relaxed and happy. The childminder works closely with parents to support children and meet their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

individual needs. The daily verbal exchange of information with parents tells them about their child's day. The childminder shares written detail about her childcare practices and procedures with parents. Some written consents are in place, helping to ensure children's welfare is met. However, written consent for transporting children in a vehicle is not available and may be useful even though the childminder is not a car driver herself.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well supervised at all times, ensuring they are protected from unvetted

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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 persons and kept safe. They benefit from being able to play in a well-organised environment and have access to a range of stimulating resources and activities. They receive good support from the childminder who ensures that their developing needs are met, helping them feel content and happy. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to keeping Ofsted informed as required. The required paperwork and documentation is in place. It is well organised, regularly maintained and informative. The childminder regularly discusses non-confidential childminding issues with other childminders and reads the National Childminding Association magazines, keeping up to date with information. Overall, the needs of all children who attend are met.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle.

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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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