Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312921 Inspection date 15 March 2006 Inspector Susan McCourt

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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 to care for 2 children under the age of 8. She lives with her partner and young family in a residential part of Crawley, close to parks, schools and shops. The childminder is currently caring for two children on a part-time basis. She attends local childminder drop-ins and toddler groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children play in a clean and comfortable environment. They have their own towel to prevent cross-infection and have access to liquid soap and running water. Children are familiar with the hygiene routines and the childminder provides wipes so that children can clean their hands after messy play. The childminder maintains her records with regard to the administration of medicine or following an accident but she has not sought parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment. Children's risk of cross-infection is reduced because the childminder asks that children who are unwell are excluded. Children eat a healthy diet which may occasionally include some treat foods. Children are regularly offered drinks of water or very dilute squash. Children who are on special diets or who have allergies can have appropriate foods. Children enjoy regular exercise as part of the daily routine because the childminder goes out to local

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a child-friendly home which is warm and comfortable. There is ample space and furniture for children to take part in a variety of play activities. There is no outdoor space, so children enjoy regular fresh air when the childminder takes them on outings to local parks. Children have easy access to a good range of toys and play activities to develop their emotional, intellectual, creative and physical skills. Equipment is kept clean and safe to ensure children's safety when playing. Children are well-supervised by the childminder and there is a safety gate to ensure that the kitchen is inaccessible. Children's welfare is also safeguarded because the childminder has planned an evacuation route for an emergency and has the required fire safety equipment in place. Children are safe on outings when walking or using the car, and the childminder has suitable insurance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is paramount and the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and secure in the childminder's home because she encourages a good settling-in period, and gets to know the children well. Children can be independent in her home as they can see and reach a good range of toys and play equipment and always have something interesting to do. Children enjoy a varied day and may visit toddler groups or childminder drop-ins as well as going to the park and having time for a rest or quiet play. Young children grow in confidence with their

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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 language skills with their childminder who is quick to respond to any attempts at communication and listens carefully to understand what the child is saying. The childminder plays alongside the children at all times, which enhances their feeling of security as well as the opportunities for having fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are all treated with equal concern and thought, and the childminder provides an adequate amount of toys and play equipment to reflect the wider world. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that she is meeting the child's needs, though she has little experience of caring for children with special needs. Children's awareness of right and wrong is developed because the childminder has a good awareness of adapting her behaviour management techniques to suit their age and personality. She uses a range of techniques which helps each child to understand what is expected of them. She gives clear and consistent messages in a gentle and firm manner. Children also learn to be polite because the childminder uses polite language herself. Parents receive good information about the childminder's policies and aims through her written information. The childminder meets with parents to ensure she gathers

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the correct information about how to care consistently for the child. She keeps a care diary for parents so that they know what their child has been doing each day, and will meet with parents to review how the arrangements are going.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a professional attitude to her work and is interested in developing her skills with further courses and qualifications. She supervises the children well and has organised the play spaces to maximise their play potential. Her record-keeping is well-organised and the attendance register is an accurate reflection of the times children attend. Any information she holds about individual children is kept confidential and paperwork is locked away.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to make a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • seek parental consent for emergency medical treatment • increase knowledge and understanding of working with children with special needs • increase resources and equipment to reflect diversity.

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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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