Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313602 Inspection date 28 March 2006 Inspector Ann Long

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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 2 adult children in Shoreham, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, and minded children have supervised access to a first floor bathroom and bedroom for a daytime sleep. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 on a part-time basis. She regularly takes children to local toddler groups, parks, library and shops. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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's own daily routines are followed, including time for sleep, rest and quiet play. Children benefit from walks in the local area and opportunities to play outside in the garden or park. This exercise in the fresh air contributes to their good health. They also have regular exercise at toddler groups and soft play centres. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through consistent procedures. They understand why they need to wash their hands and blow noses. The childminder has a well devised sickness policy which is shared with parents. This ensures that children are kept at home when ill to reduce the risk of infection to others. Children enjoy a healthy selection of regular snacks, such as apple or banana. The childminder works well with parents to support healthy eating for children. They have nutritious and balanced meals that meet their individual dietary needs and

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Helping children to be healthy

preferences. Children have regular drinks of water throughout the day to quench their thirst.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and stimulating environment. They move freely around their designated play areas, which are welcoming to children. Soft furnishings are provided, which enable children to sit comfortably when looking at books or watching a selected television programme. A wide range of good quality toys are available for the children's play. These resources are rotated and stored allowing children easy access and independent choice. All resources are checked regularly to make sure that they remain clean and safe for the children. The childminder regularly reviews and minimises risks for individual children. She has in place sensible safety precautions. Children learn how to keep themselves safe in the home. For example, by not throwing toys, climbing on furniture or pushing each other. On outings, they learn about safety when walking along the road or visiting parks. The childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

supervises children well at all times. She has a sound knowledge of issues relating to child protection. Children's welfare is safeguarded by her clear awareness of responsibilities. However, the childminder has not recorded details of existing injuries when children arrive. This could impact on the children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder welcomes children into her home and they are settled and happy in her care. She devotes her time to the children and they confidently select resources and play happily and independently. They enjoy interaction with each other and meaningful support from the childminder. For example, when playing with play dough they make 'ice cream cornets with chocolate flakes' and 'birthday cakes' in paper

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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 cake cases adding decorative candles. The childminder compliments their role play by providing a good variety of resources to stimulate their imagination. She makes appropriate responses such as, "this ice cream is delicious, do you like chocolate flakes?". The childminder also asks them good questions and listens to what they say. This extends children's thinking and helps develop their language skills. For example, "what colour are your candles?", "what colour have you not got?" and "how many candles are there on your cake?". Through activities such as these, the childminder helps development of their language and communication skills. Children enjoy active and imaginative play out in the garden. The childminder also takes them to a variety of carer and toddler groups where they enjoy adventure play and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interacting with other children. This helps them learn to share, take turns and gain social skills. Toddlers are making good progress within the Birth to three matters framework. The children have a sense of belonging and their self-esteem is fostered. They enjoy informal outings in the local area. These promote children's learning and interest in the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is aware that all children are individual, develop at different stages and have differing needs. Children are treated with respect, helping them feel good about themselves. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities issues. Children learn that resources and activities are available for all to share, regardless of gender. The childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity and encourages children to acknowledge differences. She has many resources which provide children with positive images of diversity in their daily play. Children learn to share and play sociably through consistent and positive guidelines. They respond well to praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children learn to do things for themselves within a supportive environment. This helps them feel valued and respected as individuals. Children benefit from sound relationships between their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents and the childminder. The childminder has provided a portfolio for parents which contains important information about her childminding service. Comprehensive contract, record and consent forms are in place for all children. A verbal exchange of information is shared daily. All these measures help to ensure that children's needs are well met and they are provided with appropriate care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children greatly benefit from a well organised environment and daily routine. They receive good adult support and attention. This helps them feel settled and secure. They are well supervised at all times and protected from unvetted persons. The childminder has effective procedures and written policies in place. All of the relevant documents are well maintained and updated on a regular basis. The childminder is well qualified, and undertakes additional training to enhance her skills and keep herself informed of current childcare practices. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that all incidents are recorded

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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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