Childminder in West Sussex

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY367066 Inspection date 28/11/2008 Inspector Christine McInally

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her partner and his mother in the Southgate area of Crawley, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes, with toilet facilities being on the first floor, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have three dogs and three cats. The childminder is a member of a local childminder support group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She also cares for children aged over eight years. She is currently caring for 11 children, of these, two are on the Early Years Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm, caring and welcoming environment for children and their families. She is committed to meeting their individual needs through working closely with parents, and including children in all activities and events. The childminder provides a good range of resources and activities that interest them and meet their individual needs. The childminder is beginning to foster working relationships with other providers, helping to provide continuity of care. While the systems for observation and assessment are in their infancy, children's learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is promoted as the childminder has a reasonable understanding of how to support this. Through the use of self-evaluation she is beginning to reflect on her practice and demonstrates a good capacity for improving what is offered to the children.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop the use of observation and assessment to further promote children's achievements across all six areas of learning.

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provision

Children are cared for in a well organised, child friendly home. The environment is designed to provide a variety of interesting and enjoyable play and learning opportunities. All required policies and procedures are in place and followed to ensure children's welfare is effectively safeguarded and promoted. The childminder is committed to improving her knowledge of the EYFS and is due to undertake a course on observation, assessment, planning and record keeping. The childminder has commenced a process of self-evaluation and while this is still in the early This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 stages of development she is beginning to use it to further improve the service she provides for the children in her care.

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provision

Children benefit from the established relationships in place between the childminder and their parents. They receive written copies of policies and procedures in a welcome pack and there is a notice board which includes a variety of useful information for parents. They are encouraged to be involved in their child's learning. For example, the childminder has introduced 'Bradley Bear' who goes home with children, in turn, and parents are asked to write up the bears 'adventures' with their children.

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provision

The childminder maintains children's well-being by continuously monitoring safety issues in and around the home, and by supervising children closely. Appropriate risk assessments ensure effective actions are taken to manage and eliminate risks to children. Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a very clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures. She is aware of her role and responsibility to protect the children in her care. Parents are made aware of her child protection policy so that they know what action she will take if she has any concerns.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children seem very well settled and happy in the childminder's home. They respond to the individual time and attention they receive from her. All children are included and valued and have developed sound relationships with the childminder and the other children in the setting. The childminder praises the children for their efforts, for example when playing with the musical instruments. The childminder automatically introduces vocabulary, numbers and colours as she chats to the children. This reinforces children’s learning in a relaxed way. Children learn about the world around them through regular outings, including walks and visits to toddler groups. They explore battery operated and 'cause and effect' toys. They enjoy easy access to the garden and develop their physical skills as they play on the trampoline. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards equality and how to support children with additional learning needs or disabilities so that each

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

child is acknowledged as being unique. Children have good opportunities to learn about themselves and others through planned activities and the range of resources available to them which reflect diversity. Children's ability and involvement in different activities is observed and recorded. Individual files are in the early stages of being developed to show how children are progressing. They do not yet include observations on all six areas of learning, or ways forward, and this means children may not reach their full potential. The childminder reinforces acceptable behaviour through simple 'house rules' which encourage children to be kind to one another and play co-operatively. This enables all children to be treated fairly and to respect the needs of others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a welcoming, healthy and safe environment. The childminder actively promotes good hygiene practices to minimise the risk of cross- infection. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands before eating food or after visiting This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the toilet. Children gain a good understanding of the elements of a healthy lifestyle. Children enjoy a balanced menu of healthy snacks and home cooked meals while in the childminder's care. The childminder provides snacks, lunch and dinner for minded children and has a good understanding of healthy eating for young children. She encourages them to try new foods, helping them establish a healthy eating pattern. Children participate in baking activities and are offered opportunities to be involved in preparing their own food. Effective measures are in

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

place to promote children's safety when in the home and on outings. The childminder increases children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe as they take part in regular fire drills and practise road safety. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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