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

p.1

Unique reference number EY359989 Inspection date 18/11/2008 Inspector Rosemary Musgrove

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two young children in Littlehampton, West Sussex. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes and is accessible to wheelchair users. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children who are within the early years age group. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder has some goldfish. The childminder is a member of a local childminder support group.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a safe and secure home and makes good provision for children in the early years age group. She sets high standards and is keen to evaluate her service and improve experiences for the children. The stimulating, well organised learning environment is a strong feature. This means children are confident to make choices, are enthusiastic about the play materials and make good progress. The effective partnership with parents combined with the childminder's knowledge of individual needs means she supports the learning and welfare requirements of all the children.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 further develop the record of risk assessments of the premises and for outings  develop a system for gathering information from parents regarding children's starting points.

p.3

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 seek written permission from parents to administer every medication (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 18/11/2008

p.3

provision

The childminder is committed to evaluating her service and since registration has made some improvements. For example, she has attended child protection training. This means there are effective safeguarding policies and children are well protected. All children are treated as individuals and included in suitable activities. The childminder encourages them to develop positive attitudes and an awareness of individual differences. Currently, the childminder is seeking to develop her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to improve her observational skills and plan more activities that are tailored to individual interests and needs. The childminder has a good range of documentation. This includes guidance on confidentiality and how to help children who speak English as a second language. The majority of the paperwork is maintained to a good standard,

p.3

provision

for example, the record of attendance. The childminder has positive relationships with parents and carers. When their child starts at the setting, she gives them an informative booklet. Parents complete a form that provides details of their child's family, routines and allergies; however, the childminder does not gather information about the children's individual starting points. Communication with parents is good and all children have an extensive daily diary. This means that parents know which activities their children have enjoyed, the milestones they have achieved and details of food, drinks and sleeps. These positive features of the provision support the continuity of the children's care.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have good opportunities to help them progress across all areas of learning and development. They enjoy worthwhile play experiences alongside the childminder's young family. They are also happy to choose their favourite toys and explore these alone or to engage the childminder in an activity, such as, a jigsaw puzzle. The childminder has learning journals for the children and these include observations, details of achievements and how these link to the EYFS. The childminder is beginning to use the children's individual interests to plan the next steps in their learning. For example, if a child enjoys music they make musical instruments and listen to songs. This means children are motivated to learn. During activities, the childminder encourages children to progress, for example, when they build a tower they practise counting. Children have many opportunities to develop their communication skills and are confident in this area, such as, chatting on the

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

telephone. Children are beginning to find out about the world in which they live. They are enthralled as they experiment with the interactive globe, listen and follow instructions. These positive features mean that children are developing skills to help them in their future learning. Children use their senses to investigate materials. During the autumn they collect leaves, feel their texture and do some leaf rubbings. Children visit facilities in the local community and learn important social skills when they mix with children from different backgrounds. They develop an awareness of the wider world and other cultures through browsing books.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Parents are partners in their children's learning and care and are happy with the service. In particular, they comment that their children are happy and enjoy a balanced diet. They also value the childminder's availability if they wish to discuss any issues. The childminder organises her space well and children benefit from a dedicated playroom with plenty of floor area. The play materials are well organised and children are enthusiastic as they move around freely and make their own decisions. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues. She uses stair gates, cupboard locks and socket covers in order to protect the children. She has made a start on risk assessments, however her written records lack detail. Children are cared for in a very hygienic environment and they begin to develop a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy a range of physical activities at the local park, have a healthy This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

diet, regularly help themselves to drinks and are developing independence in personal hygiene routines. The childminder maintains detailed accident records, however, she does not always request written permission from parents before she administers medication. The childminder has good relationships with the children and takes time to understand their individual needs. She encourages consideration and appropriate behaviour and successfully uses distraction techniques. Young children learn important social skills, such as sharing. The childminder is positive with the children and praises their attempts. This means they are beginning to develop a positive attitude to learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

p.8

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.

p.8