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 EY251235 Inspection date 23/03/2009 Inspector Rosemary Musgrove

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two young children in Horsham, West Sussex. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding and children have access to the bathroom and toilet on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has one cat and some rabbits. The childminder is within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a relaxed and happy home for the children and the learning environment is safe and secure. The childminder has an understanding of individual needs and plans some activities that help children make progress in their learning and development. The partnership with parents and other settings promotes some aspects of the children's care and learning. The childminder can identify some strengths and areas for future development. These features mean that the childminder supports most welfare and learning requirements for the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop an understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the early learning goals in order to support the planning of appropriate activities  develop more opportunities for children to develop and initiate their own play further develop the record of risk assessments to ensure anything that a child comes into contact with is regularly reviewed  develop a robust system for self-evaluation and quality improvement in order to improve the outcomes for children.

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provision

The childminder treats all children as individuals and responds to their specific requests, for example, their preferred equipment during a painting activity. Children interact well with each other, they show respect and learn to value individual differences. They find out about other cultures and diversity through discussion with the childminder and one another. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and this means children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are protected. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, has the relevant guidance and knows whom to contact if she has concerns about a child in her care. The childminder has some policies and documentation to support children's welfare, such as, a behaviour management policy. She has a list of potential hazards in the house and has noted how often these need checking;

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provision

however, her records of risk assessments lack detail. The childminder maintains the majority of her documentation to a satisfactory standard, for example, the record of attendance. She has some understanding of self-evaluation; however, she does not have an effective system to maintain continuous improvement and promote the beneficial impact of this on children's welfare, learning and development. Before children start, parents visit the house and look at the childminder's information. Parents talk with the childminder at the end of each session and this means they know about important aspects of their child's learning and welfare.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy in the childminder's home and readily approach her for support and guidance. The different resources and learning experiences help them to progress in the areas of learning. Although the childminder has some knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and keeps records of the children's activities and developments, she does not have a secure understanding of some aspects, for example, the use of observations, planning and monitoring the children's progress. After school, children work alongside the childminder and complete some phonic activities. Later, they choose to do painting by numbers and carefully select and match the correct colour of paint to the number. During this activity, the childminder's interaction helps children to develop their number recognition skills and stimulates a discussion about colour mixing. Children learn about the local environment when they visit the pond to feed the ducks or play on

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

the swings and climbing frame at the park. They develop their creative skills when they construct models from cardboard boxes and do cooking activities; however, there are limited opportunities for children to initiate and develop their own play. A strength of the setting is that children listen to both adults and other children and respond well to their contributions. This means they are developing some appropriate behaviour for good learners.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a home with suitable space for relaxation, art activities and free movement. Resources include a role play kitchen, construction materials and board games. Children ask the childminder for their preferred activity or select from a storage box. The childminder's garden is well-organised and this means children develop their physical skills on the wheeled toys or during a game of football. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of health and safety issues and has locks in the kitchen to protect children from chemicals and sharp knives. Children are cared for in a hygienic environment and regularly wash and dry their hands before snacks and after messy activities. They show independence during snack time and make healthy choices about their preferred drink and fresh fruit. The childminder has a current first aid certificate, has written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment and keeps clear accident records.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

She has good relationships with the children and takes time to understand their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 individual needs. The childminder has experience of working with people with learning disabilities and has looked after children from different backgrounds. If a child has a special requirement, the childminder works with the parents in order to support the individual needs. The children and childminder treat each other with respect and children behave well and are polite and courteous. The childminder is genuinely interested in their contributions and fosters a positive environment where children are praised and encouraged. This means children begin to develop a positive attitude to learning. Parents and the childminder exchange information and this supports the continuity of the children's care. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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 the last inspection.

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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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