Childminder in East 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 EY377128 Inspection date 04/11/2008 Inspector Liz Margaret Caluori

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 registered in 2008. She lives with her partner and two-year-old son near Winchelsea Beach, East Sussex. Childminding generally takes place on the ground floor and there is also a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the Compulsory Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of five children under eight years. She is currently caring for one child under five years and provides occasional care for one child who is over five. The childminder is also registered on the Voluntary Childcare Register to accept children over eight years of age although she currently has no children attending in this age group.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have two pet dogs.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make good progress in all areas of development as a result of the attention and respect given to meeting their individual needs. They are safe and secure as they play in the stimulating, child-centred environment. The childminder maintains positive, friendly relationships with parents and carers although they are not routinely included in the monitoring of children’s progress. Constant self-evaluation of her practice allows the childminder to identify areas for improvement and to respond to the needs of children and their families.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 improve arrangements for working with parents, carers and other childcare practitioners to ensure that a wide range of observational evidence can be obtained to monitor and review children's progress  consider ways to increase access to the outdoor play area

p.3

provision

The childminder is committed to monitoring and reviewing her practices to ensure that they are of a high standard. She understands the importance of ensuring that they reflect the specific needs of the children and families using her service. She has taken great care to devise procedures to ensure that she adheres to all the welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In addition, she has effective systems in place to support children’s learning.

p.3

provision

There are effective procedures in place to form and maintain positive relationships with parents and carers. They receive an extremely good range of written This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 information which includes details of the activities on offer as well as the policies and procedures of the setting. Daily diaries are also completed for each child and include information such as their food intake, toileting and sleep patterns. The childminder takes time each day to exchange information verbally with parents and carers and informs them of the activities which have taken place. However, she does not routinely discuss their child’s progress in relation to the Early Learning Goals (ELG). Therefore, parents and carers are not involved in contributing observations from home or setting targets for their child. Similarly, the childminder has yet to establish relationships with other childcare practitioners who are

p.3

provision

involved in delivering the EYFS to children in her care.

p.4

provision

Children’s well-being is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to report any child protection concerns that she may have. She is confident in her ability to identify the potential signs and symptoms of abuse.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very well supported to learn how to keep themselves safe. They enjoy the freedom they receive to explore their environment but respond very positively to the childminder’s gentle reminders, for example, not to climb on the toys. They are further protected by the range of precautions in place throughout the setting. These include the use of safety gates to restrict their access to potentially hazardous areas such as the stairs and the kitchen.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a clean, well maintained environment. They are developing very good self care skills. They routinely wash their hands before eating and are confident to use tissues to wipe their own noses.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is an impressive range of toys and resources which are freely accessible to the children. This allows them a great deal of freedom to explore and experiment for themselves and to choose their own activities. As a result, they are becoming very confident, independent learners. They gain great benefit from the attention they receive from the childminder. Children are making very good progress towards the Early Learning Goals as the childminder is extremely skilled at extending their learning through play. She has effective systems in place to assess and monitor children’s individual progress. As a result she is able to provide activities which appeal to the children and which offer a good amount of challenge.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making particularly good progress in their language and communication skills as well as in their physical development. They demonstrate a very high level of general knowledge for their age as a result of their conversations with the childminder. The also enjoy listening to the extremely well read stories and excitedly contribute comments using wonderful story telling language.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a well equipped garden available to the children and they spend time outside most days. The childminder understands the benefits of playing in the fresh air. However, she has not yet been able to put the safety precautions into place that she considers necessary in order to allow children to move freely between the indoor and outdoor play areas. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are well supported to gain the skills necessary to promote their future development. They are learning how to dress and toilet independently and also take part in cooking activities. They enjoy very regular opportunities to make choices and to problem solve. In addition, the childminder understands the importance of technology and ensures that children are given very regular opportunities to use computers.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is very good focus within the setting on positive, sociable behaviour. Children take part in practical activities aimed at teaching them about the lives and customs of people from the local community and wider world. The childminder acts as a very good role model and is committed to teaching the children to be tolerant and respectful. As a result, they are polite, caring and confident. 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

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

p.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

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

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Satisfactory

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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

Ofsted has not received any complaints 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