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

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Unique reference number EY301345 Inspection date 27/10/2008 Inspector Sue Taylor

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and eight in Hastings. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding with supervised and/or occasional use of the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has fish. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children on the Early Years register and the Compulsory Childcare register at any one time and is currently minding a total of 12 children, four of whom are on the Voluntary Childcare register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is an accredited member of the East Sussex Children Come First Childminding Network and currently provides funded early education for one child. She has the Certificate in Early Years Practice, a level 4 qualification obtained in 2008.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a welcoming and homely environment. They are progressing well, enjoying a good range of activities and play opportunities to meet their individual needs. The childminder has a good awareness of her own practice and she is able to identify and recognise areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 encourage further partnership with parents and others in noting children's starting points, in supporting individual children's learning and development, and contributing to the assessment process.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children (safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 27/10/2008

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how she safeguards children. She organises her home to ensure children can explore and use the rooms safely. The risk assessment and monthly checks ensure the environment remains safe and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 secure. Her knowledge of child protection is supported by her written policy, that is shared with parents. Other written policies and procedures, covering issues such as complaints, are in place helping parents gain an awareness of her childminding practices. Overall, she maintains the required records and documentation to ensure the care needs of all children are met. However, although detail for the administration of medication is obtained from parents, it does not always meet the requirement for written consent.

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provision

She is proactive in updating her own knowledge and is currently on an Early Years Foundation degree. Other courses attended recently include child protection and inclusion. Parents, and other settings that a child may attend, are encouraged to share what they know about the child and this helps support their ongoing care needs. The childminder discusses children’s individual learning and development with parents. However, they are not actively encouraged to be fully involved in supporting individual children, for example with activities at home. As a result, they are not actively contributing to the assessment of children’s progress. The childminder uses the self-evaluation form and her own action plans to reflect on and develop her own practices. She has plans for the future, such as developing the garden to improve children’s opportunities for outdoor play and exploration.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The premises are very clean and the childminder follows effective hygienic routines that help keep children healthy. Children are provided with healthy snacks and have access to their drinks throughout the day. Parents provide packed lunches that are stored well to prevent spoiling. Although the childminder is not currently providing meals, she keeps parents well informed about the importance of providing healthy, balanced and nutritious food items. The house and garden are secure and the childminder supervises children well. She ensures that children can easily access a wide range of age appropriate resources, enabling them to make choices about their play. Positive and caring relationships exist between the children and the childminder. As a result, children are confident, relaxed and happy. They are keen to interact with others. Children’s behaviour is ably supported by the childminder who gets to know

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

each child and is able to respond to their individual needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder gets to know the children as individuals and supports their ongoing development and learning well. She takes time to observe children when they first arrive to assess their starting points and then devises individual plans, against the six areas of learning, with identified next steps. Interesting and varied activities are planned that support children’s progress towards the early learning goals. For example, children use books with confidence as they ‘read’ to the childminder or other children. Children develop independence as the childminder encourages them to do things for themselves. They learn about the wider world through activities such as growing vegetables. 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 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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