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 EY308708 Inspection date 26/03/2009 Inspector Fran Fielder

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her three children aged five, seven and 10 years. They live in a house in a residential area of Eastbourne near schools, shops and parks. The majority of the ground floor, two upstairs bedrooms and an upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has a dog, a rabbit and some fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding five children of whom three are within the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is also registered to provide overnight care for two children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has a level three qualification in early years care and education.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder effectively meets the welfare needs of the children in her care. She has a very good understanding of child development and how children learn. As a result, children make excellent progress towards the early learning goals. She has a very good understanding of inclusion and how to promote it. She ensures children learn to value themselves and respect each other. She is committed to ongoing training and continuous improvement. Her self-evaluation is outstanding and areas for development focus on improving outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure parents are fully aware of the sick child procedures

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provision

The childminder is committed to ongoing training and regularly attends courses that enhance her knowledge and influence her practice. She has some written policies and procedures that guide her in her daily practice and reflect her knowledge of the requirements. Although parents receive a copy of the policies and procedures, they are not fully aware of the procedures to follow if a child is ill. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of regular risk assessments of the home and garden to ensure children's safety. All outings are assessed and her secure knowledge of child protection issues and procedures help This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safeguard the children's welfare. She has contingency plans in place to ensure children are left with a suitable person in the event of an emergency.

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provision

The childminder gathers all information regarding children's needs before they start. She uses this information and early observations to identify children's learning needs. She has a very good understanding of how to support children with learning difficulties and understands the importance of identifying and celebrating their achievements.

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provision

Parents are exceptionally pleased with the service provided. They feel confident in the childminder's ability to care for and protect their children. She shares valuable information with parents about what the children have enjoyed and achieved. She asks parents for feedback on her provision and any ideas for improvement are carefully considered and, where possible, implemented. The childminder liaises with outside agencies and gives parents details of who to contact if they need support or advice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a child-friendly environment where they are secure both physically and emotionally. The childminder promotes children’s good health by encouraging good personal hygiene and cleanliness within the home. Children receive healthy meals and snacks and have daily opportunities to play in the fresh air. Children learn how to keep themselves safe by practising fire drills. They learn how to cross roads and to make use of pedestrian crossings. Children love outings to places such as Drusilla's Zoo, Fort Fun, the Sovereign Centre and Sharnfold Farm. At the farm children pick their own fruit and vegetables. When they get home they wash and cook the vegetables.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's progress towards the early learning goals is excellent given their starting points. Children have access to a wonderful range of resources that are stimulating and provide valuable learning opportunities. They enjoy their play together and have plenty of free choice and many opportunities to develop new skills. Planning covers all areas of learning but is flexible enough to allow for individual preferences. The childminder makes observations that identify where children are in their learning which helps her plan for their next steps.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are extremely confident and relaxed when with the childminder who is warm and affectionate. They enjoy excellent relationships with the childminder and their peers and even toddlers are beginning to develop firm friendships as they choose to sit together to play. Children learn acceptable behaviour because the childminder sets clear boundaries and explains the reasons for her requests. Constant praise and encouragement promote children's self-esteem and ensure they develop a positive and enthusiastic attitude to learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a fantastic range of activities that support all areas of learning extremely well. They love stories and enjoy visits to the library where they can choose books for the childminder to read. Children sing spontaneously and even two year olds know all the words to songs such as 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 They enjoy action songs such as the 'Mexican Bean Bag Song' and 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes'. Children have access to range of musical instruments including African drums and a wooden xylophone. Outside they paint using big brushes and water and also enjoy making shapes and letters in a tray full of sugar.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children count confidently and recognise shapes such as squares, triangles and circles. Young children especially enjoy completing jigsaws and matching shapes. They use computers regularly and there is a range of software that supports all areas of learning. Children love role play and enjoy dressing up as doctors, police officers or belly dancers. They have the opportunity to work together to create a huge Christmas tree made of handprints. This allows them to learn the value of collaborative work. Children paint shells and discuss their favourite colours. They make huge hats out of corrugated card and love to model these for each other. 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? 1 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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