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 EY235360 Inspection date 08/06/2009 Inspector Jill Steer

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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 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 2002. She lives with her husband and children aged 12 and 20 years in Littlehampton, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. She has two cats, one dog and a stick insect as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding seven children in this age group. She also offers care to three children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several playgroups on a regular basis. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The quality of the provision is good. The childminder has completed a range of training to enable her to care for young children and to update her knowledge of childcare and development. Children are cared for in a safe environment where risks have been minimised to ensure a good standard of safety and protect children from harm. The childminder provides a child friendly environment which enables children to relax and learn in a stimulating setting. She has systems in place to ensure she has information about each child to meet their individual care needs and that they are included in all activities.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the use of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development that will continuously improve the quality of the provision for all children  maintain records, policies and procedures required for the safe and efficient management of the setting and to meet the needs of the children

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of the signs that a child may be abused. She has a policy in place which details the action she should take to safeguard the children in her care. The childminder is suitably qualified and experienced to provide good quality care for young children. The childminder has identified her own further training needs to continue to update her knowledge and skills which enhance the provision for children. However, she is not yet using self-evaluation to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assess what she offers against robust and challenging quality criteria.

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provision

Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their children so the childminder can provide continuity of care and get to know them well. She has developed effective partnerships with the parents of the children she cares for. This enables her to care for each child as an individual, based on the information supplied regarding their routines, preferences and abilities. Information is shared with parents through discussions, interesting newsletters and end of term reviews so the parents are fully aware of the children's activities. A welcome folder for all new parents provides details of the comprehensive set of policies outlining the childminder's practice. However, not all documentation is sufficiently well organised.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are able to make good developmental progress through enjoying a range of well planned activities. Activities are planned which are of interest to the children and so ensures they become active and inquisitive learners. Planning includes a combination of pre-organised activities which are supplemented, complemented and adapted by those which are a direct result of children's own interests. For example, whilst making paper hats a child said he wanted to have a pirate hat, treasure map and telescope, so many opportunities were provided for the children to engage in a range of activities including 'walking the plank'. All six areas of learning are incorporated so children benefit from a broad range of experiences and skills. The childminder clearly records her observations of the children's progress in order to monitor their individual development. This information then contributes to the planning in order to help children move on to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy regular outings and lots of play outdoors, which broadens their experiences and helps them to develop a healthy lifestyle. They can access most resources independently with the childminder always on hand to provide guidance and assistance as required. For example as they uses the outdoor equipment to create an aeroplane, children ask the childminder how to support the 'doors'. She skilfully redirects the questions back to encourage their own problem solving skills. Children's vocabulary is extended as the childminder talks about what they are doing using appropriate language. All of which makes learning interesting and fun.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Consistent guidance is used and so boundaries are clearly understood by the children which helps them to think about their own safety, both indoors and when outside. Good procedures are in place to keep children safe on outings such as safely crossing roads. The rules help children to play well together with consideration for each other. Children enjoy sitting at the table together at meal times to eat their packed lunches which are provided by their parents and so comply with their individual dietary requirements. Clear procedures are in place to reduce the risk of infections, such as routine hand washing and children staying home when unwell. 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

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