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 EY302362 Inspection date 07/07/2009 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 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 and provides care for children in the home of another childminder, in Littlehampton, West Sussex. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a living room on the first floor. There is an enclosed area for outside play. The family has a pet cat. The property is within walking distance of local schools, parks, beach and shops. 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 10 children in this age group. When working with another childminder, a maximum of 11 children may be cared for at any one time. 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 outstanding. The childminder is enthusiastic and has an impressive knowledge of child development and individual needs. This means children are extremely motivated to learn and make excellent progress in their learning and development. They independently choose their favourite resources from a wealth of quality toys and thoroughly enjoy their play in an extremely safe, secure and stimulating environment. Partnerships with parents and other providers are excellent and this supports the continuity of the children's care and promotes their learning and development. The childminder is committed to professional development and has a clear understanding of her strengths and areas for future developments. These positive features mean that the childminder promotes the welfare and learning requirements with a high level of success.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continue to develop a robust system for self-evaluation and quality improvement in order to further improve outcomes for children.

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provision

The childminder has an exceptional knowledge of the children and their families. This means children are treated as unique individuals and enjoy stimulating and inspiring activities that are suitable for their developmental stage. She readily adapts experiences and resources so that children have an inclusive education. Children play very well alongside each other and learn to value individual differences. For example, during outside play older children show care and consideration for the different needs of a toddler. The childminder values diversity This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and children interact with play materials that represent individual differences, such as, people with a disability or from another culture. They learn about the wider world through a range of meaningful activities. When they enjoy the story of 'Handa's basket' they investigate and taste fruits from other countries. They learn

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provision

about different festivals, such as Diwali and Chinese New Year. Children are very well protected because the childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and arrangements for safeguarding children are robust. She has completed recent training and has effective procedures in place for identifying any child at risk of harm. She has an excellent range of guidance to follow and knows whom to contact if she has concerns about a child in her care. The childminder has an extensive range of documentation, such as, clear procedures to follow if a child is lost or uncollected. She completes and maintains the required paperwork to an excellent standard, for example, the record of attendance. The childminder is committed to improving and extending her knowledge and since her last inspection has completed an impressive amount of training. Recent courses include speech and language support and food safety

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provision

training. The childminder has a good understanding of self-evaluation and is motivated and keen to improve her practice; however, her current informal systems do not always focus on improving specific outcomes for the children. Her future areas for development include seeking feedback from outside agencies. The childminder has excellent relationships with parents and carers and this significantly contributes to the children's learning, development and welfare. In particular, parents value the strong relationships the childminder builds with the children and how she helps them to learn about sharing. When a child starts, parents browse an informative portfolio. This includes details of the children's learning and development and the childminder's routines. Particularly impressive is a settling in form and this supports the continuity of care, such as, the child's routines and comforters. Parents contribute to their child's learning journal and

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provision

share information about their child's family, favourite things and preferred food and drinks. Babies have a daily written diary and this means parents know about their activities, food, drinks and sleeps. Parents complete a questionnaire and this helps the childminder to evaluate and improve her provision. She has strong relationships with other providers and these include local schools, pre-schools and other childminders. These positive features mean that partnerships are well established and a good flow of information ensures children's needs are met.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their play in a stimulating environment that arouses their curiosity. When they arrive with the childminder, they are full of enthusiasm and ideas about how they wish to spend their day. The childminder's excellent interaction and dialogue encourages them to explore, investigate and follow their own interests. They enthusiastically describe how they design and make a rocket from plastic cups, tear up strips of newspaper, put glue on top and paint the rocket red. Because children are motivated and excited about their learning, they extend this activity and make a planet to suspend from the ceiling. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and an impressive understanding of child development. These positive features alongside her regular observations mean that children have their needs met on a very individual level. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Learning journals are developing well and include the next steps in a child's learning journey. Records of the children's development alongside their enthusiasm for learning clearly show that progress in the six areas of learning is excellent. The childminder's enthusiasm and love of children is a significant feature in the setting. Children are keen to include her in a game of 'Monster Muddle'. They eagerly await their turn, shake the dice and learn about colours and numbers as they complete their monster. Children are excited about going on 'The Bear Hunt' and vigorously join in the 'under' and 'over' actions as they develop a real feel of descriptive words. Children watch with wonder, as the childminder shows them how the caterpillars are gradually changing into the chrysalis stage and they confidently ask relevant questions. They learn about the local environment through many stimulating activities. After a visit to a pumpkin farm, they plot their route on a

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

map and draw the key features of their journey. Young children shake and explore different sound bottles. The childminder's skilled interaction encourages them to investigate and make a variety of soft and loud noises. Her enthusiasm and constant praise makes this a positive and fun experience. Children have a wealth of opportunities to develop their physical skills. Inside they practise throwing, rolling and kicking a soft ball, whilst at a local park they test their climbing skills. Children learn about information and communication technology as they select and explore toys from the technology bag, such as, torches and remote control cars.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The dedicated space for childminding purposes alongside the excellent range of quality resources has a significant impact on the quality of the children's welfare and learning experiences. They move around independently between two adjoining rooms and enjoy selecting from the effectively organised and easily accessible resources. Popular choices are board games, quality books and interactive toys. The impressive amount of free space means children enjoy an indoor soft ball game, imaginary shopping activities and racing small cars with other children. The childminder has a high regard for all aspects of safety. She uses safety gates and equipment that means children cannot trap their fingers in the doors. Excellent risk assessments mean that children play in a safe environment because risks are identified, action is taken and all areas are reviewed regularly. The childminder completes detailed risk assessments for specific and routine outings and this

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

means children are protected from potential hazards. Children learn to take responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. They tidy up when they have finished an activity and learn to walk carefully when holding scissors. Children are cared for in a hygienic home and are beginning to develop a healthy lifestyle. They have plenty of fresh air, wash their hands before eating and help to prepare the fruit for their morning snack. The childminder has a current first aid certificate, keeps clear medical records and has written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment. Currently, she is not caring for a child with a learning difficulty or disability but has some knowledge and understanding of learning difficulties and hearing impairment. She would work with parents and appropriate agencies to draw up an action plan to support the needs of any children with a specific requirement. Children behave very well and show respect

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

for adults and other children. The childminder creates a positive environment with lots of genuine praise. She listens and responds to the needs of all the children. Through activities and board games, children learn to share resources and take turns. This means they learn to think of others and develop behaviour appropriate to good learners. Children are encouraged to think for themselves and make This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 decisions about what vehicle they would like to ride in the garden or their preferred book to share with the childminder. Communication with parents is excellent. Daily discussion and regular newsletters mean that parents are active partners in their child's care and learning. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 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

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