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 EY313602 Inspection date 12/05/2009 Inspector Bridget Richardson

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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. She lives with her two adult children in Shoreham-by-sea, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, and minded children have supervised access to a first floor bathroom and bedroom for a daytime sleep. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 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 six children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years, 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 a toddler group on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are very happy, settled and secure in the childminder's care. She has an extremely good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which impacts on the children's learning. They thoroughly enjoy fun and challenging experiences, which enable them to make excellent progress. The childminder has an outstanding working relationship with parents that ensures she is able to meet the individual needs of each child. She has an effective evaluation system in place, which identifies the strengths and weaknesses of her provision. This enables her to make continuous improvements to benefit children's care, welfare and learning.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that children practice the emergency evacuation procedure to further improve their knowledge and understanding of safety issues.

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provision

The childminder has a reflective and pro-active attitude to improve which benefits all children who attend her provision. She continually updates and refreshes her professional knowledge and has an excellent understanding of the areas she wishes to develop. These are clearly identified through parental questionnaires, discussion with parents and children and her self-evaluation process.

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provision

The childminder has excellent systems in place for the sharing of information about the Early Years Framework. She completes extensive observations and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessments on children, which are shared with parents in a variety of ways. This enables parents to play an active role in their child’s learning and development.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and contact numbers are accessible should she have concerns. Parents are aware of her professional role to safeguard children. Documentation is organised methodically and the childminder has compiled clear and effective written policies that underpin her practice. Clear emergency evacuation procedures are in place and the childminder has talked these through with children. However, children have not had an opportunity to practice further to improve their knowledge of safety issues. The childminder has a relevant first aid qualification and is able to deal with minor injuries confidently and she is now aware of the correct procedures to follow if a child requires outside medical attention. Children's personal records are held securely. The childminder values each child and welcomes them in to her home where she ensures they are all included and that

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s individual needs are exceptionally well met as the childminder has an in depth understanding and knowledge of how each child in her care plays and learns. Through this excellent knowledge she is able to ensure that children are offered enjoyable and challenging experiences across the areas of learning that take in to account their starting point and their capabilities. This helps children to develop a positive disposition to learn. Children are confident in what they can do and have a excellent relationship with the childminder, who they turn to for support and guidance in their play. The childminder has exceptional skills in listening to children and speaking to them. She competently supports children throughout their play to develop their confidence. They are given wonderful opportunities to socialise with others in a range of situations that helps them to become skilful communicators.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding on developing children's healthy life styles and is passionate about using the outdoor environment. Children thoroughly enjoy visits to local farms and country parks where they learn about the natural environment whilst having the freedom to run and explore. Children are offered healthy snacks and are encouraged to make choices about what they would like to eat. Drinks are readily accessible to children and the childminder encourages and reminds children to drink plenty to ensure hydrated at all times. Children are generally taught how to keep themselves safe within the home and on outings. The childminder sets realistic boundaries for children, supervises and supports them in their everyday play. However, the childminder does not give children opportunities to practice emergency evacuation procedures to further improve their knowledge of safety issues.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Parents are given excellent opportunities to access policies and procedures and records maintained on their child as the childminder ensures that these are readily accessible to them at anytime. The childminder has effective systems in place to ensure that she gains extensive information on children prior to them starting to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure that their individual needs can be effectively met. She constantly works very closely with parents through ongoing dialogue, two-way diaries and observations and assessment to ensure each child’s care, learning and development is continuously monitored and updated. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the importance of working with other professionals that are involved in children’s lives. This is extremely beneficial to the children in her care as it offers consistency in their lives and ensures that their individual needs

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder manages children's behaviour well. She acts as a positive role model and is consistent in her approach. She praises and encourages children in their every day play, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. Children are given a wide range of opportunities to socialise with others so that they can learn how to share, take turns and enjoy each other’s company. For example, they attend indoor play centres, toddler groups and meet up with other childminders. 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? 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

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