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 505566 Inspection date 29/04/2009 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 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 1996. He lives and works with his wife who is also a registered childminder. Both childminders take equal responsibility for all aspects of the provision. They have one adult child and an adult student lodging with them. The family lives in a large semi-detached house in the Old Town area of Eastbourne. The house is accessed via four steps but help is available for pushchairs and a ramp can be made available for wheelchair users. The house is close to local shops, parks and schools. The beach is a short drive away. The whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms are used for sleeping children. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time. He and his wife are currently caring for 20 children aged between six months and 14 years all on a part-time basis. Of these, 13 children are within the early years age range. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups. The family have a dog.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is extremely well organised. He has an extensive knowledge of child development and how to meet individual needs. Every child in his care receives individual attention and support. Children enjoy a fantastic range of valuable experiences that are exciting and help them achieve their full potential. Children are extremely secure both physically and emotionally. Excellent contingency plans ensure children are cared for by a suitable adult in the event of an emergency and parents receive details of these. He works closely with parents and they share valuable information that promotes children's welfare. An effective self-evaluation process ensures continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 giving children more opportunity to evaluate the provision

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provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding issues which promotes children's welfare. A detailed risk assessment and regular checks ensure his home and garden are extremely safe. Very effective procedures indoors and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 out help children understand how to keep themselves safe. This means children are as safe as possible at all times. There are very effective procedures to prevent the spread of infection.

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provision

The childminder is totally committed to his work and clearly enjoys every minute he spends with the children. He is committed to improving outcomes for children and spends time reflecting on his practice which helps him identify how he can enhance children's lives and their future well-being. His records are carefully maintained and he has a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that he shares with parents. He is committed to ongoing training and reads relevant articles that help him develop ideas to support children in their learning. He observes children and assesses their achievements so he can identify their next steps for learning. He successfully builds on children's interests making learning fun for every child.

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provision

The childminder builds honest and trusting relationships with parents. They are exceptionally pleased with the service provided and are happy to recommend the childminder to other families. Parents feel especially pleased that their children receive consistent care provided by excellent role models. Parents seek his advice on a variety of developmental issues.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children truly benefit from playing in an environment where every child is acknowledged as a unique person. The level of care and support they receive is exceptional. Every aspect of children's welfare is extremely well promoted through excellent procedures and well maintained paperwork. Children are extremely confident and enthusiastic about their play and learning. The childminder uses a range of questioning techniques that encourage children to think creatively. Children are always eager to face new challenges and praise and encouragement ensure they develop positive attitudes to learning. They enjoy delightful relationships with the childminder and their peers. Children learn the importance of respecting other people's views, efforts and achievements. Children are extremely polite, beautifully behaved and highly motivated.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health is exceptionally well promoted through a clean environment and excellent procedures that prevent the spread of infection. Children learn that nutritious food, plenty of exercise and sufficient rest all contribute towards a healthy mind and body. Children make collages that identify healthy food options and learn that some foods are just meant to be eaten as an occasional treat. Children grow and harvest vegetables and visit fruit farms to pick strawberries so they learn about the source of their food.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play outdoors every day and learn to dress themselves in appropriate clothing depending on the weather. In warm weather, children wear hats, cream and Tee shirts to prevent sunburn. They put on wet weather suits and boots to splash in the rain or to play exhilarating water games in the garden. When out walking, children learn the importance of road safety and how to use pedestrian crossings. They learn the danger of crossing roads between parked cars and are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 encouraged to recognise safer places to cross if there are no designated crossing points. When visiting the beach, children wear jelly shoes to protect their feet from sharp stones and weaver fish.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy rich learning experiences that support their development in all areas of learning. The extensive range of indoor activities include, role-play, dressing up, colouring, painting, making bug mobiles, junk modelling, cooking, singing and counting. They also enjoy experimenting with torches, magnets and wireless doorbells. In the garden, children enjoy digging in the sandpit, playing badminton, chasing huge bubbles and painting the play houses. Children visit building sites to look at the equipment and materials used. They also mix concrete to make garden ornaments that they take home. Children chart the growth of the bluebells at Arlington, visit animal farms to feed the lambs and look at the shoes worn by horses. Children love to look at the vast collection of photographs that remind them of all the outings and activities they have enjoyed. 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? 1 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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