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

p.1

Unique reference number EY318453 Inspection date 29/06/2009 Inspector Teresa Elkington

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children in Crawley, West Sussex. The ground floor of the childminder’s house, which is accessed via two front steps, is used for childminding. Use is made of a first floor bedroom for the provision of sleep routines for young children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She currently has three children on roll, in the early years age range, who attend on a part time basis. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She walks or drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group and local childminding group. The family has a cat, two guinea pigs and a hamster as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a reliable and inclusive service to each child and recognises them as individuals. Children play in a well-organised and child-friendly environment which is safe and secure and which offers a very good range of learning opportunities within the home and beyond. Relationships are positive, which supports the good practice of the childminder to ensure a positive impact on outcomes for children. The childminder undertakes comprehensive self-evaluation of the service that she provides in order to understand how she can improve aspects of her provision.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 continue to develop the use of systematic observations and assessments to ensure that children's next steps in their learning are clearly identified

p.3

provision

Children's welfare, care and safety are well promoted because the childminder understands what she needs to do to keep children safe. For example, she has taken positive steps to minimise potential hazards and undertakes frequent and thorough risk assessments on the premises, resources and on any planned outings. She has a clear understanding of her responsibilities regarding safeguarding and is familiar with local guidance in relation to reporting and recording concerns. A written policy is shared with parents and all relevant records are clearly maintained.

p.3

provision

The childminder has a very effective working relationship with parents, as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 important information is exchanged in the interests of children. Parents value the work of the childminder and have a good understanding of the service that is provided, including the progress that children make. Systems have been established to ensure that information is shared with other settings that children attend, so helping them to receive a coordinated service. The childminder has completed a fully comprehensive self-evaluation form and is skilled in illustrating the strengths in her practice as well as areas she needs to develop. She reflects on past observations and activities to establish what can be improved and regularly gathers feedback from parents. This ensures her practice is highly responsive to both children’s and parents' needs.

p.3

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides good support to enhance children's welfare, learning and development. She has an increasing knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and uses this to provide a good range of experiences and activities for children. The childminder organises her home and time well to provide an environment where children can be independent and make choices within their play. They have excellent access to a range of toys and resources, which promotes their curiosity through the use of both manmade and natural materials. The childminder provides a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities, which further promotes their learning. The childminder undertakes observations of children's play, which are linked to the early learning goals, in response to the introduction of the EYFS. Children's next steps are highlighted on the observation sheets but these are not fully used to plan for their next steps in their learning.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children explore different textures; they become totally engrossed in an activity exploring and enjoying the hidden properties of corn flour. They show delight as they mix the water with the powder using their hands and fingers so that they can feel and make patterns in the texture. The childminder expertly extends children’s play as she adds colour and objects in the form of mini beasts to the mixture. Children are then encouraged to count legs of the creatures and sing songs that are associated with them, for example, Incey Wincey Spider. Children’s interest in books is nurtured through the use of a cosy book corner, where children can access a range of books both fictional and non-fictional, along with stories to support and encourage their understanding of diversity. Visits to the library allow children to select books independently, which can then be enjoyed in the comfort of the childminder's home. Children enjoy animated story times through the use of

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

story sacks, as visual aids are used to bring the story alive for the children.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The welfare of children is promoted well. The childminder is skilled in promoting and supporting children's needs and demonstrates a good understanding of the welfare requirements and guidance. Due to the stimulating environment and the calm nature of the childminder, behaviour is very good. The childminder ensures that behaviour management is tailored to meet the age and development of the child that is involved.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very safe and secure at the childminder's home. The childminder thoroughly risk assesses her home and takes appropriate safety measures, such as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 stair gates and smoke alarms. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they take risks in safe surroundings. Children's health is well promoted as the childminder ensures children follow good practice in their daily routines, such as hand washing before eating. Their health is further promoted through the provision of healthy snacks and meals and easy access to drinks. The children have good access to the garden and enjoy trips to the local park where they have the opportunity to play in the fresh air and promote their physical development. Children are confident in their play and they have developed warm and trusting relationships with the childminder, which helps them to feel secure in the setting.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Younger children have the opportunity to socialise with others during visits to toddler groups and activity sessions with other childminders within the area. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7