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 EY260095 Inspection date 14/08/2009 Inspector Daphne Prescott

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children in Lancing, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and a garden is available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently six children on roll of whom three are in the early years age group. Children attend at different times of the week. The childminder 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 walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also attends parent and toddler groups. The family have pet gerbils and a rabbit.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The stimulating and fun activities and experiences provided for the children support their individual learning requirements very well. Positive relationships are built with parents which enables the childminder to meet their child's individual needs effectively. She recognises the uniqueness of each child and ensures all children are included in the setting. The childminder has started to evaluate the service that she provides and has effectively identified areas for future development in order to further improve the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure regular evacuation drills are carried out and details recorded in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were resolved.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 undertake a risk assessment for each and every outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 28/08/2009

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provision

Children are warmly welcomed into a lovely family home environment. They receive warmth and affection from the childminder who focuses entirely upon their well-being. The kindness shown to the children ensures they feel secure, and enables them to develop their confidence. The childminder is consistently polite This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and respectful towards children; she acts as a positive role model for behaviour. She sets clear boundaries and praise is used effectively to develop children's good self-esteem.

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provision

The childminder works very hard to build positive relationships with parents to ensure their child's individual needs are well met. She gathers information from parents to ensure she has a good awareness of each child’s starting points. The childminder maintains a detailed communications book where she carefully records day to day welfare matters and children's activities which are shared with the children's parents. Children's well-being is promoted by the childminder's informative operational policies and procedures which successfully guide her practice. These are shared with parents to help them understand the care provided, thus developing secure working relationships. Parents comment that the childminder provides ‘a safe, welcoming environment for my child to grow and learn in. The house is always clean, well organised and child friendly.’ ‘The childminder offers a very open, caring, supportive and learning environment, which

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provision

has certainly enabled my child to develop and shape their character.’

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provision

The childminder is very aware of the importance of safety within the home. Written risk assessments are undertaken which identifies hazards and enables the preventive measures to be put in place, thereby ensuring children's safety at all times. The childminder has in place the appropriate fire detection and control equipment. She has clearly defined procedures for the emergency evacuation of her premises. However, these procedures have not yet been practised to help children understand even further how to stay safe. The childminder is fully aware of safety when on outings. She has carried out full risk assessments for most outings. However, she has not included each individual outing that the children take part in the record of risk assessments. This is a breach of a specific legal requirement. Children are beginning to learn how to keep safe as the childminder talks to them about staying safe in the home environment and when on outings.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the indicators of child abuse, and has the required procedures to follow to report concerns.

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provision

The childminder understands the importance of developing her existing good practice to ensure outcomes for children are continually enhanced. She is fully committed and strives to improve the service she provides, effective systems are in place for self-evaluation. In addition, the childminder has completed the recommendations made at the last inspection.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the setting as the childminder’s calm and caring manner helps children feel settled and secure. She gets to know children well and spends time playing and talking with them. Good systems are in place to support children's progress towards the early learning goals because the childminder has a thorough knowledge of the six areas of learning. She observes children at play and records the findings in individual files as she closely monitors their progress. The files present a unique profile of each child’s abilities. The observations are assessed and the next step in the child’s unique learning journey This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 is identified along with how it will be achieved through play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have a variety of exciting and stimulating activities provided for them that enable them to make good progress in all areas of their learning and development. Good emphasis is placed on developing children's social skills which contributes towards their economic well-being. For example, the childminder enables them to make and follow their own decisions about their play. Visits to the local toddler groups ensure children are involved in the community and help to develop their social skills. Children's language and confidence in talking is promoted effectively as the childminder encourages children to chat to support their emerging language. They enjoy playing imaginatively with role play equipment as they have a lovely time playing imaginatively with dolls. Children have plenty of opportunities to express themselves through painting. They also have opportunities to develop early writing skills, for example making marks to represent their ideas. Children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

have a fun time playing outside in the childminder's garden, they have the freedom to explore and be physically active as they have an enjoyable time playing outside with the sand or sliding down the slide with support from the childminder. The childminder recognises the importance of enabling children to learn about valuing and respecting diversity within society and the childminder has a strong commitment to offering an inclusive service.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and well-being is promoted effectively. The childminder ensures she can respond appropriately if a child becomes ill or has an accident and she has completed a relevant first aid course. Children learn about hygiene practices as they wash their hands as part of the daily routine. Children are offered healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. These include fresh fruit and vegetables, and take account of children’s individual dietary needs and parents' wishes if they wish to provide their children's meals, which the childminder stores safely. Children experience relaxed meal times because the childminder sits with the children when eating and makes meal times a pleasant and social time. Suitable furniture is available for the children to enable them to sit comfortably and enjoy their food. The childminder works closely and flexibly with parents regarding children's feeding routines. Drinking water is also available during the day so that children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

remain hydrated. 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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