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 EY300656 Inspection date 22/07/2009 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. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in Goring, Worthing, West Sussex. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has two cats, one dog, some fish and rabbits. The childminder is within walking distance of local schools, parks and shops. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five 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 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 good. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of individual needs and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This means children are motivated to learn, have fun and make good progress in their learning and development. Children enjoy choosing and exploring a good range of resources and enjoy their play in a safe and secure home. The effective partnership with parents promotes the children's care and learning. The childminder can identify some strengths and areas for future development. These positive features mean that the childminder promotes the welfare and learning requirements with success.

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further?

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

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further?

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

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provision

The childminder treats all children as individuals. She has a good understanding of their preferences and this means they enjoy suitable and interesting learning experiences. During a painting activity, children use different types of paints according to their age and developmental stage. Children play well alongside each other and the childminder helps them to value individual differences. They find out about cultures and diversity through browsing books and playing with resources that represent a range of different people. They learn about festivals from other countries and during Chinese New Year they listen to stories and make paper lanterns. Children are well protected because the childminder has completed recent child protection training. She has a good knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and has the relevant documentation to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. The childminder attends regular training and recent examples include the EYFS course on observations, planning and assessments. She has an excellent range of documentation, such as, a settling in policy and procedures for collecting children. The childminder's paperwork is maintained to a good standard, for example, the record of attendance. She has some understanding of self-evaluation; however, she does not have an effective system to maintain continuous improvement in order to improve the children's welfare, learning and development. The childminder has positive relationships with parents and carers. They comment on her constant communications and exemplary organisational skills. When a child starts, parents browse an informative portfolio. This includes details of the childminder, routines and policies. Parents have a monthly newsletter and this tells them about

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provision

birthdays, events and news items. The childminder communicates regularly with parents and informs them of their child's development and learning. This means they know about their children's progress and the milestones they have achieved.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy as they explore and play in the childminder's home. They are keen to engage other children and the childminder in their activities. The good organisation of the indoor area means that toddlers have plenty of space. They move around freely and independently and select their preferred play materials, such as, interactive toys and books. The childminder has made a good start on the EYFS and her observations help her to plan the next steps for individual children. Each child has a learning journal and this shows how parents contribute to their child's learning, such as, they share information about special events and family members. The childminder notes each child's achievements and individual plans clearly show that children make good progress in the areas of learning. Children demonstrate their interest in books and enjoy browsing one about animals with the childminder. Children of all ages are enthusiastic as they play with an interactive

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

toy. The toddlers respond to the colourful lights and sounds, whilst the older children discuss and predict which route the balls will take. The childminder helps children to develop their counting skills through interactive toys and by counting trees on the way to school. Children enjoy a good variety of creative activities and have fun as they paint their plaster footprints. The childminder's interaction extends the quality of the children's learning as they talk about the different colours. Each week, children go to a dancing and music group and play musical instruments and join in the singing. Outside, children enjoy fresh air and physical activities, for example, they use the trampoline in the childminder's garden and enjoy the swings at the local park. Inside, they enjoy playing with the childminder as they throw balls from the ball pit or roll small balls along the floor. Children learn about the local environment when they pick their own fruits and grow

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

strawberries and herbs in the childminder's garden. They learn important social skills when they regularly visit a local toddler group and mix with other adults and children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a home with suitable space for relaxation, art activities and free movement. There are plenty of appropriate resources and these include puzzles, tunnels and role play equipment. Children like to browse and choose their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 own activity or play materials, for example, a toy telephone, books or a wooden spoon. The childminder has a good knowledge of keeping children safe and uses cupboard locks and safety gates. Her written risk assessments are of a good quality and include all areas of the house and garden. This means that potential hazards are identified, action is taken and all areas are regularly reviewed. Children learn to keep themselves safe and confidently talk about the rules for the trampoline. Children are cared for in a hygienic environment and are beginning to develop a healthy lifestyle. They use hand wipes before snacks and after messy

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

activities. They enjoy a healthy morning snack of fresh fruit, such as, cherries, strawberries and grapes. Children have plenty of fluids and help themselves to water whenever they are thirsty. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and has written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment. She keeps clear accident and medication records. The childminder has experience of a range of learning difficulties and disabilities. If a child has a specific need, she works alongside parents and completes appropriate training to ensure they have an inclusive care and learning experience. Children behave well in the childminder's home and show a good level of care and consideration for others. They are polite and are learning to share resources. The childminder praises their efforts and fosters an environment where children are valued and respected. Parents and the childminder talk regularly at the end of the day. This supports the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

continuity of the children'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? 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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