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 510364 Inspection date 30/07/2009 Inspector Alison Weaver

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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 1994. She has a recognised childcare qualification. She lives with her husband and three teenage sons in a house in Eastbourne near to schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has one dog. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six 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 three 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.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder acknowledges the uniqueness of each child and works closely with parents to meet their welfare needs although slightly less focus is placed on their involvement in children’s learning. Children make good progress in their learning and development and are well occupied. The childminder takes satisfactory steps to bring about further improvement that will have a positive impact on the care of children.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the risk assessments by ensuring there is more specific detail particularly for outings and include safety with regard to the stairs  continue to develop the observation and assessment system, to identify next steps for learning and track children's progress  retain a record of all administration of medication for an appropriate period of time.

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provision

The childminder has good procedures for safeguarding children and has attended training to help support her in this area of childcare. She keeps her home secure and the use of outdoor CCTV enables her to be aware of any visitors. She shows a good awareness of safety in the home and outdoors. All necessary safety precautions are in place so children play free from harm. However, the written risk assessments are, in places, quite general and lack useful detail. All other required documentation is in place although the records of administration of medication are not retained by the childminder. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The partnership with parents is good as the childminder keeps them well informed about their child’s day both verbally and through the effective use of daily diaries. They have copies of her written policies so they know about most of her

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provision

procedures and practices. She ensures that she is made fully aware of children’s individual needs and routines so that she can provide consistent care for the child. Parents are shown the scrapbooks and learning journey sheets so they have an idea of how their child is progressing with the childminder.

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provision

The childminder shows an awareness of her own strengths and weaknesses although has no systematic process for monitoring and evaluating her provision. She has completed a childcare course since her last inspection and attended other short courses to improve her knowledge and skills. She also looks to other providers for ideas and then tries them out to see if they will enhance her own practices and benefit children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder creates a warm, caring and homely environment for the children. The home is kept clean and good hygiene procedures are implemented. Children build good relationships with the childminder and develop a sense of security and attachment. They learn to be independent as they make choices from a good range of age appropriate resources. The playroom in the garden is used very effectively in the summer times as children are able to move safely and freely between the indoors and outdoors.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder gives the children plenty of attention and helps promote their learning as they play. Their communication skills develop well as the childminder questions them effectively and reinforces their language. Children learn to sort, match and count. They find out about shapes as they take part in fun activities such as looking for circles in the garden, painting spots and making dough circles. They make good progress in their physical development as they kick the balls, crawl through the tunnel and play on the rocker. Children thoroughly enjoy playing with water, pouring it and seeing how the wheel works.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s social skills develop well as they regularly attend local toddler groups. They also enjoy a varied range of outings to interesting places such as the miniature railway, farms and zoo. The childminder teaches them about road safety when they go out and how to play safely on big equipment in parks. Children are taught about sun safety when playing outdoors.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to bring healthy meals to eat at the childminder’s home. They learn about healthy foods as they take part in gardening. The children have fun planting, watering and harvesting a wide variety of produce in the garden including lettuce, carrots, peppers, cabbages, tomatoes and strawberries. They eat some of the food with the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is still in the process of developing her systems for observing and assessing children’s progress in their learning and development. However, she This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 knows the children well and sets clear learning priorities for them to ensure they each make good progress. 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? 3 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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