Childminder in Brighton and Hove

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY236331 Inspection date 10/09/2009 Inspector Christine McInally

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and children aged 15, 13 and seven years. The property comprises of a semi-detached house in the Patcham area of Brighton close to local amenities. The childminder uses mainly the ground floor for childminding purposes and there is a safe and secure garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. She also cares for children aged over eight years. She is currently caring for eight children, one full time and the others on a part-time basis, five are in the early years age range.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make good progress in all areas of learning in a warm, inclusive environment where the childminder is fully aware of their interests and capabilities. The systems for observation and assessment are in their infancy but the childminder has a secure knowledge of how to support the children's learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder fosters close working relationships with parents and other providers, helping to fully support children's development and learning. She follows clear procedures to ensure children are kept safe and secure. She is beginning to reflect on her practice and is committed to improving her practice and attends relevant courses to enhance her skills.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop planning, observations and assessment systems to identify next steps and plan for children's individual needs.

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the early years provision

The childminder has created an extremely warm and inviting environment for children and parents. All required policies and procedures are in place and followed to ensure children's welfare is effectively safeguarded and promoted. The childminder maintains children's well-being by continuously monitoring safety issues in and around the home, and by supervising children closely. Risk assessments are undertaken, recorded and regularly reviewed, and this ensures effective actions are taken to manage and eliminate risks to children. The childminder has a clear and knowledgeable approach to safeguarding children. She This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 is aware of her role and responsibility to protect the children in her care. Parents are made aware of her child protection policy so that they know what action she will take if she has any concerns. All adults who work or live in the house are

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the early years provision

suitable to do so and hold current Criminal Record Bureau Checks (CRB).

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the early years provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents and confidentiality is maintained. They receive good written information about the provision including policy and procedure documents. This includes a helpful summary of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) that clearly explains each area of learning. Children's ability and involvement in different activities is observed and recorded. The childminder is beginning to use the information gathered to plan for children's next steps in learning, however she acknowledges that this is an area she wishes to develop. Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child's development and are kept fully informed by the childminder of their child's achievements and progress. Links with other providers are effective and promote the integration of care.

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the early years provision

There is a dedicated playroom which is well organised and stocked with a good range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate toys and resources. These are organised to ensure they are easily accessible to children encouraging their independence and freedom of choice. The childminder evaluates her practice and seeks feedback from parents in order to enhance the service she offers. While she has not completed a formal self-evaluation she regularly reflects on her practice and demonstrates an understanding of areas for improvement. The childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities and keeps herself well informed of current childcare practices. She has addressed the recommendation made at the last inspection by ensuring she has in place written parental consent to act in the child's best interest in the case of a medical emergency is in place.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and enjoy their time in the childminder's home; her cheerful manner and patient approach encourages children to be good humoured and self- assured. They have fun together and form trusting relationships. Children are actively involved in well-planned activities and play opportunities which effectively promote their development and learning. Children are fully involved and interested in the various activities available to them because the childminder joins in and consistently talks to them about what they are doing, for example, as they discuss the various pictures on the alphabet puzzle. The learning environment is well presented to help children progress towards the early learning goals. There is a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities, which help children to be active learners. The childminder takes individual children's interests into account when planning activities and effectively includes the six areas of learning. Children's

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and outcomes for children

ability and involvement in different activities is observed and recorded. The childminder is beginning to use the information gathered to plan for children's next steps in learning, however she acknowledges that this is an area she wishes to develop. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 imaginative, physical, creative and language skills, such as role play, drawing, music and baking. They explore battery operated and cause and effect toys. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards equality and how to support children with additional learning needs or disabilities so that each child is acknowledged as being unique. Children have good opportunities to learn about themselves and others through planned activities and the range of resources available to them that reflect diversity. Children develop a sense of place and learn

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and outcomes for children

about where they live through regular outings to places of interest, such as the seafront, Raystede animal centre and a local soft play area.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a welcoming, healthy and safe environment. The childminder actively promotes good hygiene practices to minimise the risk of cross- infection. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands before eating food or after visiting the toilet. Children enjoy a good range of activities and experiences indoors, outdoors and away from the childminding setting which actively contribute to their good health and well-being. They are provided with opportunities to socialise in larger groups, as they attend a variety of toddler groups and as they socialise with other children and childminder's. Children enjoy a balanced menu of healthy snacks and home-cooked meals while in the childminder's care. She encourages them to try new foods helping them establish a healthy eating pattern. Children's social skills are continually encouraged by sitting together at mealtimes, in a

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and outcomes for children

relaxed atmosphere. Children have easy and ready access to drinks allowing them to have control over their thirst and learn to meet their own needs. Children are well supported by the childminder and consequently this encourages them to feel safe, secure and happy while in her care. Children use a good range of safe and developmentally appropriate resources that are easily accessible to encourage their independence. They are learning how to keep themselves safe through age- appropriate activities such as tidying away toys and practising road safety. Children behave extremely well they are enthusiastic and well motivated; they benefit from the consistent praise and encouragement offered by the childminder. They gain confidence as the childminder acknowledges them as important individuals. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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Stage

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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