Childminder in Brighton and HoveOfsted inspection, 15 Sept 2009

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 130874 Inspection date 15/09/2009 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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and four daughters aged 5, 9, 13 and 16 years in a residential street in Brighton, close to local amenities. The property is an end of terrace house. She uses mainly the lounge and separate dining room for childminding purposes, although older children sometimes play upstairs. The family has a pet dog. There is a secure garden to the rear of the house that offers good out door play opportunities.

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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, of these only three may be in the early years age range at any one time. She also cares for children aged over eight years. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age range, on a part-time basis.

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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 are cared for in a warm inclusive environment where the childminder is fully aware of their interests and capabilities. She provides a good range of resources and activities that interest them and meet their individual needs. 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 upon her practice and demonstrates a good capacity for improving what is offered to the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop observation and assessment systems; use the information gathered to clearly identify and plan for children's next steps in learning  improve the self-evaluation system to monitor the provision and identify key strengths and areas for improvement.

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the early years provision

Children are extremely well supported and encouraged throughout their time in the childminder's care. The learning environment is very well organised with easy access to resources that meet the needs of all children. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place and followed vigilantly by the childminder to ensure This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's welfare is effectively safeguarded and promoted. She 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, this ensures effective action is taken to manage and eliminate risks to children. The childminder has a clear and knowledgeable approach to safeguarding children. She is aware of her role and responsibility to protect the children in her care. Parents are made aware of her child protection

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the early years provision

policy so that they know what action she will take if she has any concerns.

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the early years provision

Children benefit greatly from the very good relationships in place between the childminder and their parents. Systems to assess children's progress are effective and the emphasis is on sharing these regularly with parents, positively impacting on children's care, welfare, development and learning. A colourful record of children's achievements, containing photographs and samples of their work, provides parents with a lasting memento as well as an accurate account of their child's progress. She has developed links with other providers and shares relevant information about the children promoting the integration of care.

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the early years provision

The good range of play equipment is well maintained, suitable for the ages of all the children attending and offers interesting variety. The childminder works to provide an enabling and inclusive environment and she makes parents and their children feel welcome. She ensures that all activities are accessible to all the children and adapts activities to meet children's individual needs. The childminder has a childcare qualification and is keen to continue to develop her knowledge and skills. She has commenced a process of self-evaluation and while this is still in the early stages of development she is beginning to use it to further improve the service she provides for the children in her care. She has addressed the recommendations made at the last inspection by developing the range of resources and activities which help children learn about the wider world. She has also updated her policies to include a complaints procedure which complies with current

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and outcomes for children

Children very much enjoy their time with the childminder. She offers a safe, secure, well-organised and inclusive provision that fully supports their welfare and learning needs; they are extremely well cared for and highly motivated. The childminder clearly understands that children learn through play and provides them with exceptional support and exciting learning opportunities. She spends a great deal of time playing directly with the children, who respond well to the consistent attention; for example, she encourages a child to put the play people on the Lego animals by himself. The learning environment is well presented to help children make good 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. She has in place

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and outcomes for children

systems to observe and record children's progress; while she uses the information gathered to plan effectively for the children's next steps in learning it is not This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 recorded. Children develop a healthy interest in books and enjoy stories. The childminder reads to children and asks questions to develop their language, for example, as they discuss together all the differences they can see in the book 'All kinds of People'. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their imaginative, physical, creative and language skills; such as role play, drawing, music and construction. They develop good counting skills through a variety of activities and daily routines. The childminder has a sound understanding of all equal opportunities issues. She has a positive attitude towards diversity, which helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children

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and outcomes for children

develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings to places of interest; such as the library, Brighton Museum and local parks.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder’s home is clean, safe and welcoming for children providing ample space to play. Children gain a good understanding of the elements of a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy regular physical play, both indoors and out, offering good opportunities for exercise and fresh air. They visit the park and have regular access to outdoor play. The childminder teaches children the importance of good hand washing routines; she explains why this is necessary so that children learn the importance of personal hygiene. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play. Meal and snack times are sociable. While parents currently provide packed lunches for the children, the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices. When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety helping them to develop an awareness of keeping

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and outcomes for children

themselves safe. The childminder uses a sensitive approach to managing behaviour and supports children well in understanding their feelings. Through this and discussion during play they are developing good self-esteem and respect for others. 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 1 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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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