Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY294041 Inspection date 03/11/2009 Inspector Daphne Prescott

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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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and two children in Southwick, East Sussex. They live in a first floor flat which is accessed via two flights of stairs. The lounge and one other room is the main areas used for childminding. There is no access to a secure garden but the childminder uses the communal area and children are regularly taken to the local park for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. There is currently one child on roll in the early years age group. 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 no pets.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children benefit from a kind relationship with the childminder and this impacts on the children's happiness to explore their learning environment. They make sound progress in their learning and development as they have access to a range of appropriate play experiences. The childminder finds out all about the individual needs of children to make sure that the care she gives is appropriate by gathering relevant information from parents. There are some weaknesses in the provision but the childminder is beginning to evaluate her practice and is committed to further develop the service she provides for the benefit of children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 devise a record of risk assessment for the premises and any outings undertaken by the children; maintain a record of these particular aspects and when and by whom they have been checked and implement any findings (Suitable premises, environment & equipment) 03/11/2009

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further?

 ensure parental permission is requested, at the time of admission to the provision, to the seeking of any necessary medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 03/11/2009

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  obtain written parental permission for children to take part in outings  develop observations on children's progress to ensure their next steps in their learning are identified and used in planning to promote learning and to monitor their progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage  develop partnership links with other provision, such as schools delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, attended by children to enable continuity of their learning experiences.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role and responsibilities and ensures children's welfare is safeguarded appropriately. She demonstrates an appropriate knowledge of signs and symptoms of child abuse and how she should proceed with this to safeguard children. The childminder is aware of the importance of safety within the home. For example, a safety gate is in place at the entrance of the kitchen to prevent children having unsupervised access and appropriate fire detection and control equipment is in place. However, the childminder has not completed a record of risk assessment of the environment to ensure that hazards to children are kept to a minimum. This is a breach of a specific legal requirement. The childminder is aware of safety when on outings as she teaches children to cross roads safely. However, she has not carried out a full risk assessment for each individual outing that the children take part in. This is a

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the early years provision

breach of a specific legal requirement. Furthermore, the childminder has not obtained from parents the necessary consent for outings and emergency treatment to help towards promoting children's safety and welfare.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises the space and resources effectively and all children are able to make choices in their play, as toys are easily accessible which encourages children's independence. She provides an inclusive environment for children, for instance, she adapts activities so that all children are able to be involved at a level which is suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder fully understands her responsibilities to work with parents and other agencies to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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the early years provision

Parents are made to feel welcome and the childminder has established positive relationships with them. There is a two-way flow of information about their child’s welfare and activities thus supporting consistency of care. Furthermore, information is sought from parents before children start attending, including what they like and what they can already do. This helps the childminder to provide appropriate support to children. As a result they are happy and settled in her care. The childminder is beginning to make links with the schools that children attend, although systems to exchange information are not yet fully developed to ensure continuity of children's learning and care. She has a positive attitude to improving her practice. For example, she is keen to improve her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

completed all the recommendations made at the last inspection, which contributes towards ensuring the welfare of the children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are relaxed and happy with the childminder as warm, affectionate care is given by her. She provides a range of toys suitable for the ages of minded children in her care. She also provides activities which she knows interest the children providing opportunities to enable them make progress in their learning. However, the childminder has not yet started to observe the children in order to track their progress and plan their next steps in their learning based on the children’s developmental needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy and receive support from the childminder, as she is actively involved in their play and learning, helping them to concentrate and extending their understanding. For example, they have a great time playing snakes and ladders together, she teaches them the rules of the game and they also learn how to share and take turns. Books are readily available and children show an interest in books as they independently select one to look at, turning the pages carefully to view the pictures. The childminder supports children’s language development through positive interaction and listening to children and she encourages them to respond to her questions. Children enjoy art and craft activities helping children to express their own ideas. They learn about the world around them and diversity through discussions and activities relating to different lifestyles through celebrating a variety of festivals.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from being taken out in fresh air on a regular basis to promote healthy lifestyles and through the childminder promoting healthy eating. She provides children with healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. Children enjoy mealtimes where the childminder sits with them and help children to enjoy the social aspect of their mealtimes. They are also learning how to keep themselves healthy as they learn good hygiene practices. The childminder talks to children about the importance of washing their hands and she provides children with their own hand towels which help to prevent the risk of cross-infection. She manages children's behaviour using positive methods appropriate to their level of understanding. Praise and encouragement are also used to enable children to develop confidence and good self-esteem. Furthermore, the childminder teaches children about safety in the home and to be careful as they play.

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and outcomes for children

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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 devise a written child protection procedure to be followed for the protection of children (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 17/11/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 devise a written procedure to be followed in relation to complaints (Procedures for dealing with complaints) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 17/11/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report in relation to risk assessment (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 03/11/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report in relation to child protection procedure 17/11/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report in relation to complaints 17/11/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report in relation to risk assessment. 03/11/2009

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