Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY336858 Inspection date 20/11/2009 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 2006. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, and three children, two of whom are aged over 16. They live in a residential area of Crawley, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor is available to minded children and there is a garden 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. He is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, of these, only three may be in the early years age range at any one time. He also cares for children aged over eight years. He is currently caring for three 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

The childminder provides a warm, caring and welcoming environment for children and their families. He knows the children in his care well and is fully aware of their interests and capabilities. The childminder provides a good range of resources and activities that interest them and meet their individual needs. His systems for observation and assessment are in their infancy but the childminder has a sound 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. He follows clear procedures to ensure children are kept safe and secure. He is beginning to reflect on his practice and is committed to improvement and attends relevant courses to enhance his skills.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the use of observation and assessment in planning for children's next steps in learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear and knowledgeable approach to safeguarding children. He is aware of his role and responsibility to protect the children in his care. Parents are made aware of his child protection policy so that they know what action he will take if he has any concerns. All adults who work or live in the house are suitable to do so and hold current Criminal Record Bureau checks (CRB). 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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 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.

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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. 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, he acknowledges that this is an area he 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

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 he makes parents and their children feel welcome. He ensures that all activities are accessible to all the children and adapts activities to meet children's individual needs. The childminder works very closely with his wife who he minds with. They regularly evaluate the provision and strive to make continuous improvement to further improve the services they provide for the children in their care. He has addressed the recommendation made at the last inspection by attending a variety of training courses and developing his knowledge and understanding of childminding practices.

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and outcomes for children

Children experience a good range of activities inside and outside the home, which support their all round development. Daily activities are thoughtfully planned, taking into account children's individual interests and needs. 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. Individual files show how children are progressing, however, the childminder acknowledges that his wife, who he minds with, takes the lead in this aspect. Many photographs illustrate the range of learning opportunities offered to children and how these relate to the aspects within the six areas of learning. The childminder automatically introduces vocabulary, numbers and colours as he chats to the children. This reinforces children’s learning in a relaxed way. They enjoy looking at books, both independently and with the

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and outcomes for children

childminder. They develop good counting skills through a variety of activities and daily routines. Children develop a sense of belonging through regular outings, including walks and visits to local shops and parks. They enjoy easy access to the garden and develop their physical skills as they play on the range of equipment available. Children benefit from participating in a good all round range of activities while they are with him such as music, dancing, imaginary and creative play. Children have good opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 them through planned activities and the range of resources available to them which reflect diversity.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a welcoming, healthy and safe environment. The childminder has a good understanding of safety and all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the environment in which children are cared for is safe and secure. 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. The childminder actively promotes good hygiene practices to minimise the risk of cross-infection. He teaches children the importance of good hand washing routines; he explains why this is necessary so that children learn the importance of personal hygiene. Children enjoy a balanced menu of healthy snacks and home-cooked meals while in the childminder's care. He encourages them to try new foods helping them establish a

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and outcomes for children

healthy eating pattern. Children's social skills are continually encouraged by sitting together at mealtimes, in a 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 his care. 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 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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