Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY397852 Inspection date 23/03/2010 Inspector Liz Margaret Caluori

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 2009. She lives with her partner and 12-year-old child in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex. Childminding generally takes place on the ground floor, although one bedroom is used for children to sleep and toilet facilities are on the first floor.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may 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. There are currently three children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder is also caring for one child who is over eight years. She is also registered to provide overnight care for one child. The childminder holds a Level 3 childcare qualification.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the Hastings 1066 Childminding Association and also receives support from the local authority. The family has a cat and two rabbits as pets.

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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 enjoy a broad range of interesting activities as they play and learn in the safe, child-centred environment. They are progressing well as a result of the care and attention given to identifying and addressing their individual needs. Positive and friendly relationships with parents and carers help the children to feel secure. The childminder’s clear commitment to ongoing reflection and continual improvement ensures that her practices are able to be developed to reflect the evolving needs of the children and their families.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop the systems for recording children's progress and development to more clearly indicate the next steps identified in each area of their learning to more easily share information with parents, carers and other professionals  increase the range of resources aimed at helping children to gain an understanding of, and respect for, diversity.

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the early years provision

The childminder fully understands her responsibility to protect children and has a range of written safety policies which are shared with parents and carers. She is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 confident in her ability to detect the potential signs and symptoms of abuse and has the contact details to enable her to refer her concerns if necessary. Comprehensive risk assessments are conducted to ensure that hazards are identified and action is taken to ensure that children are safe whilst still being encouraged to develop their independence.

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the early years provision

A clear commitment to self-reflection and continual development is resulting in improvements to the services offered to children and their families. The childminder has produced a ‘wish list’ of resources that she hopes to purchase and action that she intends to take to further develop her practice. These are aimed at reflecting the evolving needs of the children and their families. The childminder actively seeks out the views and suggestions of parents and carers of any areas which could be improved.

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the early years provision

The childminder has effective systems in place to observe children’s play and uses these observations to identify their next steps in each area of learning. However, she does not routinely include this information in the written records that she shares with parents and carers. As a result, they are not given sufficient encouragement to take an active part in setting goals for their children although they are informed about their child’s overall progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has arrangements in place to work cooperatively with other professionals involved in the care and development of the children.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from the high level of attention given to identifying and addressing their individual needs. The childminder competently organises her day to accommodate the routines and sleep patterns of the children. They have equal access to the activities and resources provided and these are skilfully adapted to be appropriate for their ages and stages of development. The childminder has clear written policies outlining her commitment to promoting equality and diversity and to challenging discrimination. She has a range of resources available which promote positive images of people from throughout the community and wider world although this is not extensive.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder’s care and are making good progress in their learning and development. They enjoy games which promote their problem solving and reasoning skills such as putting together train tracks. They also demonstrate very high levels of imagination as they take on characters and share stories and jokes with the childminder. The childminder uses her knowledge of the children’s personalities to put out resources and plan activities which she is confident they will find appealing. There is an impressive range of resources available to the children, many of which are attractively presented for them to access themselves. Children are becoming very independent in their learning as a result of the opportunities they receive to make decisions and choices.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy regular outings to local groups and are becoming wonderfully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sociable. They are well supported to develop their communication, language and literacy skills. They speak enthusiastically about their visits to the library and are beginning to develop a love of books. They engage in interesting and articulate conversations with the childminder which extend their vocabulary and knowledge and understanding of the world. In addition, children are given opportunities to develop a range of skills which will help them prepare for school and their future lives. They have access to practical experiences such as using a computer and are also encouraged to try things for themselves, for example working together to put up a tent.

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and outcomes for children

Children are extremely well behaved and are given good encouragement to share and take turns. They respond very well to the praise and encouragement they receive. This supports them to feel secure and promotes their self-esteem. The childminder understands that children learn through practical experiences and supports them to understand how to protect themselves through practical activities such as practising safe road crossing. In addition she gives them gentle reminders when they are out and about, for example to be cautious around strangers and not to approach unfamiliar dogs.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing a good understanding of the benefits of healthy lifestyles and good personal care. They go on regular outings in the local area and, in addition to enjoying the fresh air, take part in physical play such as ball games and playing on the fixed equipment in the park. Children are offered a nutritious range of meals and snacks and drinks are constantly available. The childminder maintains a current first aid certificate and also has appropriate procedures in place to deal with sickness and administer medication. 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 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 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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