Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 114896 Inspection date 18/02/2010 Inspector Lynn Reeves

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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 has been registered since 1997. The childminder lives with her husband, their adult son and three adult foster children. Childminding takes place in the family home, a house in the village of Barhham, Bognor Regis, West Sussex. Areas used for minding include the three playrooms, master bedroom and kitchen/diner. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The property is within close proximity to school, shops and parks. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years when working alone, of these, three may be in the early years age group. The childminder works in partnership with her husband and another childminder and when doing so the registered number of children increases. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Currently there are 33 children on

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Description of the childminding

roll, of these, 15 are in the early years age group. All of whom attend for various sessions. The childminder also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, a registered foster carer and has an NNEB qualification. The family have a dog.

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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 happy and settled in their environment. The childminder provides an inclusive setting for all children where they are making good progress towards the early learning goals. Detailed policies are in place and are reviewed regularly to ensure they accurately reflect the practice within the setting. Most procedures are implemented effectively to ensure the setting runs smoothly for the benefit of the children who attend. The childminder is beginning to monitor and evaluate her practice, looking for ways to further improve the children's experiences. The effective partnership with parents and other providers ensure children's individual needs are well met.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the accident records to maintain full details including any treatment given  develop further the assessment records to effectively measure children's progress in learning and development across all areas

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded in the childminder's care as she has a good understanding of the procedures to follow should she have concerns regarding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 individual children's well-being. All adults in the house are appropriately vetted and children are never left alone with unvetted people. The written policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure they are fully aware of her safeguarding responsibilities. The childminder is vigilant and provides a safe and secure play and learning environment of the children through observation and the completion of comprehensive written risk assessments. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as they participate in regular fire evacuation drills and receive gentle reminders about how to stay safe indoors. For example, not to run or jump on the furniture in case they fall and hurt themselves. Children

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the early years provision

are provided with high visible tabards to wear when out walking; they learn about road safety and to always keep their seat belts fastened until the car engine is switched off.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises the home environment well, which results in the children benefiting from several dedicated play areas and easy access to a range of play resources. Children have room to move around freely and select the toys and resources they wish to use. The childminder ensures she rotates the toys and equipment so children do not become bored and to meet their individual needs, play preferences and requirements. The children also have free flow access to the fully enclosed garden to the rear of the property and they benefit from daily outings to either the local play and/or ball parks. The childminder knows all the children well and works closely with parents to ensure their individual needs are met. Links with other Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) providers that children attend are being developed, which ensures continuity of care and learning for the children who attend other settings. The childminder has a clear understanding of

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the early years provision

offering differentiation in the activities to allow children of different age groups and abilities to share the same experiences, thus providing a fully inclusive environment. Children have access to a range of multicultural resources and celebrate festivals from around the world to develop their understanding of other beliefs and cultures.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates knowledge of how to implement the EYFS and provides children with a range of activities to stimulate them as she encourages their early interests and inquisitiveness. She spends time observing the children at play and uses the information to identify their next steps. However, records do not clearly show how these are linked to all six areas of learning. Most of the required documentation is in place and parental permission is sought, however, the accidents records do not clearly reflect what/if any treatment has been given. Parents receive information about the EYFS and the childminder's policies and procedures. Relationships are also being developed with the parents and extended families of the children as the childminder organises barbeques and open evenings. Information regarding the children's care and learning is shared daily at arrival and collection time and additional information is recorded in the children's individual

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the early years provision

"Our Day Books". Parents are able to access their children's records and make written contributions to fully involve them in their children's learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are relaxed and content in the childminder's care. They behave very well as the childminder provides activities to keep them occupied and is clear in her expectations of their behaviour. Children thoroughly enjoy the company of the other children around them and are confident to play by themselves or with their peers, asking for help or assistance when needed. Babies receive lots of reassurance and cuddles from adults, making them feel safe and secure. Children are learning to become independent as the childminder encourages them to select their own resources and make their own choices of play. Children respond well to the childminder as she joins in with their chosen play, for example, dressing up, feeding dollies or completing puzzles. Children's language skills are developing as they look at books and talk about the pictures they see and repeat familiar words. They enjoy sitting on the sofa together in small groups to listen to stories. The

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and outcomes for children

childminder is aware that young children's attention spans are short and suggests new activities to keep them occupied and stimulated.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a range of stimulating, interesting, activities, resources and experiences for all the children to participate in, for example, using various media, such as play-dough, corn flour, clay, pasta, sand and water. Children also enjoy opportunities to paint, make collages, do hand prints and take part in cooking activities. The childminder ensures younger children can reach out and select the toys they wish to play with and explore, such as musical instruments, building bricks, books and role play materials. The childminder spends time observing the children at play and makes notes in the daily diary to share with parents about the experiences their children have had.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure the children are provided with a wide range of healthy snacks. She informs the parents that she promotes healthy eating and provides a wide range of fresh fruit for the children at snack time, alongside additional fruits that the parents send to share with the other children. The childminder talks to the children about the types of food that are good for them and the children have recently completed a project on the different fruit and vegetables there are, to support their learning. Little helpers are chosen to hand around the plates and snacks and children have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene and the childminder encourages them to wash their hands at appropriate times to help prevent the possible spread of infection. Toys and resources are cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of germs. Children go

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and outcomes for children

outside daily to reap the benefits of the fresh air and take part in a range of activities to promote their physical development. For example, children visit local parks, where they have the opportunity to run around and use other apparatus at the local indoor ball park. Children's social skills are developing well as good manners are encouraged and they learn the importance of sharing and taking turns. Children feel safe with the childminder as they often go to her with toys. Children receive praise and encouragement and are additionally rewarded for good behaviour with stickers. The childminder deals with unwanted behaviour in a calm way. She gently reminds the children of the rules and distracts them, engaging This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 them in other worthwhile activities, focusing on the positives to build the children's confidence. 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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