Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY260154 Inspection date 09/09/2010 Inspector Ann Moss

p.1

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 assesses 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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 17, nine and five years in the London borough of Croydon, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends toddler groups and takes the children to the park and library. The family have two dogs, a rabbit, a tortoise and fish.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years, of which two may be in the early years age group, at any one time. If she works with one assistant no more than five children may be in the early years age group at any one time. If she works with two assistants no more than eight children may be in the early years age group at any one time. She is currently minding a total of 25 children of which 10 are in the early years age group and all of whom attend on a full or part-time basis.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is qualified to NVQ level 3 in childcare and is a member of Croydon's Children Come First Childminding Network. The assistant is qualified to NVQ level 2.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The well developed knowledge of each child's individual needs ensures that the childminder promotes all aspects of the children's welfare and development with success. Children are safe and secure at all times and enjoy learning about their local area and the world around them. The partnerships with parents, the local schools and other agencies is a key strength and contributes significantly to ensuring that the needs of all children are met very well and they get any additional support they need. This means that children make good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. Regular self-evaluation by the childminder and assistant ensures that any priorities for the future are promptly identified and acted upon, resulting in a service that is responsive to the needs of all its users.

p.4

further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

p.4

further?

 improve routines for checking documentation to ensure that there are no minor omissions. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Excellent care is taken to safeguard children. The childminder and her assistant have a clear and confident understanding of their roles in safeguarding children, which is supported by a well presented policy reflecting the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures of her local authority. All adult members in the household have Criminal Records Bureau clearance and systems are in place to ensure children are cared for by suitable and experienced adults. The childminder ensures children remain safe on the premises and during outings by carrying out detailed risk assessment on a regular basis. A wide selection of clearly written policies and procedures are made readily available and understood by the assistant and the parents, which ensure the setting operates smoothly. These include complaints procedures, if parents have any concerns about the services she provides. Apart from a minor omission in one medical consent form, the

p.5

the early years provision

documentation relating to children's health and well-being is well maintained and stored securely to ensure confidentiality.

p.5

the early years provision

Children's individual needs are being extremely well fostered in a secure, child focused environment. Children are able to play in a very well organised setting, where they can move around freely and easily access play materials from clearly labelled low level storage units. There is a suitable range of high quality and well maintained furniture and equipment available, demonstrating the childminder effectively provides for children's needs and promotes inclusion for all.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder and her assistant hold early years qualifications and together have a rich understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She ensures parents are made aware of how she provides for all children's learning and development requirements within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The childminder is highly effective in her communication with parents and others, which enables her to make sure children's needs are being fully supported. The childminder communicates with parents verbally each day and provides instant up to date information through the text messaging service. The childminder welcomes parents' feedback and provides questionnaires, which help to identify any areas she can develop. The written feedback from parents demonstrates they are delighted with the high quality service their children receive. The childminder has completed a comprehensive written self-evaluation which she uses to help

p.5

the early years provision

continually develop her high quality service.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder is skilled in recognising children's unique qualities and ensuring the needs of every child are being fully met. Children are excited and enthusiastic to join the group. They immediately feel at home as they are greeted by the warm and caring childminder and develop a strong sense of belonging as they take off their shoes and hang up their coat and bag. They develop their self-esteem as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they are able to recognise their art work displayed in the rooms.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder and assistant work as an effective team. Children spend their time fully engrossed in a wealth of activities, which offer appropriate challenge in relation to their individual starting points. This enables each child to make excellent progress in all areas of their learning and development. The childminder and assistant are fully able to recognise when children need support, whilst allowing children the time to persevere and complete tasks at their own pace. For example, babies receive gentle encouragement from the childminder and her assistant as they focus on mark making with corn flour paste; this allows children to develop confidence in their abilities. The childminder sensitively observes and listens to children, which helps her to gain an insight into what they like to do. She uses this information to help plan for their individual learning requirements. The childminder completes individual portfolios on each child and shares this information with

p.6

and outcomes for children

parents, allowing them to contribute to areas of development and help extend children's individual learning at home. She links in with other providers and professionals to ensure that what they provide complements the education and care the children receive in other settings.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have many opportunities to self-initiate their own play and learning. For example, the childminder organises the toys and resources low down to inspire young children's curiosity and exploration. This allows them to build on a particular interest, such as dinosaurs. Children have frequent opportunities to be creative as they paint on paper and decorate masks and bottles using a wide range of media, which support the development of their fine muscle movements. Children receive lots of support and guidance during their daily activities. For example, the childminder is on hand to support young children in perfecting their skills in handling tools which aid sandwich making. Children's language for communication is very well supported as the childminder talks through comments on some activities and responds positively to children's interactions. Children are beginning to recognise the different sound letters in their name; babies happily babble in

p.6

and outcomes for children

response to the childminder who tunes into the different message they convey. Children are able to explore and find out how things work. The babies have fun manipulating musical toys and responding to the sounds. Children show confidence as they explore the environment and have time and space for energetic play indoors and outdoors. They look at fish and learn about to care needs of living things, such as the family's dogs, rabbit, tortoise and cricket. Children are having fun in the outdoor area as they enjoy the benefits of the fresh air and participate in the activities set up outside. Children are able to learn about each other and the wider community as the childminder listens to their news and requests, demonstrating she values each child in the setting. The children are able to play with a wide range of high quality resources, which helps to develop a positive understanding of diversity. The children behave extremely well in the setting as

p.6

and outcomes for children

they are happy and fully engaged. The childminder is an excellent role model, interacting calmly and affectionately with the children in her care. The childminder promotes positive behaviour through praise and reinforcing good manners

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's welfare needs are extremely well met. They are gaining a strong understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they play in the secure environment, being reminded to be gentle with each other. They have regular This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 opportunities to participate in evacuation drills, so they know what to do in an emergency. Children develop an understanding of being healthy as they are able to enjoy their nutritious meals and discuss where different foods come from. The children have opportunities for quiet times and rest as they snuggle up to share stories, and toddlers go to sleep in a quiet secure area. They have frequent opportunities to develop their self-help skills as they confidently help themselves to their individual drinking cups and babies begin to master the skills in feeding by using their fingers. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9