Childminder in West SussexOfsted inspection, 6 Oct 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY331972 Inspection date 06/10/2010 Inspector Teresa Elkington

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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 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.

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Crawley, West Sussex. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has no pets. The house is close to local parks and other amenities. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years and currently has three children on role who attend on a full time basis, who are in the early years age range. Registration also includes both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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's individuality is respected and valued by a caring childminder who is dedicated to supporting children's care and learning through her positive implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). They benefit from a good range of enjoyable play experiences which supports their learning and development in all areas. Good relationships are in place with parents and other childcare providers to share relevant information about children's needs; consequently they make good progress in their learning. The childminder has a clear understanding of her strengths and areas requiring further development. She demonstrates capacity to maintain continuous improvement and has plans in place for her own future development and to improve the outcomes for young children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure children's next steps are being clearly used in leading future planning ensure records maintain confidentiality at all times  provide more opportunities for children to self select their toys and resources

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children procedures and has attended training in child protection; this knowledge is underpinned by a clear policy, which is shared with parents and ensures that children are fully protected. Risk assessments are clear and detailed to ensure that hazards are identified and minimised; rigorous daily checks further improve children?s safety. All of the required documentation is in place, reviewed with parents and easily accessible. However, the method for gaining written parental permission for emergency treatment does not always maintain confidentiality. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Space is well organised to allow children to move freely and explore their learning environment. They select from toys and resources that are set out for them, however, they are unable to independently select from stored resources. The

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the early years provision

childminder has a good understanding of children's individual abilities and this enables her to provide purposeful play experiences and activities to support each child's growing skills. The childminder is fully aware of the importance of evaluating her provision. She recognises her strengths and areas requiring further development. She has successfully implemented parental questionnaires, which has enabled her to gauge the satisfaction of her users and help her plan for the further development of her provision. She is able to demonstrate how improvement made following her last inspection led to positive benefits for the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder is successful in working with parents and other childcare providers. She shares information to ensure children's needs are met, which provides a cohesive approach to both learning and care. For example; a two way flow of information is encouraged through the use of verbal and written feedback, to ensure that parents are aware of their children?s routines, activities and achievements on a day to day basis; ongoing communication with children?s key persons ensures that developmental progress is appropriately monitored and planned for. Clear written policies and procedures are professionally presented to share with parents so that they know about the childminding provision. Comments received from parents demonstrates the parents very high regard for the childminder and the service she offers. The childminder provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children and their families. She has a positive

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the early years provision

attitude towards inclusion and equality by ensuring that all children are fully involved in activities.

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and outcomes for children

The children benefit from a warm, caring, family environment which values their individuality and encourages their independence and self confidence. Children enjoy taking part in a good range of play and learning experiences and benefit form a good balance of child-initiated and adult-led play. The childminder makes relevant observations of the children's progress and links them to the six different areas of learning. She uses her assessments to identify the next steps that each child needs to take in order to make continuous progress; however, these are not used effectively in leading future planning. These observational records are openly shared with children's parents and carers and are used to inform discussions about their progress to date.

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and outcomes for children

Children's understanding of the society in which they live is beginning to develop through discussions, stories and play resources, extending their awareness of different cultures, gender and abilities. Children's behaviour is very good, which is supported by the childminder who actively praises and acknowledges kindness This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 shown to each other. They learn to respect and value other peoples needs and opinions as they share, take turns and spontaneously offer praise to one another. Children enjoy opportunities for physical exercise in the garden, parks and at soft- play groups, helping to promote their understanding of the benefits of regular fresh air and exercise. The childminder encourages children to have a healthy attitude towards food and provides a range of healthy snacks which the children enjoy. Individual dietary needs are catered for appropriately. Drinks are also

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and outcomes for children

available during the day so that children remain hydrated. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of good hygiene practices which is well supported by pictorial references. They spontaneously wash their wash their hands at appropriate times and are aware of the need to use their own individual hand towels to prevent the spread of infection. They show a growing awareness of the importance of keeping themselves safe as they abide by rules of the road when out and about and as they practice evacuation procedures, promoting their awareness of how to react in an emergency. These routines support children?s security and promotes their sense of belonging within the caring atmosphere that the childminder provides.

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and outcomes for children

The children's enjoyment and learning is enhanced by the childminder's involvement in their play. Children have easy access to a range of books and enjoy sitting together to read stories to one another. They have access to drawing and colouring resources which encourages their early mark making skills. The childminder encourages the children to count in everyday play situations. For example, as they participate in counting rhymes. They thoroughly enjoy creative activities where they use resources that they have found on their walks, for e ample, they enjoy making pictures from a range of leaves, noting the different sizes and colours as they stick. They delight in taking part in music and singing sessions, where they play musical instrument in time with the music and enjoy dancing to familiar tunes. They have many opportunities to socialise with wider groups of children as they attend toddler groups. These visits also allow the

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and outcomes for children

childminder to meet with other local childminders, using this opportunity to share good practice and ideas. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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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