Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY391697 Inspection date 07/12/2010 Inspector ISP Inspection

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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 2009. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and eight in Twineham, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog, cat and chickens. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time; of these four may be in the early year's age range. She is currently minding five children under five, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and 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 are happy and settled because the childminder creates a safe and secure environment, where children are valued and supported. Warm, positive and trusting relationships enable children to feel safe and secure. The childminder fosters close working relationships with parents. She has a good capacity to maintain continuous improvement, because she seeks to improve her knowledge and understanding of children's early years through further education opportunities.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips  extend activities, toys and resources to promote children's understanding of diversity

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the early years provision

Positive steps have been taken by the childminder in order to safeguard children and to promote their welfare. The childminder is fully aware of her roles and responsibilities in relation to child protection. Detailed risk assessments confirm that the childminder carries out safety checks around the home; she is able to verbally state how she ensures children safety during outings to eliminate any potential risks. However, the record does not include all outings undertaken with the children. Children experience high levels of supervision and individual This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attention. Space and resources are organised well and the childminder constantly reappraise both the environments and activities to which children are being exposed and make necessary adjustments to secure their safety at all times. The childminder has ensured that all the adults in her household are suitably vetted.

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the early years provision

Following registration this childminder has made a good start to embracing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She is very keen to develop her understanding further through training courses to secure her knowledge. She is aware of children's preferences and organises activities based on these studies to assess children's progress and plan for their individual interests. The children play mainly in the designated play room; this is very welcoming, spacious, light and airy. There are many suitable age appropriate toys provided, these are well arranged in the play room so that the children can easily choose what they wish to play with, this helps to develop their independence. In addition children benefit from the large open plan kitchen where they can participate in a range of arts and crafts activities.

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the early years provision

The childminder works well with parents and carers of the children, valuing their contribution as partners in their children's learning and care. Daily verbal and written feedback, children's profiles and detailed information regarding her service maintain a two-way flow of information between parents and the childminder. Partnership with other providers is evolving to ensure children's progression and continuity of learning. The childminder continually evaluates the activities and experiences that are on offer to the children, always seeking to improve their learning opportunities. Parent's comments are positive about the service they receive, for example, 'the home is set in beautiful and peaceful surroundings, my child loves being in the countryside near animals' and 'she has a wonderful relaxed manner yet is very focused on providing safe, educational and fun care'

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and outcomes for children

The children appear very happy and settled with the childminder. The childminder plans a wide range of interesting and worthwhile activities that ensure children learn in all areas, such as exploring musical toys, going to the park or toddler group and playing with age appropriate toys. The home is located on a farm and this brings a wealth of opportunities for the children to observe and explore their natural environment. Children experience the cycle of the changing seasons as they go on walks through the fields. They look closely at interesting aspects of the natural world as the talk about the horses and tend to the chickens. Children enjoy home cooked meals that meet their dietary requirements and which the childminder plans as part of a well-balanced diet. They benefit from naps arranged according to their individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder praises their efforts and achievements as they confidently explore and follow their own interests. The childminder has established an effective system to ensure that each child benefits from individual care and attention. She provides reassurance to children new to the setting who gain confidence from cuddles and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 her calm, gentle conversation. The childminder supports children's developing speech well by responding effectively to toddlers' vocalisations. She uses language skilfully to reflect back children's delight in identifying their favourite toys, such as trains. Children have some opportunities to learn about diversity. Although, there are too few activities and resources to fully promote their knowledge and understanding of culture, gender and disability. Children enjoy a good range of easily accessible books that they can look at on their own as well as share with the

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and outcomes for children

childminder. They also benefit from a wide range of opportunities to express their own ideas through imaginative role play and using good quality resources.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn to keep themselves safe through guidance and the practical example set by the childminder concerning road safety and any possible dangers in their everyday life. There is a good procedure to protect children from the spread of infection, as arrangements are in place to exclude children who have any infectious illnesses. Children behave well whilst in the care of the childminder. The childminder takes into account the ages and stages of development of the children when managing their behaviour and offers lots of praise and encouragement to build on their self-esteem. Children develop skills for their future, developing their literacy and numeracy skills through everyday routines. They have opportunities to learn about technology and good communication skills, including becoming independent learners. Children are clearly enjoying the time and attention they receive from the childminder. The affectionate and gentle care given by the

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and outcomes for children

childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging and trust. 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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