Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY411343 Inspection date 26/01/2011 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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2010. She is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and one child in Uckfield, East Sussex. The whole of the premises are registered with the ground floor areas predominantly used for childminding. The childminder is close to public transport, schools, shops, parks and other amenities. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for three children in the early age group on a part- time basis. The childminder attends the local childminding group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 the care of the childminder who knows them well, which ensures that their individual needs are recognised and met. The childminder promotes children's learning and development, through a wide variety of stimulating play experiences. Children's welfare is supported through the use of good routines and procedures. Partnerships with parents is well fostered which ensures a cohesive approach to children's care and learning. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement and has taken appropriate steps to identify and improve the quality of the service she offers.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the use systematic observations and assessments of children's achievements, interests and learning styles to plan relevant and motivating play experiences for each child

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in promoting the welfare of the children in her care and to ensure that they are safeguarded from harm. Her awareness and understanding of child protection is sound, and she is confident as to the steps that she would take if she had concerns about a child in her care. She This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 maintains very detailed records and has a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures to support the care and welfare needs of children. The childminder supports children attentively and risk assesses their play environment to minimise any potential hazards that may exist. The childminder ensures that children's good health is promoted through effective procedures. For example, good nappy changing regimes are in place and clear recordings of any accidents and medication administered are well maintained.

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the early years provision

The childminder shows a positive and enthusiastic approach to childcare. She demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing her own professional development and that of her provision. She makes good use of self-evaluation and parental questionnaires, enabling her to identify her strengths and areas in the provision that would benefit from further development and to measure her service users' satisfaction of the care provided. The environment which children play in is organised thoughtfully to meet their needs. They are to access to a range of good quality resources, toys and activities that support their learning and development in all areas, which are rotated on a regular basis to provide variety and keep children, enthused. The childminder has an acute awareness and informed understanding of children's individual needs and promotes inclusion and equality by ensuring that all children are fully involved in activities.

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the early years provision

The childminder fosters good relationships with parents. Policies and procedures are readily available to parents and provide a clear insight of the expectations of the service and the roles and responsibilities of both the childminder and the parents. Communication links are effectively maintained with parents through the use of verbal feedback, written exchanges, a notice board and information clearly displayed about activities planned for the week. The childminder is aware to make links with other settings and agencies that children may be involved with, to ensure continuity in their care and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very relaxed and happy within the care of the childminder, who is constantly on hand to offer support, guidance and reassurance where needed. They show delight and enthusiasm as they explore and participate in a range of purposeful play activities which are supportive of their individual needs and desires. Independence is fully encouraged as they freely access a range of good quality resources within a well organised home. The childminder is very attentive to the children's needs and routines for example, accommodating individual needs for rest and sleep, which enables children to feel settled and secure. The childminder has begun to develop systems for the observing and assessing children's progress and development. However, these systems are in their infancy, although the children is focused on improving this area of her work to ensure that the next steps for individual learning is effective.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a variety of activities which contributes to all areas of their learning and promote skills for their future. They participate in a balance of child initiated This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and adult led activities which are planned to enhance individual interests and desires. They readily explore resources and show delight as they master new skills when successfully placing puzzle pieces into the correct position, which is received with praise from the childminder. Children enjoy selecting from a range of good quality books. These are enjoyed independently and during story times with the childminder, where she encourages them to point to pictures and begin to develop their skills in communication as use gestures and sounds. Children have access to a play kitchen which is supported by a range of resources enabling to explore and act out familiar scenarios which they see in their day to day lives, for example;

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and outcomes for children

play food, shopping basket, and electronic till.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is supported well, as the childminder adopts a calm, caring and consistent approach, to help children develop an understating of acceptable behaviour. Children receive constant praise and encouragement which promotes their self-esteem. Their sense of belonging is fully embraced as their wonderful creations of art work are effectively displayed on the walls within the home. Children undertake outings, for example they visit the local childminder groups, which enables them to socialise with others within their community. Children enjoy a wealth of physical play activities both within and away from the home. For example, they enjoy walks within the local community and engage in exciting play experiences within parks and other child based activities away from the home. Children's dietary needs are appropriately considered, as the childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure children receive healthy meals and snacks, as

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and outcomes for children

well as regular drinks. 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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