Childminder in West SussexOfsted inspection, 25 Feb 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 114358 Inspection date 25/02/2011 Inspector Daphne Prescott

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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 1990. She lives with her husband and adult child in Hassocks, West Sussex. The ground floor of the property is the main area used for childminding with toilet and sleeping facilities in this area. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently 13 children on roll, of these nine are in the early years age group. Children attend different times of the week. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a pet cat.

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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 provided with a lovely caring environment where they are very happy and settled. They are making good progress in their learning and development; this is as a result of the childminder's enthusiasm for providing good childcare. She has a very positive relationship with the parents and works effectively in partnership with others. The childminder offers an inclusive service in which each child is respected as a unique individual. She understands the benefit to the children, and her professional development, of continuous improvement, and uses self-evaluation effectively in order to identify areas to develop.

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further?

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

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further?

 further create an environment rich in print where children can learn about words

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the early years provision

Children's personal safety and well-being are promoted through the childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures. She has a good understanding of the indicators of child abuse and the procedures for reporting concerns. Children are supervised well by the childminder and she ensures that they are never left unsupervised with adults who have not been vetted for their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 suitability. Detailed written risk assessments are in place for all areas of the childminder's home and for outings within the local area. Furthermore, she takes steps to ensure children are safe and secure by fitting safety equipment and ensuring the premises are kept secure at all times. All the required records, policies and procedures are in place for the safe management of the provision. The childminder also holds a valid first aid certificate, which enables her to manage

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the early years provision

accidents appropriately as the need arises.

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the early years provision

The environment is very welcoming to the children, with their art work displayed; making children feel that what they have created is valued. Children have ample space to move around and are able to independently self-select resources and enjoy a wide range of activities that capture their interest. This enabling environment assists children to become independent learners and have an enjoyable and fun time in the care of the childminder. The play materials are clean and in good condition, which contributes towards the sustainability of the provision. The childminder provides a service that is inclusive for all children; she adapts activities so that all children are able to be involved at a level which is suitable for their age and stage of development. For instance, as younger children develop she will change activities to suit their growing development and interests by providing different arrangement of toys.

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the early years provision

The childminder places a high emphasis on working in partnership with parents. They are fully valued as partners and are confident in the ability of the childminder to meet the individual needs of their children. She gathers appropriate information from parents about their child and has effective systems in place for keeping parents well informed. For example, by using a daily communication book keeps parents informed about what their child is doing and their emerging interests and development. Furthermore, parents have regular opportunities to discuss all aspects of their children's care and learning with the childminder. She has established good links with other settings that provide the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure continued progression of children's care, learning and development. The childminder also recognises the importance of working closely with other childcare professionals, should a child in her care need additional

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the early years provision

The childminder has begun to reflect and evaluate on her practice to ensure that children have good quality experiences. She is aware of her strengths within her setting and has identified areas for further development. The childminder welcomes the views from parents, and written comments made by parents demonstrate that they truly value the care their children receive and the learning opportunities that are provided. The childminder has addressed the previous recommendation from her last inspection, improving outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

The children have lots of fun with this warm and caring childminder. They receive constant attention and have a strong attachment to the childminder, which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 increases their sense of well-being. She knows the children really well and carries out observations as they play, in order to identify the next step in their individual learning journey. The childminder also takes into consideration children's interests and abilities when planning the range of experiences for them. She puts a great effort into presenting children's assessment files attractively for parents. The childminder uses photos and samples of the children's art work to support her evidence on how they are progressing and enjoying their activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children are having a lovely time and they are excited and motivated by the good range of activities on offer, which supports all areas of their learning well. Communication, language and literacy skills are fostered as the childminder is attentive in answering the children's questions and encourages them to use language to express themselves. Books are made freely available and children thoroughly enjoy looking at their favourite stories. However, they are fewer words displayed so children further understand that print carries meaning. To also encourage recognition of simple words to promote children's pre-reading skills. Children explore their creativity in a wide range of art and craft activities; they freely produce drawings and pictures to represent their ideas and give meaning to their marks. They spend time confidently completing puzzles and talking about pictures of animals that they can see in their puzzles. Younger children are

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and outcomes for children

beginning to show an understanding of technology as they press buttons on interactive toys. Children take part in lovely role play activities as they explore a castle or pirate ship. They have a fun time as they learn about their natural environment. For example, they go bug hunting in the childminder's garden, carefully looking underneath the leaves to see if they can find any insects with great excitement. Children's awareness of people's differences is promoted as they are able to access resources and activities that reflect cultural diversity and disability. Furthermore, the childminder encourages the children to learn about their own cultural backgrounds. For example, children take part in activities and bring in photographs from family members about their country of origin such as Australia and Scotland.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is given good attention. The childminder encourages independence in relation to personal hygiene as they wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Parents are clearly informed about illnesses that will prevent children from being looked after because it would be detrimental to others' good health. Children get plenty of fresh air and exercise each day by playing in the garden, going for walks or visiting the park. They have a fun time playing football in the garden, as they skilfully kick the ball to each other. The children are a strongly bonded group. They play together very well because the childminder encourages the children to respect each other's feelings, learn about taking turns and how to share. All children, regardless of age or ability, are included in activities. For example, the childminder encourages the older children to blow soap bubbles to the younger child so that they are all included. She clearly

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and outcomes for children

applies consistent boundaries, so that children develop knowledge of what is expected and display positive behaviour. The childminder also uses positive praise during every day practices developing children's confidence and self-esteem. Parents provide their children's own food and the childminder makes sure it is stored appropriately to ensure it remains fresh and consumable. Children experience lovely sociable mealtimes and suitable furniture is available to enable This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 them to sit comfortably and enjoy their food. Drinks are freely available throughout the day, keeping their bodies healthy and hydrated. Children are learning to keep safe as they discuss road safety with the childminder. They very confidently tell the childminder the procedures they follow before they cross the road, always listening for any traffic. Furthermore, children know what to do in the event of a fire

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and outcomes for children

because they participate in regular fire drills. 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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