Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY260455 Inspection date 05/05/2011 Inspector Elizabeth Mackey

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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 2003. She lives in Sanderstead, in the London Borough of Croydon, Surrey, with her husband, two adult children and 14 year old daughter. They live in a three bedroom house and all areas of the property, with the exception of two specific bedrooms, are used for childminding. There is a large secure garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years of age at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group and of these no more than one may be aged under one year at any one time. There is no provision for overnight care. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age group, some of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register aand both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder 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 cared for in a safe and stimulating environment. Policies and procedures underpin the childminders good practice. The childminder provides a wide range of activities, covering the six areas of learning to meet children's interests and promote their development. Clear communication systems with parents are established. The childminder is reflective on her practice and identifies her strengths and areas for future development through training and self evaluation

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the identification of next steps for children in their learning journey  complete the review of policies to ensure they are in line with latest guidance

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the early years provision

Tthe childminder adopts a thorough approach to managing risks, thereby effectively mimimising the risks to the children in her care. She has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and of the procedures to follow if she has a concern about the welfare of any of the children in her care. Children's safety, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 health and welfare are all promoted through the implementation of childminding policies, all of which are shared with parents. These policies are curently being reviewed and updated. The childminder undertakes regular risk assessments to minimise the risk to children, both in the home and on outings. The childminder maintains good records of the children attending the setting, including a daily log of every child's arrival and departure. The childminder interacts positively and consistently with the children, anticipating and responding well to their welfare and

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the early years provision

development needs. She encourages their understanding of safety by including them in making the house rules. Additionally, children attend an extensive variety of outings, and they are familiar with the safety measures to follow whilst they are outside the home; for example, looking and listening when crossing the road and washing their hands after touching animals on a farm.

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the early years provision

A consistent two-way flow of information engages parents well, enabling them to make active contributions to their child's learning whilst with the childminder. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of the need to work closely with other partners as and when the need arises, for example sharing observations and progress records with other childcare providers where a child has shared care. The childminder seeks the views of children and parents as part of her self evaluation. Parents are satisfied with the care their children receive; one parent comments 'both my children have learned important life skills'. Children also express their positive views, including 'your food is very nice' and 'I like outings, because they are lots of fun'. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and provides activities and resources that reflect diversity, giving children and their families a sense of belonging and of being valued.

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the early years provision

The childminder is proactive in developing her own professional knowledge. She regularly updates her training, including first aid and safeguarding, and she is currently studying for a Level 3 qualification in childcare. She has acted upon all the recommendations from her last inspection. The childminder evaluates her provision, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of her service, thereby demonstrating that her commitment and capacity to improve is excellent.

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and outcomes for children

Children settle quickly, eagerly engaging in a wide range of activities. The childminder knows the children very well and plans for their individual needs, providing a good range of experiences. Children also enjoy a superior range of innovative outings, which brings their learning to life. For example, they visit a bakery in a supermarket to watch buns being baked, a florist to make flower arrangements for Mothers Day and a fire station. It is a busy family household and children indicate they feel secure by being confident and self assured. Children are familiar with the routine which is organised around their needs; this enhances their sense of security and belonging.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder builds a picture of children's progress and achievements through documented observations that link to the early learning goals. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 gathers information about children's development at the start of their placement, this helps to measure their future progress. The childminder identifies the next steps for children in their learning journey and she has a system in place for assessing children's progress. There are some gaps in identifying children?' next steps; the childminder recognises the need to develop these further. The childminder provides the children with choices about their activities, helping them to become independent learners. Children make a positive contribution by helping to set out their chosen toys and tidying away when they are finished.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder ensures there is a balance of adult led and child initiated play. She sits on the floor with the children to support their play. Children enjoy creative play, making shapes with the dough. Children show a desire to explore and the childminder makes the most of opportunities that occur naturally to extend their learning. For example, when they play with the dough the childminder chats to them and asks them open questions to promote their thinking of the colours, shape and texture of the material. This also encourages their communication skills and imagination. Before moving onto a painting activity the children help to tidy away the previous activity. They smile proudly as they receive plenty of praise from the childminder; there is lovely interaction between them. This relationship helps to build their self-esteem and confidence well. Daily outdoor play and activities are included in the routine and children benefit from plenty of fresh air

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and outcomes for children

and physical activity, promoting their understanding of healthy life styles and the outdoor environment. Children are carefully supported to learn good basic hygiene skills through the use of effective hygiene routines, such as hand washing before eating and after using the toilet. There is a strong emphasis on promoting good health and the childminder encourages healthy eating by providing freshly cooked meals and offering the children healthy choices for snacks. She also encourages the children to try new foods., thereby extending their enjoyment of food and meal times.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from a good range of programmable toys. The childminder has just secured a grant to obtain a both laptop and a camera to aid children's progress in communication and technology in order to develop good skills for the future. 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 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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