Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY343715 Inspection date 12/05/2011 Inspector Helen Penticost

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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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her partner and family in a residential area of Copthorne, West Sussex. The house is situated within walking distance of local schools, parks and amenities. The family have two pet cats. Childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor. A first floor bedroom is used occasionally for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for 10 children, five of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder is willing to collect children from local schools.

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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 form trusting relationships with the childminder because she is warm, caring and attentive to their individual needs. They are settled, secure and confident and they are making good progress overall towards the early learning goals. Most systems for record keeping are in place and overall communication is good. The childminder fosters positive relationships with parents which help to support a consistent and cohesive approach. She recognises her strengths and is able to identify areas for improvement which she addresses by accessing appropriate training this helps her to continue to improve outcomes for the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a record of evacuation drills in the fire log book, which includes details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  maintain a regular two-way flow of information, knowledge and expertise with other early years settings that children attend, to help support and extend children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of her legal duties and responsibilities with regards to child protection issues. She has completed training in the identification of differing types of abuse and is aware of the correct reporting This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures for the local area. Therefore, children's welfare is safeguarded. All the essential documents to support the efficient and safe management of the childminding provision are in place, including a good range of policies and procedures. Risk assessments of the home environment and outings are comprehensive and are reviewed regularly to further reduce any hazards to children. Necessary fire equipment is in place to protect children in the event of a fire and the evacuation is practised, however, the childminder does not maintain a fire log. The childminder strives for improvement in her practice by attending mandatory

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the early years provision

training such as first aid and from seeking advice from others including childminders. Since the last inspection, the childminder has devised an observation, assessment and planning system that enables her to record children's progress effectively. Resources are used effectively to support children's learning and development. They benefit from a well planned and very welcoming indoor and outdoor environment where they can easily access a wide variety of high- quality play materials. The childminder provides a service that is inclusive for all children and their families. She demonstrates a positive approach by encouraging all children to consider, and be aware of, the needs of others, and to recognise and value differences. Systems to support children that attend other early years settings are not yet established to ensure continuity in children's learning. The childminder values the opinions and roles of the parents and encourages them to share

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the early years provision

information about their child. Good quality information is exchanged on a regular basis and there are very clearly written contracts and consent agreements regarding individual care needs. Complimentary comments from parents include, 'I really appreciate all your help and support, without it I wouldn't have been able to work'.

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and outcomes for children

Children access a welcoming environment in which they relax and appear to feel safe and secure during their play. Children behave very well because they know what is expected of them and follow the childminder's good example. Children are given explanations as to why some behaviour is unacceptable, which helps them to learn about right and wrong, with praise and encouragement given freely to develop their self-esteem. Children's language skills are well supported as the childminder engages in play using a range of words and sentence structures to extend and build vocabulary. Children explore mathematical concepts through hands on experiences. For example, they build the numerical stacking cars and the childminder talks about the numbers and colours. Simple activities support their problem solving skills, young children access pop-up toys where they are required to push and pull levers and buttons and are rewarded as the animal appears.

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and outcomes for children

Knowledge and understanding of the world is a strong element in the children's learning as the childminder uses the outdoor area and local environment in providing many first hand experiences. For example, they undertake visits to the local fire station, the cats protection league as well as sing and sign musical This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 groups. Children can freely access resources to develop their creative flare as they are stored effectively at child level. They enjoy exploring the properties of modelling dough and the use rolling pins and cutters to create shapes and patterns. They undertake cooking activities such as making pizza which develops their understanding of weights and volume. Children's health and well-being are promoted well. For example, a very healthy range of meals and snacks are provided. The childminder has a food safety certificate, which helps to ensure that food is properly prepared. The childminder

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and outcomes for children

encourages children to engage in plenty of daily exercise through outdoor play and visits within the local community. She implements clear procedures to help reduce the risk of cross infection. These measures help to promote children's good health very well. 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 3 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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