Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY358214 Inspection date 04/05/2011 Inspector Shan Jones

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children in Southwick areas of Brighton, West Sussex. The majority of the childminder's flat is used for childminding. There is no garden available for outside play although the childminder takes children on daily outings to ensure they get regular fresh air. The family has no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently two children on roll; in the early years age group. Children attend different times of the week.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. 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

The childminder has positive and friendly relationships with parents and carers help the children to feel secure and settled. Overall children enjoy a broad range of interesting activities as they play and learn in the safe, child-centred environment. They are progressing well as a result of the care and attention given to identifying and addressing their individual needs. The childminder's clear commitment to ongoing reflection and continual improvement ensures that her practices are able to be developed to reflect the evolving needs of the children and their families.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the organisation of the learning resources to allow children easy access  devise systems to plan activities to further support children's individual learning

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the early years provision

The childminder fully understands her responsibility to protect children and has a range of written safety policies which are shared with parents and carers. She is confident in her ability to detect the potential signs and symptoms of abuse and has the contact details to enable her to refer her concerns if necessary. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Comprehensive risk assessments are conducted to ensure that hazards are identified and action is taken to ensure that children are safe whilst still being encouraged to develop their independence. The childminder has in place the appropriate fire detection and control equipment. She has clearly defined procedures for the emergency evacuation of her premises which are practised with the children to help them understand how to stay safe. A wide range of written policies and procedures are consistently implemented, and extensive consent

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the early years provision

forms ensure that parents' wishes are met and children are safeguarded. All required documentation is in place and children's attendance is accurately recorded. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of the developmental needs of the children who attend. She is beginning to develop her planning systems but these are not fully embedded to enable her to cover a wide breadth of activities linked to her observation and assessment records. She has a clear vision for the future, is enthusiastic and committed to continual development, and makes good use of local training opportunities to develop her knowledge and skills.

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the early years provision

The childminder builds very strong partnerships with parents to ensure she has a thorough understanding of each child's backgrounds and needs, so that equality and diversity is successfully promoted. Parents are very warmly welcomed into the home and kept extremely well informed through daily discussions and feedback. As well as having access to a daily diary, observations and photographs taken of their child whilst they are happily playing within the childminder's care. The many positive comments from parents include; 'My child seems to be thriving in such a fun and friendly atmosphere which just reassures me that I've made the right choice'. The childminder is aware of the need to build effective partnerships with other providers if children attend other settings and is more than willing to liaise with other professionals should the need arise.

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and outcomes for children

Children's individual needs and characters are clearly understood and respected by the childminder. The childminders knowledge and skills helps to provide children with a good range of activities which encourages them to become clear and critical thinkers and to extend their learning. The childminder has attended training on diversity and equalities, and has a strong awareness of the need to promote inclusion. There is positive imagery within play resources to enable children to gain a wider understanding of the world and to embrace differences. From a young age children are encouraged to use signing with each other to enhance their communication throughout the whole day. The success of this approach was evident in relation to their ability to express their needs, despite not always having the vocabulary to do so. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment that are organised at a low level to encourage them to choose those

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and outcomes for children

they wish to play with. Although at times this is hindered as some of the toys are not always easily accessible. A love of books is well promoted; the childminder enjoys spending time reading to the children, encouraging them to take part in the story discussing the characters in the books. She encourages children to link sounds to letters during activities by saying the initial sound. Support is also given This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to developing children's writing and pre-writing skills as they have access to mark making resources and develop their fine motor skills through a range of activities. Similar attention is given to promoting children's problem solving, reasoning and numeracy development, for example as they play with construction materials they are encouraged to consider the different colours and to understand different shapes and size. There is lots of laughter and giggles as younger children play

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and outcomes for children

games of peek-a-boo with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has clearly organised health and safety policies she holds a valid first aid certificate to enable her to treat children in case of a minor accident. Appropriate procedures are also in place to deal with sick children and to administer medication. Good support is provided by the childminder, to encourage children to join in and contribute positively to the play programme. For example, children learn to take turns and share during group activities. Children are also effectively guided to observe the childminder's house rules, and are encouraged to consider others and be aware of their behaviour. The childminder is fully aware of children's individual dietary needs. Snack and mealtimes take place with the children and childminder sitting together at the table, which makes for a sociable occasion developing children's social skills and good manners. Children do not have access to a garden; however the childminder ensures they benefit from daily fresh

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and outcomes for children

air and exercise. They are developing good control of their bodies, increasing their physical skills as they slide, bounce, crawl, swing and run at the park. In addition children develop their awareness of the local community with daily visits to drop-in groups, where they play and interact with other children. This contributes effectively to children's learning and play experiences. 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 3 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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