Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY248131 Inspection date 19/10/2011 Inspector Alison Large

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children in a house in the Burgess Hill area of West Sussex. All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to provide care for five children under eight years, of which three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for three children in the early years age group on a part-time basis. The family has a pet cat. The childminder has a relevant childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is accredited to a childminding network and is in receipt of funding for early education for three- and four-year-olds.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children relish their time with the childminder. They are welcomed into a warm, friendly home where they are highly valued and included so that none are disadvantaged. The childminder has an excellent understanding of child development and provides an enriching, caring environment for children. She has an excellent partnership with the parents and, overall, involves them fully in their children's learning and development. The childminder is extremely committed to continual improvement in the setting and providing outstanding care. Her highly reflective self-evaluation makes sure that priorities for development are extensively identified.

p.4

further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

p.4

further?

 enhancing practice by supporting parents to contribute to children's profiles to show they are fully involved in their children's learning and development.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder is extremely proactive in keeping her skills updated, which benefits the children. She is dedicated to promoting children's welfare and supporting their learning and development. Children are fully protected as arrangements to safeguard children are robust. The childminder checks that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children are always supervised by an appropriate adult. The childminder, and other household members are suitably vetted and the childminder is fully aware of her duty to protect the children. She has an excellent knowledge of child protection issues and is fully aware of her role and responsibilities to protect children from harm. The childminder is highly motivated and committed and continually strives to improve her practice. Thorough self-evaluation systems are in place, which fully identify any areas for development. There is a comprehensive range of policies and

p.4

the early years provision

procedures in place to safeguard the children. The childminder carries out thorough risk assessments throughout the home and for outings. The stimulating environment, extensive range of resources and inspiring indoor and outdoor activities highly motivate children to learn and make choices.

p.5

the early years provision

Children flourish in the childminder's care. The childminder has a superb partnership with the parents. Families report on the excellent care and attention she gives the children and how they are always excited and eager to spend time with her. Parents receive thorough feedback about their children's routines and achievements at the end of each day. The childminder uses a parents' notice board to shares a wealth of information with them. She also shares the children's learning journals and together they discuss the way forward for their child's progress. In this way, children's experiences in the setting are enhanced and parents are, overall, involved in their child's learning. The childminder has identified that including parents' comments in these journals will further enhance her practice. She links extensively with the pre-schools that children attend so that there is exemplary continuity in the children's care and learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children develop warm and secure relationships with the childminder who supports them exceptionally well and takes care of their individual needs. They benefit from her attentive and caring nature and her enthusiasm to promote learning through play. All children make excellent progress in every area of learning. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of how children learn. She provides a well organised and stimulating environment to support them in making their own choices indoors and outdoors. Children take part in an extensive range of activities outside the home, such as toddler groups and trips to the local and wider area. Here they have excellent opportunities to meet and interact with other children and adults of all ages. The learning environment is bright and well organised, allowing children to play freely. Frequent, detailed observations and assessments are made by the childminder. These are extremely well used to check

p.5

and outcomes for children

that children are consistently moving to the next steps in their learning and development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder meticulously helps children to learn skills to prepare them for their later lives, such as sharing, taking turns and being polite and kind to each other. Children enthusiastically participate in the many activities provided. They talk excitedly to the childminder and each other when playing with cars or completing a sticking activity. Children's safety is promoted very effectively and excellent This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 systems are in place to ensure the home remains secure at all times. Children fully understand the need to keep safe as they regularly practise the emergency evacuation procedure and talk about road safety. Children show an excellent understanding of following exemplary hygiene routines. They discuss why they need to wash their hands before eating or after using the toilet, and learn how to wipe their noses and dispose of the tissue. They learn how to keep healthy as the

p.5

and outcomes for children

childminder talks about why fruit is good for them at snack time. They access the outdoors in all weathers to have regular fresh air and exercise. They love playing in the garden where they are able to run around, kick balls, jump and climb.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is highly committed to providing the best quality care and education for all children. The children take part in planned activities and also have many opportunities to initiate their own play. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of each child; those who require additional support are very well catered for and their progress is monitored most effectively. Children's progress records include many photographs of them very well engaged in activities. These provide an excellent record for families as children are well stimulated to share with parents the exciting events in which they have participated. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8