Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY258084 Inspection date 08/11/2011 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her children in Crawley, West Sussex close to shops, parks, schools and transport links. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a garden available for outside play. The childminder has a cat and a hamster.

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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. She may care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for three children in the early years age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years of age.

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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 clearly feel safe in this family environment where the childminder nurtures children. Assessment systems are generally well used to plan experiences to help children make good progress overall towards the early learning goals in most areas of learning. She builds good relationships with parents to underpin children's welfare, although partnerships with other providers are not yet established. The childminder shows a strong capacity for improvement through reflective practice, self evaluation and her commitment towards ongoing training.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop observation and assessments to identify learning priorities to plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child linked to the areas of learning  provide resources and activities that help children to become aware of and embrace differences especially with regard to disability issues  improve the two-way flow of information with other practitioners to support transition and consistency between settings.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is well promoted by the childminder who has a secure knowledge of local safeguarding procedures and has these set out in a written policy. Comprehensive risk assessments are in place for the home, garden and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outings and the childminder takes effective action to manage or eliminate risks to children. For example, the childminder has devised a clear procedure for evacuating her home and has practised this with the children. The childminder implements her policies and procedures consistently and has all required written records, which underpin the safe and efficient operation of the business.

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the early years provision

The childminder understands the importance of professional development and the need to keep up to date with current childcare practice. She has attended some short courses and workshops and she also now holds an appropriate early year's qualification. The childminder has updated her online self evaluation system and has well targeted plans for the future. This fully supports her commitment to continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

Resources throughout the setting are very well organised. A good range of age appropriate toys are stored in clearly labelled boxes with both words and pictures to enable all children to follow their own desires and interests. Children are effectively supported as the childminder is consistently on hand to offer support, praise and encouragement. A designated playroom encourages the children to move around freely and with confidence. The childminder also makes active use of the local amenities, such as, the library and play areas.

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the early years provision

Children and their families are valued and appreciated and the childminder welcomes the children in her care and their parents into her home. She shows a sound commitment to inclusive practice and takes great care to find out about and to meet children's specific needs. Resources in the home depict most aspects of diversity well however, resources to reflect disability are limited. The childminder has systems in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities however, communication links to support children that attend other early years settings are not yet fully established to ensure continuity in children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has close and trusting partnerships with parents and carers. These ensure that all relevant information is shared and a consistent approach to children's care is given. A thorough settling in process is offered to help both the children and parents become happy and secure with the placement from the start. Detailed documentation is given to parents to fully inform them about the childminder's policies and procedures which detail her working ethos and good practice. Daily interaction and text messages help to keep parents suitably informed about their child's day. Parents comment positively about the childminder, for example, they state that the childminder 'is fair, flexible, approachable, professional and patient' and 'I could not be happier with the service the childminder offers and would recommend her to anyone looking for a childminder'. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are consistently offered a wide range of opportunities that support them in making good progress across the areas of learning overall. The childminder flexibly plans activities around the children's interests and free play choices. For example, when children play with their chosen resources she supports language and communication skills by introducing new vocabulary and repeating words. She uses observations and assessments to plan their further development. However, these systems do not consistently show how she will plan for children's next steps in their learning therefore; children's progress is not optimally promoted.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and secure as the childminder treats children with warmth and kindness, and nurtures their development effectively. Behaviour is dealt with in a positive manner with clear boundaries set, which are consistent and appropriate to the individual child's level of understanding. Regular praise and encouragement is used to develop children's self-esteem. Children are supported effectively and are encouraged to share and to take turns and are beginning to understand how their behaviour can have an impact on others. Positive relationships between the childminder and children enable them to feel secure in their surroundings and consequently, they are very confident in their play.

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and outcomes for children

Children participate in a mixture of adult-led and child-initiated play with the indoor and outdoor environments used well to promote their play and learning. Regular visits to toddlers groups further promotes children's learning experiences as it enhances their opportunities to develop social skills and to become more creative and independent thinkers. Children's creative skills are encouraged and they have regular opportunities to experience a variety of art and craft activities including drawing, colouring and sticking. They access countless opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the written word through puzzles, electronic games and the childminder's wealth of homemade resources. For example, she has created story sacks and a discovery bag filled with a wide variety of interesting objects to stimulate children's interests and imaginations.

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and outcomes for children

Children's safety is promoted and they are developing a good understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. When out walking they discuss road safety and how to stay safe when crossing roads. Children are learning about healthy lifestyles. They benefit from lots of fresh air and exercise as they accompany their childminder to take or collect children from school. Children receive a healthy balanced diet where any dietary requirements are happily met by the childminder. 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 3 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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