Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY230887 Inspection date 12/12/2011 Inspector Teresa Elkington

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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 2002. She lives with her two children in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes where children have access to a lounge and dining area. Bathroom facilities are located on the first floor. Children have daily opportunities for outdoor play within the secure garden and at local parks. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children, and is currently minding three children who are in the age years age group on a full/part-time basis.

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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's individuality is respected and valued by a caring childminder who is supportive of children's care and developmental progress. Children's welfare is well supported through the use of good routines and procedures. Overall, children's independence is fostered well. Partnerships are fostered well, which enables a cohesive approach to children's care and learning. Effective systems to monitor and evaluate practice provide an effective basis to securing better outcomes for children and continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 Develop systems to enable all children to fully access the range of stored resources.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in promoting the welfare of the children in her care, which enables her to effectively safeguard children from harm. Her awareness and understanding of child protection is secure. This enables her to confidently follow her procedures to support any concerns that she may have about a child in her care. The childminder carries out a written risk assessment on all areas of the premises and for outings, enabling children to be kept safe and secure. Children's good health and well-being is actively promoted through the effective procedures that the childminder adopts.

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the early years provision

The childminder is fully aware of her strengths and weakness and has well This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 targeted plans for the future of her setting. Recommendations from the previous inspection reflect her commitment to continuous improvement. Space is well organised to allow children to move freely and explore their learning environment. Children are provided with a varied range of resources, most of which are easily accessible in low level storage boxes or placed on the floor. However, the childminder stores resources in the garden storage system where children are not able to select independently. The childminder provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children and their families. She has an acute awareness of children's individual needs and works hard to plan appropriate activities and play experiences to nurture and develop each child's growing needs. The childminder

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the early years provision

ensures that children appreciate diversity and develop a positive view of their own traditions and their wider world through a range of resources, activities and ongoing discussions.

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the early years provision

Relationships with parents are well fostered. A comprehensive range of polices and procedures and a well positioned notice board keeps parents fully informed about the service provided. A two-way flow of information is maintained to ensure parents are aware of children's care routines, activities and achievements of the day. An equal partnership to children's learning and development is fully adopted. Parents have good opportunities to exchange information as to their own observations at home. This information enables the childminder to plan effectively for children's next steps in their learning. Links with other providers of care are well established, which enables a cohesive approach to learning and care.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very relaxed and happy in the childminder's welcoming family home. They respond positively to the reassuring and friendly approach of the childminder. They show delight and enthusiasm as they explore and participate in a range of purposeful play activities, which are supportive of their individual needs and desires. The childminder actively encourages children to lead their own play. She provides good support as she plays alongside them, making suggestions and encouraging new learning experiences. This allows children to follow their natural interests, which impacts positively on their play and enjoyment.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's ethos facilitates positive outcomes for all children and ensures that they are well supported in their early development in acquiring skills for the future. Children's communication skills are well supported by the childminder. Children's interest in books is encouraged from an early age, as they select reading matter which is appropriate for their age and stages of development. They enjoy many opportunities to develop their skills in relation to problem-solving and exploration. They take time as they complete insert puzzles, looking at the different shapes and matching into the correct slots. They have access to small world and role play resources which are supportive of their own interests and encourage the development and use of their imaginations from an early age. Children enjoy many opportunities to express their creativity through a wide range of play activities. For example, they use glue and paint which encourages the use

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of their senses and enhances their skills of exploration. Interactive toys provide countless opportunities for children to develop their early use of technological equipment.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder shows a very positive and enthusiastic approach to childcare. She uses observations and assessments to determine how children are progressing. Children's individual needs are fully considered in planning, which ensures that each child has an enjoyable and challenging experience across the six areas of learning. Behaviour management strategies are clearly set out in the childminder's policy, which is shared with parents to ensure a consistent approach. Children have warm and caring relationships with the childminder. She helps children feel good about themselves by frequently providing positive support, praise and encouragement for their efforts. Socialisation with other children of the same age enables them to foster relationships and understand the need to play harmoniously as a group.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a safe, secure environment, where the good standards of cleanliness minimise the risk of infection. The childminder establishes good personal hygiene practices for children enabling them to learn about the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles from an early age. Children's dietary needs are appropriately considered, as the childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure children receive healthy meals and snacks, as well as regular drinks. Children enjoy a wealth of physical play activities, both within, and away from the home. For example, they enjoy walks in the local community and engage in exciting play experiences in the garden and parks and participate in child based activities away from the home. Children's awareness of their own safety is reinforced by the childminder, as she actively promotes children's growing understanding of how to keep themselves safe. For example, regular participation

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and outcomes for children

of fire evacuation procedures raise children's awareness of how to proceed in the event of an emergency. In addition, the warm and welcoming relationships that are fostered by the childminder enable young children to feel safe and secure within her care. 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 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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