Childminder in West Sussex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY315103 Inspection date 27/03/2012 Inspector Lisa Cupples

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. Mainly the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two gerbils and tropical fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age group and one older child on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children thrive in the childminder's welcoming and child-friendly environment. She works extremely effectively with parents and other adults involved in children's care. Systems for identifying, assessing and monitoring children's individual developmental needs are excellent overall. As a result, they make outstanding progress in their learning and development. Exemplary arrangements are in place to promote children's welfare and safety. They are very well nurtured and fully included. The childminder is a reflective practitioner who involves children and parents in her self-evaluation process. She aspires to keep improving her already outstanding provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 extending the information gathered about the children's starting points in relation to the early learning goals.

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the early years provision

A comprehensive awareness of safeguarding issues ensures the welfare of children is promoted at all times. The childminder has recently attended relevant training and robustly implements a comprehensive range of policies and procedures to identify any child who may be at risk. She is fully aware of the procedure to follow in order to liaise with the appropriate child agencies if needed. Children are appropriately supervised at all times and are never left supervised with adults who This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 have not been vetted. The childminder conducts extensive risk assessments of her home as well as for any outings she takes children on. These are supported by regular safety checks of her setting. She has had a recent visit from the local fire service to make sure her fire safety measures are as effective as they can be. Children's understanding of personal safety and good hygiene routines is actively

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the early years provision

promoted and all required documentation to support their high quality care is maintained. For example, medication and accident records are accurately completed, clear and kept in their confidential files.

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the early years provision

Excellent use is made of resources to promote high quality learning and development. The childminder's home provides a very stimulating environment both indoors and outdoors. Children easily access a wide variety of toys and resources which are stored on low shelves which they can easily reach. This successfully encourages them to follow their own preferences and interests while promoting their independence and decision-making skills effectively.

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the early years provision

The childminder places the promotion of equality and diversity at the heart of her service. Each child's personality is very well understood and their progress is carefully monitored. The childminder works very closely with parents. She takes time to find out as much as she can about their child's individual needs. The information she gathers does not routinely explore children's starting points in relation to the early learning goals. It therefore does not support her to start planning as soon as they begin to attend. The childminder develops and maintains a strong two-way flow of communication with parents to ensure her understanding of their needs is constantly updated. Letters received from parents indicate they are extremely pleased with the care the childminder provides. Excellent partnerships are developed and maintained with other settings attended by children such as a local pre-school and school. As a result, children's care play and

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the early years provision

learning is consistently promoted and supported.

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the early years provision

The childminder has made commendable progress since the last inspection and has addressed the previous recommendations in full. Children now have access to a wide range of resources reflecting diversity and disability and the childminder has a very good understanding of how to promote equality within her setting. The childminder has conducted a self-assessment that shows she has a superb understanding of the effectiveness of her provision. She has reflected thoroughly on her practice, taking the views of parents and children into account. She attends regular training to keep updating her knowledge and skills and demonstrates an excellent commitment to continuous improvement.

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and outcomes for children

All children make significant gains in their learning and are therefore very well prepared for their future education. The childminder plans extensively for each child, providing them with stimulating and imaginative activities. She is highly skilled when interacting in their play, providing high levels of challenge. She tailors her support to meet each child's individual needs as they use a wide range of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 resources and media.

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and outcomes for children

Children express themselves extremely confidently. They chat with the childminder constantly as they play, talking excitedly about what they are doing. They develop their thinking skills as she asks and responds to their questions. They gain an excellent understanding of the natural world as they help plant flowers in pots in the garden and experiment with a variety of materials such as play dough and dried pasta. Children access a range of technology, such as phones and torches, in role-play activities. They enjoy using programmable toys as they press the buttons and listen to the sounds. Free-flow access to the garden allows children to play where they are most comfortable and supports their growing physical confidence. For example, they ride the wheeled toys and climb on the climbing frame. They develop superb hand-eye coordination as they model and paint. They use a variety of materials for writing including using chalks to write on the outdoor blackboard.

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and outcomes for children

This ensures their early writing skills are developing well. Children also enjoy practising their counting skills as they play and sing number rhymes with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children show an exceptional understanding of the importance of following good hygiene routines to prevent the spread of germs. They wash their hands independently before snack and after outdoor play. They make healthy choices at snack time and enjoy talking with the childminder about the types of food that are good for them.

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and outcomes for children

Children show a strong sense of security within the childminder's home, approaching her regularly for cuddles and re-assurance. They enjoy snuggling up on the sofa for a story. Children are developing a very good understanding of how to keep themselves safe through discussion, activities and routines. For example, they learn about sun safety, road safety and stranger danger. Children's behaviour is exemplary. They are very well mannered and willingly help with simple tasks such as tidying away the toys. Children develop an excellent understanding of diversity as they use resources and read books that depict people from around the world and with a variety of needs. 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 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

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Stage

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

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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

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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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