Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 03/12/2012 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: Not Applicable How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 Children settle well and feel safe and secure. A thorough knowledge of children's home routines helps the childminder to care for children consistently which enhances their feeling of security.  The childminder's close working relationships with the parents means there is good continuity of care. This results in helping the childminder meet children's individual needs effectively.  Relevant documentation is well maintained because the childminder is professional and thorough.  The childminder routinely reflects on her service to identify priorities for development as part of her self-evaluation process. Consequently she is able to make continuous improvements.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Children do not experience an environment rich in print to further develop their awareness of written text.  Children do not always have the opportunity to explore and self-select their chosen activity from the resources provided.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector discussed safeguarding issues with the childminder and inspected a sample of her policies..  The inspector sampled children's information and development records.

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Inspection activities

 The majority of inspection time was spent observing the childminder and her interaction with the children.  There was one parent present at the inspection.  The inspector discussed the provider's self-evaluation form

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 2012. She lives with her husband and one school aged child in a house in Ukfield, East Sussex. Children have access to a lounge, conservatory, toilet and kitchen on the ground floor, and two bedrooms on the first floor are used for sleeping purposes. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder has two cats. The childminder's service is open all year round, Monday to Friday. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently minding two children in the early years age range. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler groups and parks.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 create an environment rich in print where children can learn about words, for example, by using names, signs and posters.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 support all children to choose their own activities independently

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who attend

The childminder is skilful at observing children She uses her observations to assess accurately what the children can do and what they can learn next. The childminder's clear record of progress which includes children's starting points, enables her to identify any gaps in their learning or her provision of activities. As a result, children progress consistently well across the areas of learning and achieve appropriately for their age. The childminder uses photographs and samples of children's pictures to support her written assessments which creates an interesting file to share with parents. Children are well supported in developing their communication and language skills. Children often socialise with other children and adults at the various groups they attend with the childminder. Children enjoy large play equipment and moving to music. There is a good selection of books available. Children play happily with the dolls and pushchair using

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who attend

their imagination to pretend to feed the babies. Children make cups of tea in the play kitchen and enjoy finding the toy food. Children act out familiar roles from home with help from the childminder. However, the childminder has not yet thought about different ways she can further develop children's awareness of print in the environment. There are limited posters and words on display to further encourage children's curiosity of written text. The childminder focuses effectively on young children's personal, social and emotional development. As a result, children are becoming sociable, gaining confidence and developing an inquisitive attitude which will benefit their future learning. The childminder notes children's interests, therefore she is able to provide toys and equipment that hold their attention. However, the childminder does not always encourage children to make free choices from all the available resources. As many activities are selected by the adult

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who attend

they are not always balanced between child-initiated and adult-led. The childminder treats each child as an individual. She records their religion, culture and language spoken at home to enable her to meet their individual needs and support their learning effectively.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder develops strong bonds with the children in her care. When children arrive at her home they settle quickly, eager to explore the resources on offer. She provides a warm and welcoming environment and shows genuine care and concern for the children she looks after. Children's behaviour is good because there are stimulating and interesting activities for them to investigate, and they quickly become absorbed in their play. The childminder effectively supports children in their learning and development, praising their efforts and celebrating their achievements. This helps to develop children's self-esteem and encourages them to become confident learners. Children follow good hygiene routines such as washing their hands before eating. They have access to their drinks throughout the day. This is either milk from a bottle or their water beakers. There is a relaxed atmosphere at snack times where children have access

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

to a healthy, nutritious organic cereal bar and sultanas. Children are encouraged to develop healthy lifestyles as they join in physical play activities in the garden and have visits to the local parks in the community. Children make a positive contribution and feel safe. This is because the childminder has developed caring relationships with them. The childminder is calm and consistent in her approach in managing children's behaviour. She respectfully talks with children to develop their understanding of respect. Children are encouraged to use their good manners, as they are encouraged by the childminder to attempt to say 'please' and 'thank you'. This shows that children have formed secure relationships with the childminder.

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provision

The childminder thinks carefully about all aspects of her work in order to improve and develop. Since registration, she has set herself goals, such as starting a course to learn more about safeguarding children, and increasing her knowledge of how to carry out and record the two-year assessment for children. She is aware of her responsibility in delivering the learning and development requirements and has good systems in place to assess children's progress. Overall, she provides an interesting range of activities that help children make good progress. The childminder is very attentive to children's safety. The home is safe because she has a good awareness of potential hazards, and risk assesses carefully. For example, she places stair gates on each level of her home. Procedures are reviewed to keep children safe. For example, she has practised the fire evacuation procedure and made improvements. For

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provision

example, using a whistle in the future rather than the smoke alarm so children do not become scared. Parents express their satisfaction with the childminding service. They are reassured that their children arrive and leave happy. They state that the childminder keeps them well informed and they appreciate the daily diary. They feel that the childminder is professional and caring. Parents receive information daily about their child's time with the childminder. The childminder notes every aspect of children's care and includes achievements and activities in addition to records of food and sleeps. Thoughtful self-evaluation has enabled the childminder to identify her strengths and priorities for improvement. The childminder works closely with other childminders in the local area to develop and improve her practice. The childminder currently has no children on roll who attend other settings or need support from other agencies. The childminder is aware of the need to liaise with other

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provision

providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure progression and the continuity of children's care and learning.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY448670 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 804157 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 3

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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