Thorpe, Sharon

Inspection date 5 July 2019 Previous inspection date 29 March 2016

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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This provision is good

n The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. She plans interesting activities and provides a wide range of resources and activities to help children make good progress in all areas of learning. n Children are excited and engaged learners. They enjoy spending lots of time outdoors to build on their understanding of the natural world and their local communities. For instance, they regularly access the local play park and community playgroups. n Partnerships with other settings and other health professionals are good. The childminder values the importance of sharing information with all. Children who attend additional settings or who are diagnosed with special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from having a joined-up approach towards their progress. This helps to support a consistent approach to their learning and development. n Children behave well and play well together. With support, they are encouraged to be

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This provision is good

kind to each other and take turns to share toys. For example, in the garden, the older children share out ducks with the younger children, so that all can join in the game. n Although the childminder's knowledge and experience are good, she does not target professional development precisely enough to raise the level of teaching even higher. n The childminder has good relationships with parents. However, she does not gather enough information about what children can do before they start, in order to accurately identify their initial starting points.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n extend the programme of professional development to improve teaching skills and raise standards in teaching even higher n gather more precise information about what children already know and can do when they first start attending, so any gaps in learning can be identified as quickly as possible.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector observed activities in the childminder's home and garden. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector observed and evaluated an activity with the childminder. n The inspector took account of the written views of parents from recent questionnaires. n The inspector looked at children's records and planning and reviewed relevant policies and procedures.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder is vigilant about keeping up to date with regulatory change and has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures to support her practice. She is confident and knowledgeable in how she would recognise signs of abuse and how to report any concerns for a child's welfare. The childminder has an accurate view of her own strengths and areas which she wishes to improve. She takes account of the views of children and parents in her self-evaluation. The childminder uses regular observations to form an accurate understanding of children's progress. Parents and older children speak highly of the childminder and the service she provides.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The quality of teaching is good. The childminder creates a relaxed learning environment, where children take the lead. Children are happy and actively engaged during their time with the childminder. She skilfully joins children's play, promoting learning opportunities and offering suitable challenge. For example, children delight in exploring and investigating the effects of warmth on ice. They pour and transfer the water collected and consider how the water feels, using both their hands and feet during their explorations. The childminder skilfully initiates counting during children's play and routine tasks. For instance, she encourages children to count how many bricks are in the princess tower, before encouraging older children to then count backwards before the tower is knocked back down again.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The home is warm and welcoming. The childminder ensures resources are easily accessible to children, which supports them to make choices and explore through play. Children quickly form secure attachments with the childminder, which supports their emotional well-being and self-esteem. The childminder is a good role model. She offers lots of praise and reassurance to children as they play. She also sets clear expectations and boundaries about expected behaviour and displays good manners. The childminder encourages children to learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, during hot weather, she talks to the children about the effects of the sun on their bodies. She reminds them to wear their hats, reapply their sun cream and to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are keen learners. Young children are excellent communicators who make their needs and wishes known. They explore the environment with confidence and focus intently on their chosen activities. Older children use their imaginations and creativity well. For instance, they develop their own songs to support their play. This helps to develop their language skills even further. They also build on their control and precision, for example confidently slicing their strawberries at snack time. All children, including those with additional needs, make good progress from their starting points and develop the key skills needed for later learning, including school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY269535 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10066707 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 - 10 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 24 Date of previous inspection 29 March 2016

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2003. She lives in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. The childminder offers her service all year around, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. She has an appropriate level 3 home-based early years qualification.

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Registers

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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Registers

procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: 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 . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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.

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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

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