Sports Connect

Inspection report for early years provision

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149385 Unique Reference Number 17 November 2006 Inspection date Susan Parker Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered 2001. She lives with her husband and their five children aged six, eight, twelve, fourteen and sixteen years, in Letchworth, Hertfordshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day, and two children over five after school. The childminder attends local toddler groups. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are learning the importance of good hygiene, personal care, and independence. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 own needs according to age, supported by the childminder who acts as a good role model and offers clear explanations. This is demonstrated as she speaks clearly to them when helping them to learn to share toys and interact with each other. Children are developing their awareness of self-care and personal hygiene as they repeat daily routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who are currently attending have their meals provided by their parents. The childminder is willing to provide healthy meals and snacks if requested, and has a good understanding of healthy eating. Any dietary requirements, allergies, likes and dislikes are recorded which ensures that children's good health is supported.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They visit local parks and play areas regularly which enables them to develop control of their bodies, for example, as they explore the local community and park areas. They explore the outdoors eagerly and have ample opportunities to increase physical skills. Children benefit from clear planning for visits and outings that is effectively shared with parents. procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning to keep themselves safe due to clear explanations and safe routines during play and when on outings. For example, clear reminders are offered when using the garden steps. They benefit from premises that offer access to age appropriate play activities and space enabling them to explore freely and learn to avoid accidental injury.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder takes steps to prevent accidents and to plan for emergencies, for example, through preparation for emergency evacuation from the home. Children take part in daily routines that support their safety, promoting their understanding and development of safety awareness. They show emerging awareness of safety and are aware of possible hazards through clear reminders from the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities and procedures to follow in the event of concern or child protection issues. This includes ensuring that parents have good information about child protection issues and understand her responsibility towards children in her care. However, she has no firm procedure to follow in the event of an allegation being made while a child is in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are interested in their play and engage in a variety of activities that support their development both indoors and outside. Through play, they have opportunities to extend their learning using what they already know to question and experiment with new concepts. This is demonstrated as children instigated conversations and play with the inspector during the inspection visit. Children's confidence was clearly evident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are able to develop confidence because the childminder gives them opportunity to ask questions and she answers fully showing that their discussions are valuable. This enables the children to confidently solve problems and explore reasoning during daily play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access facilities both indoors and outside developing choice and independence, they take part in some outings and socialise with both older and younger children to further their social development. They take part in a variety of play activities and information regarding children's activities is shared verbally with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development is supported by the childminder's good understanding of how children learn and her own personal experience.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed, confidentially and fully, with their parents. Relationships are positive and children are making early relationships with other children both in the childminder's home and at social groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children thrive because their individual developmental stages are recognised and supported by the childminder thorough daily discussions with parents each day. Transition into the care of the childminder is well-planned and completed at the pace dictated by children's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand responsible behaviour and recognise the needs of others due to consistent boundaries being maintained by the childminder. Children are aware of each other's ages and abilities and individual needs. This broadens their understanding and fosters good social development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from resources and activities using various media to promote multicultural awareness and diversity. Children are treated as individuals and the childminder ensures there are varied opportunities in which they may participate.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are secure within this environment where they develop a sense of trust in the childminder. They feel at ease in this organised environment leading them to confidently initiate play, explore their surroundings and lead conversations, both with the childminder and visitors. Children and parents are welcomed into the setting with clear information offered from the outset of any agreement.

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Organisation

Procedures are both written and informal and are shared with parents on a daily basis, this promotes children's welfare and all-round development through clear information. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Children Act and most associated regulations, ensuring that she addresses her responsibilities.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Organisation within the home allows access to all play activities both indoors and outside, children have independent access to personal care facilities and develop good awareness of their personal space and care through example and routines. These include personal hygiene, care for surroundings to ensure cleanliness, and responsibility for play materials and personal belongings.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to ensure that a hand towel was always available in the bathroom for children to wash their hands, this ensures that children can independently learn about good hygiene practices. The childminder also agreed to record children's attendance and establish a clear written agreement with all parents. The childminder has obtained a full pack of recommended documentation through the National Childminder Association which contains all the required documentation to promote the welfare of children. The childminder has addressed the recommendation to ensure that the premises are secure and that children are not at risk near the garden steps. The childminder has made the steps inaccessible and is vigilant in her supervision which enhances the children's safety inside and outside the home. The childminder has also increased her toys and resources to meet the needs of all children

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Improvements since the last inspection

aged up to eight years and to provide suitable challenges for more able children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • review child protection procedures to include procedures to follow in the event of an allegation

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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