Baker, Lorraine

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 222119 Inspection date 12/09/2008 Inspector Gyatri Rupal

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two grown up children. The family live in the village near Royston, Hertfordshire. The children have a lounge and kitchen/diner to play in. Arrangements for children to sleep are made both upstairs and downstairs. There is an enclosed garden for the children to play in, which can be seen from the kitchen and lounge. The house is located in the centre of the village, with a park close by. The childminder regularly meets with other local toddler group and is an active member of the local childminding group. The childminder is also a member of the National Childminding group and has recently passed the Quality First insurance scheme for professional childminders. The family have a cat, and one rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care to three children on the Early Years Register and three children on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. Currently there are 12 children on roll on the Early Years Register all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides effective provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). A well-planned daily routine ensures all children enjoy their time with the childminder, in line with their daily routine and make progress in their learning. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure individual children’s needs are met well. Most policies and procedures are implemented effectively to promote children's welfare and learning. The childminder continually strives to improve her knowledge and practice to provide good quality provision to all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 set-up a clear system to keep accurate records of children's hours of attendance.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure effective system is in place to request written parental permission, at the child's admission to the provision, to the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment in the future 10/10/2008

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Effective policies and procedures ensure that children are well protected. The childminder has various systems in place to evaluate her practice and to ensure that improvements are made where necessary. The childminder continues to update her professional skills as she is always attending training and workshop sessions. She has completed several training courses and workshops to update her knowledge and skills. For example, the childminder updated her first aid certificate and completed workshops including EYFS, diversity and inclusion, observation and assessments and using technology with children. She has booked refresher training for child protection. The childminder works well with parents and carers of the children, valuing their contribution as partners in their children’s learning and care. She has recently set-up a system to observe children’s play which helps her plan

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provision

activities for children’s next learning steps and development towards the early learning goals. The childminder has a clear understanding of her duty to protect the children in her care. She also provides clear policies and procedures to parents, which ensures they understand adults’ duty to safeguard the children. Most records, policies and procedures are reviewed and well implemented to promote children’s safety and welfare. However, the system for keeping children’s accurate attendance records and obtaining parents’ written consent for emergency medical advice or treatment is not effective.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with good play opportunities to help them make progress across all areas of their learning and development. The childminder provides activities and play resources according to individual children’s needs and interests. She ensures children are making continuous progress towards the early learning goals as she gathers information from parents by talking to them and other professionals who are involved in delivering EYFS to children such as pre-school workers. The childminder carries out daily risk assessments to ensure the environment and play resources are safe for children. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through practical daily routines and the childminder’s expert guidance. Children independently explore their safe environment both inside and outside in the garden. Children develop their self-confidence as they choose their own play resources.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder interacts well with children to promote their learning. For example, when children look at their favourite picture books the childminder encourages children to explain the pictures and objects they are looking at. She skilfully asks questions appropriate to children's level and understanding, which helps children to extend their learning, confidence and self-esteem. Children access a good range of books which helps them develop their early learning skills. They count numbers and identify colours and shapes as they talk about the pictures in the book. They are developing understanding of the wider world through a good range of play resources and planned activities. Children visit the local library and farms. Children confidently use technology by playing battery operated toys. Children are developing their creative skills as they enjoy using musical instruments, dressing up clothes and visiting the messy play session. They learn to control their body and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

develop physical skills through using a range of small and large play equipment. Children also enjoy healthy well-balanced meals and develop independence as they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 feed themselves.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children feel safe and secure as they have a good rapport with the childminder. They are learning to keep themselves safe through a daily routine and childminder’s expert guidance. For example, children understand how to cross the road safely and not to speak to strangers when walking with the childminder. They play in a clean environment where their personal hygiene is protected. They benefit from healthy well-balanced meals and snacks. Children develop their social skills as they regularly visit local toddlers group and childminding groups where they learn to share and take turns when using the play resources. Some children are learning to use sign language from a young age to communicate with others. 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

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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Satisfactory How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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