Thames Park Secondary School

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 147853 Inspection date 17/09/2008 Inspector Siobhan O'Callaghan

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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

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 registered in 1997. She lives in Watford, Hertfordshire with her husband, two adult children and a child aged 13 years. The home is situated close to local parks, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor area is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding 10 children in the early years and later years age group, all children attend part-time.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children receive effective support and attention which enables them to make good progress in their learning and development. Comprehensive policies, procedures and good practice helps to ensure that all children receive individual consideration, which in turn supports them to be fully included within this provision. Children’s welfare is promoted through the efficient maintenance of appropriate documentation. The childminder demonstrates an enthusiastic approach to implementing improvements within her practice, she is beginning to self-evaluate her provision, which has included consulting children on how they feel about the care they are offered.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the observation and assessment methods to show how children are making progress and ensure observations are used to influence planning

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provision

The childminder strives to provide good quality care and education for children. This is evident in her commitment to attending ongoing relevant training, and therefore, keeping her knowledge and skills within early years up-to-date. Children are offered a stimulating programme of activities and experiences with an excellent focus on taking the lead from the children themselves. However, the childminder is yet to develop her observation and assessment processes to demonstrate how children are making progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage, therefore, opportunities to monitor children's progress and to use this information to inform future learning opportunities is not in place. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder demonstrates a positive approach towards implementing improvements within her provision. A recommendation from her previous

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provision

inspection to improve the storage and accessibility of resources has been effectively addressed. Children now benefit from a bright, stimulating and accessible environment, and they independently utilise resources of their choice with confidence. Younger children who are not yet able to fully communicate their wishes are fully included as they choose resources through the help of laminated cards which depict photographs of all the extensive toys and materials that are available to them.

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provision

The childminder has established secure and professional relationships with parents, which has a positive impact on her ability to meet children's very individual needs. Parents receive an informative welcome brochure with excellent detail about the services that are offered. Photographs of children at play and information around the activities offered gives parents an insight into the world in which their child will participate within. Parents' questionnaires demonstrate that they are extremely happy with the high quality care and education their children receive. Parents' comments and suggestions are fully valued and any suggestions for improved outcomes for children are welcomed and responded on. This is an outstanding feature of this provision.

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provision

Children's safety is given due emphasis, the childminder is able to protect children from harm or neglect as she has a good understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She instigates robust vetting measures and efficiently maintains documentation to support the safeguarding of children. The childminder continually monitors her home environment to ensure risks to children's personal safety are appropriately removed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes children's welfare, learning and development. Their personal safety is given due emphasis as they are actively involved in keeping themselves safe. They learn about the dangers of traffic when they cross roads in the local community. At home, house rules such as only one person on the trampoline at any one time, reinforces the importance of staying safe. An excellent focus on outside play contributes to children's good health and general well-being. Children enthusiastically explore the garden where they have opportunities to climb, ride bicycles and play ball games as well as explore their natural environment. Their interests in flowers and birds have been nurtured through the support of information books and the opportunities to draw and paint what they have observed. Children enjoy books as they sit quietly with the childminder for stories, whilst weekly visits to the library further supports their ability to access a wide

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

range of reading materials. Children behave responsibly as they are effectively supported to develop positive social skills. They are polite and respectful of the childminder which is demonstrated in their interactions with her as they say 'please' and 'thank you'. The childminder's professional approach towards diversity and inclusion ensures that children develop a positive awareness of themselves and others within our wider society. Through their play they learn about different cultures and how people celebrate their individual traditions all over the world. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children benefit from the childminder's purposeful interaction with them. She is fully engaged with the children at all times as she skilfully challenges their learning through play. Children gain a positive self-esteem as they are empowered to make choices and to take decisions about their play. Children are delighted when their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

requests for bubbles in the garden are honoured. They are excited to blow the liquid through straws and then make bubbles with the various resources available. Children's concepts of numbers and shape are enthusiastically introduced during games both inside and out in the garden. Children are excited to gather as many plastic balls as possible and confidently count that they have 11 in total. Overall, children are happy and content within the childminder's care, they receive high quality support which effectively sets the secure foundations for later learning. Opportunities for children to become confident in communicating, literacy and numeracy are skilfully introduced within daily routines and play. 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? Outstanding

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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? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Outstanding How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Outstanding

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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 registration.

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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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