Watermoor Church of England Primary 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 149142 Inspection date 21/11/2008 Inspector Jo Rowley

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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 2001. She lives with her adult child in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is registered for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years register, the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for three children in the early years age group and there are currently two children attending, all of whom are part-time, within this age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder also offers care to children aged five to eight years. Children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the early years age range. There is currently one child on roll within this age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has made links with parents and has begun to make links with the local schools. She holds the National Vocational Qualification level 3 certificate.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides very well for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and they are cared for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment. The childminder's sensitive and thoughtful support ensures that every child thrives in their environment. All children are clearly welcomed in to the setting and their individual needs are effectively met because the childminder takes steps to ensure that their interests are developed. The childminder's partnership with parents greatly contributes to the well-being of children and communication is fully encouraged on a daily basis. The childminder does evaluate some of her practice, although self evaluation is limited.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop self evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development  ensure that the attendance register clearly states the children's actual hours of attendance  ensure that the risk assessment, which is reviewed regularly, is recorded.

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provision

The childminder provides comprehensive and well-written policies and procedures which are effective in the smooth running of her setting. She encourages regular communication with parents and demonstrates a positive and meaningful attitude to their feedback, making changes where necessary. The childminder's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safeguarding policies, procedures and appropriate practice ensures that children are protected at all times. She regularly reviews and updates written documentation and has completed additional training to further safeguard the children in her care. However, the completed register does not show children's actual hours of attendance.

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provision

Children's individual development is very well promoted because the childminder has practical procedures in place to monitor their learning and development. The childminder's professional and friendly approach to maintaining effective partnerships with parents ensures that children's care is consistently promoted. Children are very well supported in their environment and parents are always fully informed of their children's progress and development through verbal communication. The childminder does evaluate some activities that she offers, however, self evaluation is not always completed to identify key strengths and priorities for development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are offered a wide range of opportunities and experiences that fully support them in making very good progress in all areas of their learning and development. Planning is well organised to ensure that all areas of learning are covered in the fun and enjoyable activities offered and that the children's individual needs are taken into account. Observations, which are completed on each child, are used to inform planning and to plan for their next steps. Assessments and information regarding each child's starting point are used to track their individual progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are offered a balanced and broad range of activities because the childminder ensures that her thoughtful planning allows for this. She plans experiences, both inside and outside, that are enjoyable and encourage children to learn through their play. An example of this is where children help to prepare snack time. They learn about the different fruits, such as pineapple and satsumas, talk about colours and shapes and are fully encouraged to participate in the cutting of the fruit whilst the childminder fully supports the children. The childminder actively involves herself in both the planned and child-led activities, for example, as children use the hand puppets the childminder joins in and children laugh as she puts on different voices for each hand puppet.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have access to resources that are organised and both age and stage appropriate. They enjoy regular outings to the local library where they choose books as well as visiting the toy library where children are given opportunities to make independent choices about the toys they wish to borrow. Activities and opportunities offered are easily adapted to ensure that all children can participate. For example, a play dough activity is regularly organised so that children of all ages and stages can participate, promoting inclusion. Resources that promote children's understanding of diversity and the wider world are good, for example, they are learning about different cultures through reading, dressing up and using their imaginations with the hand puppets which illustrate people from around the world. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The promotion of children's health and well-being is excellent. The childminder

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

takes positive steps to minimise the spread of infection. She fully encourages children to learn about 'being healthy' as they talk about and try various 'healthy foods' and have daily opportunities for exercise. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment because the childminder has a good understanding of this area. She offers clear explanations which help children gain a good understanding of taking care of themselves and others. However, although the risk assessment is carried out, it is not recorded. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children. For example, when out of the home the childminder carries a first aid kit and all emergency contact details for herself and the children, promoting the safety of children. All required safeguarding documentation is in place to support the childminder's knowledge and understanding of this area.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptiona lly high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is 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? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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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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