St John's Preparatory 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 129956 Inspection date 01/10/2008 Inspector Julie Whitelaw

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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 has been registered since September 1998. She lives with her daughter aged 12 years in a Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. Her home is within walking distance of local parks, schools and shops. The childminder mainly uses the ground floor of her home for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. She is registered on the Early Years Register and Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. The childminder is currently minding five children in the early years age group at different times of the week.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder effectively meets the needs of the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She recognises that each child is unique and plans her home and daily routine to meet their individual needs. This ensures that they are safe, feel secure and make progress in their learning. Good relationships have been formed with parents, they are kept well informed of most issues in relation to their child's care and learning. The childminder's self-evaluation is effective in highlighting the strengths of her practice and most areas that need improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 formalise risk assessment for each type of outing that is undertaken  develop further the partnership with parents to ensure they are fully informed of the progress children make and involved in their learning.

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provision

The childminder has a clear set of policies and procedures in place which are effectively shared with parents to promote the children's welfare. Most of the required documentation is in place and accurately maintained. However, risk assessments are not carried out for outings. This potentially compromises children's safety. Children are protected through the childminder's clear safeguarding policy and her sound understanding of what action she would take if she has concerns regarding the welfare of a child in her care.

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provision

The childminder obtains written information from parents which enables her to provide appropriate care and ensures that each child's needs are met. The effective settling-in procedure promotes children's confidence and a sense of security. This ensures that they feel happy within her care. The childminder understands the importance of planning the daily routine to enable each child to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 engage in a variety of learning experiences, in and outside the home, that helps them make progress. She has a clear understanding of what stage children are at and how to help them move on to the next step in their learning but this information is not effectively shared with parents

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provision

The childminder aims to continually make improvements to the service she provides. She has successfully addressed the recommendation from her last inspection and has begun to formalise her self-evaluation. She is developing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has attended training to extend her knowledge and improve the outcomes for children. The childminder reviews the organisation of her home to ensure it meets the needs of the children who attend. She has recently devised a parents' questionnaire to seek their views on how she may improve her practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's personal, social and emotional development is given high priority in the setting. This ensures that children are confident to explore and interact with others. Their learning and development is effectively promoted through a range of adult and child-led activities that reflect the children's interest and capabilities. Children make choices as they select what they want to play with.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are keen to complete a puzzle of different people and confidently say who looks sad and who looks happy, therefore developing an understanding of feelings. They show delight as they walk along the piano mat, understanding that their actions make the music. Children use their imagination well as they climb into a material storage box and say a frog has eaten them. They learn about the wider world on outings in the local area. Mathematical concepts are reinforced during the daily routine, such as counting when walking up stairs. Children enjoy stories and are beginning to learn how to use the computer. Visits to childminding groups promote children's social skills as they interact with others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder listens to and values what children have to say. She supports their learning, allows children to take risks but intervenes when necessary. The childminder has recently introduced a system to observe and assess the progress children make. However, systems to share their progress are not yet fully established. This hinders parents' involvement in their children's learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop an understanding of how to stay safe through the daily routine. For example, when on outings they learn about road safety and stranger danger. Effective policies and procedures are followed that promote children's health. Children's learn about the importance of good hygiene. Regular opportunities for outdoor play encourage them to be active. Through visits to the local shops, discussion at meal times and cooking activities children learn about the importance of healthy eating.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well, are polite and show respect for others. Photograph displays and height charts in the living room promote children’s self-esteem. Overall, children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learn the importance of good health and how to stay safe. They develop good habits as active, inquisitive and independent learners which ensures that they make good progress towards the early learning goals. 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? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Satisfactory How well are children helped to be healthy? Good 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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