Fisher, Nicola Jayne

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 EY374187 Inspection date 24/11/2008 Inspector Gillian Charlesworth

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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 was registered in April 2008. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and regularly attends the local childminding group. She lives with her husband and three children aged ten, seven and three years in a house in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The property is built on a steep incline with five steps to the front door and a terraced fully enclosed rear garden on three levels where children are always directly supervised. It is within walking distance of parks, shops and schools although the childminder also uses a car to transport children. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding where there is a bathroom and shower. Undisturbed sleeps are provided in the lounge. The first floor is not included in the registration.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of two children in the early years age range may attend at any one time with two additional older children under the age of eight. There is currently one child attending on a part- time basis who is within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Four further school-aged children attend with varying attendance patterns, two of whom are under eight years of age. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a positive atmosphere and a child-centred environment where children are particularly valued, safe, happy, and settled. There is a strong focus on choice for children who can help themselves to the well-organised accessible resources. There are very positive relationships with parents who are satisfied and well informed about their children’s welfare in contrast to their learning and development. While assessment procedures are not robust, the wide range of activities and adult interactions ensure that children are progressing in their learning. The childminder has a positive outlook towards continuous development with an informal self-evaluation procedure. A rigorous approach to documentation ensures the smooth running of the childminding arrangements and children’s individual needs are effectively met.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the culture of reflective practice, self-evaluation and informed discussion to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development  develop further working in partnership with parents, involving them in their child's continuous learning and development  improve the links between observation, assessment and planning systems and involve parents and other agencies, to ensure that children can achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and capabilities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has developed an extensive range of well-organised records, policies and procedures that effectively supports the safe and efficient management of the provision and ensures that the needs of children are met. For example, parents complete bespoke children’s records of information that support effective and gradual settling-in. A detailed portfolio is readily available for parents alongside a parent notice board and attractive and helpful parent brochures. This wide range of information is particularly focussed on children’s welfare and positive parent feedback such as ‘extremely pleased with care’, confirms this. However, parents are not sufficiently encouraged to understand and be involved in the educational programmes and their children’s continuous learning and development. The childminder prioritises her time with the children to ensure they have ample support. She organises a child-centred environment where children are actively

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provision

encouraged to make choices and freely access the dedicated and well-resourced play room. Risk assessments are thoughtfully developed covering outings and each area of the property, listing potential hazards and general responses. The childminder is aware to monitor accident records as part of the process and ensures that risks are reviewed in a timely way, for example, when new children attend the setting. She intuitively assesses and minimises risks as children play.

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provision

Systems are being thoughtfully developed to show how children are progressing in their learning although the childminder’s limited knowledge of observation and assessment procedures limits her ability to consistently interpret and assess children’s progress with certainty. The culture of reflective practice and systematic self-evaluation is not yet developed which raises possibilities of gaps in the quality for children. However, the childminder can explain the setting’s main strengths, namely the effective organisation and extensive documentation, and some areas for improvement. The capacity to make necessary improvements is evolving through a strong vision to improve. The childminder has a commitment to training and plans to formally consult both parents and children.

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provision

Suitable vetting of household members is completed and the information available is provided in the childminder’s portfolio to share with parents. The childminder has a clear understanding and genuine commitment to safeguard children. She has recently attended safeguarding training. Child protection guidance leaflets are readily available alongside an informative child protection policy that is shared with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder actively supports children’s learning and development and helps children to adopt good hygiene practices through consistent and appropriate support to wash their hands. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices about what they eat and drink and select from different home-cooked breads, choose from a variety of textured yoghurts and fruits and pour individual toppings according to preferences at lunch time. The childminder makes good use of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outdoors to help children enjoy the fresh air and be active, planning a wide range of well-resourced outdoor activities. These include garden activities such as water play, trampoline and outings to children’s farms and local playgrounds where equipment such as chalks are provided. Observations of such activities are in the early stages of development and comprise children’s drawings, collages and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

photographs, some of which are annotated showing the areas of learning and general intentions, such as looking at those who are taller and shorter. These do not yet involve parents and others' or make clear assessments of what children know and understand because the childminder is new to the role with only limited training. While many of the ‘development matters’ objectives are covered, some are not fully understood or reviewed. It is not clear how observations inform the assessment decisions that are plotted on the records of children’s general progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding procedures and encourages children to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others and develop a good understanding of how to stay safe. For example, children listen and respond to the childminder as they stop and carefully look and listen for traffic before crossing the road. They are made aware of the dangers of picking berries, and learn how to use scissors and knives safely with play dough. Similarly, they learn to listen attentively and politely to each other. The childminder purposefully encourages them to take turns in conversation and engages them over lunch in conversations that focus on helping children to plan and make decisions and choices. She suggests a variety of activities from making bread to playing board games or choosing from the well-resourced play room. The relaxed, positive atmosphere promotes good behaviour and enables children to feel valued as they

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

confidently tell the childminder what they would like to play with. They learn about others’ diverse needs and backgrounds through everyday discussions, for example when, over dinner, they discuss a variety of different diets.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are fully engaged and well supported as they use a wide range of play dough tools and confidently ask when they are not sure how particular tools work; laughing with delight as they describe ‘spring hair’ when encouraged to push- down-hard as the spaghetti-like hair emerges. As children choose a favourite board game they are effectively supported to take turns. They experiment creatively with their bodies using fingers or toes to roll the dice, showing very good concentration when counting dots or moving counters towards the treasure. Consequently, the childminder helps children to make progress and enjoy their learning. The childminder uses conversational questioning to help children think and extend their learning. For example, during a walk, children notice leaves on the ground and exclaim ‘fallen-off’. This stimulates a conversation about seasonal variations. Their independence is actively promoted through the childminder's purposeful planning

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to ensure they have plenty of time and support to complete activities for themselves. For example when putting their coats and shoes on for outings. Children enjoy taking part in a range of creative activities such as painting, dressing up and role 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

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally 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? 2 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 provide evidence of a Level 2 qualification in the core skills as set out in the document 'Common Core skills and Knowledge for the Children's Workforce'. 31/05/2009 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

Since registration 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, or the Early Years Foundation Stage Welfare and Learning and Development requirements.

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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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