Fields Rise 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 149574 Inspection date 14/01/2009 Inspector Jean Goodrick

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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 1996 and her mother works as her assistant. The childminder works in her parents' home, which is in a village outside Hitchin. The downstairs area of the house is mainly used for childminding. Toilet facilities are on the first floor along with a bedroom where children may sleep. There is an enclosed outdoor play area.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register. She also makes provision for children older than the early years group and she is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age at any one time. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age range on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall children's needs are well met. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development and she is conscientiously developing her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She reflects on her childcare practice so that she can make improvements for the benefit of the children in her care. Respect for cultural diversity is encouraged and the childminder is willing to work with other agencies to meet children's individual needs. Children's welfare is given a high priority, their uniqueness is valued and their learning experiences are varied and enjoyable.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further knowledge and understanding of inclusive practice so that resources and activities help children to learn about cultural and linguistic diversity  develop further knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage so that activities build on what individual children know, understand and can do.

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provision

Parents give glowing feedback about the care their children receive saying that they like the 'caring family atmosphere' and that their children are 'stimulated with both indoor and outdoor play'. The childminder gets to know the children and their families very well so that they develop good, trusting relationships. Information is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 shared at the beginning of the arrangements about children's individual routines, their interests and enthusiasms. The childminder continues to work closely with parents to ensure the individual needs of their children are consistently met. She is very experienced in childcare and is developing her knowledge and understanding of the EYFS.

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provision

The childminder has successfully carried out the recommendations made at the last inspection. She is developing a regular system of self-evaluation so that she can make improvements for the benefit of the children and so that she can recognise the strengths of the provision. The childminder spends time reflecting on her childcare practice and seeks out relevant materials which can be of use in her work. For example, she has identified inclusive practice as an area for further development.

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provision

A professional framework of policies and procedures is conscientiously followed by the childminder in order to safeguard the children in her care and parents are made aware of her responsibilities. Appropriate safety equipment is in place to minimise risks and the childminder carries regular risk assessments of her home. Children are well supervised and the childminder has a good understanding of her role in protecting children from harm.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy plenty of outdoor activities in the childminder's large garden, on visits to parks and on local walks. They develop their physical skills and learn about a healthy lifestyle as they enjoy activities in the garden, feeding the birds and helping to pull up the carrots they have grown. Home cooked meals are varied and nourishing. The childminder's assistant, her mother, cooks the meals and everyone sits down together so that children develop their social skills. Drinks are always available. Parents are pleased that their children have 'learnt to sit and eat together with others' and say that it is 'like having another set of grandparents'. Expectations of behaviour are age-appropriate and children receive plenty of praise and encouragement as they help to tidy up the toys so that they have space to do their drawing. Children learn about keeping safe as they practice the evacuation procedure and learn about road safety on local walks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder develops warm, affectionate relationships with the young children in her care. Their emotional needs are well met as they receive plenty of cuddles and sensitive personal care. Children's early communication skills are very well supported as the childminder talks to them about what they are doing, extending their vocabulary and bringing humour into their play. Children's individual interests and enthusiasms are well known as, for example, the childminder makes sure that the box of cars and road mat are easily accessible. She encourage children's independence and self-esteem as they make choices about activities and select from a broad range of toys and resources. Children's learning, including counting, is a part of everyday practical activities. The childminder is also developing resources and activities which help children to learn about differences and similarities in the wider society.

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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 The childminder has a sound understanding of how children learn and make progress towards the early learning goals. She is developing a system to observe and record children's progress so that she can plan for children's next steps in learning. Therefore children have good opportunities to learn and develop through a balanced range of adult- and child-led activities that reflect their interests and capabilities. Good use is made of community groups and resources to extend children's activities and promote their social development. 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? 3 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: 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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