Butler Georgina

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY101327 Inspection date 16/02/2009 Inspector Lindsay Hare

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 12 years in Stanborough, close to Welwyn Garden City. The whole of the property is used for childminding with the exception of the dining room and two bedrooms upstairs and there is a secure garden for outside play. There are small steps leading to the front entrance of the property. The childminder works during term-time and school holidays. The family have two cats and keep chickens.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and is currently caring for six children within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). There are four children attending in the older age range. The childminder is registered with Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder works in partnership with parents and carers.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides very well for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are offered a safe and welcoming environment where they are supported by the childminder. The childminder's flexible approach to planning and delivering activities takes account of children's interests and she is adept in identifying gaps in children's learning and then providing for these. The children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and all children regardless of age participate together in the activities and experiences she provides for them. The recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed and the childminder has made a good start in identifying the strengths of her childminding practice and where she needs to improve.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment  ensure the safeguarding policy includes the procedure to follow if an allegation of abuse is made against a member of the household  develop the links with other local provisions providing the Early Years Foundation Stage for children who attend the setting.

p.3

provision

The childminder has made a good start in monitoring and evaluating her practice, and identifying areas for improvement. She has completed an online self- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 evaluation and reviews her training needs regularly. For example, she attends at least one training course a year or more as necessary. Children's individual development is promoted because the childminder has comprehensive procedures in place to monitor children's progress in their learning.

p.3

provision

Effective procedures are implemented to ensure that children are safe both inside the home and on outings. The childminder's appropriate safeguarding knowledge and policies ensure that children are protected at all times, however, the documentation lacks details of the procedure to follow if an allegation is made against a household member. This means that children's safety may be compromised in the event of this happening.

p.4

provision

The childminder has developed very positive relationships with parents and she has been caring for the same children for a long time. Children greatly benefit from this consistent care and familiarity. The use of detailed daily diaries for the younger children ensures that valuable information about their care is shared between the childminder and parents. The childminder passes messages on to the parents from nursery and is aware of the topic work they are doing within school. There are no links between the childminder and the other provisions offering the EYFS to children in her care and this may mean that these children are not fully supported in all areas of their learning.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are offered a wide range of interesting and challenging opportunities and activities that support them in making good progress in all areas of learning and development. The childminder's flexible approach to planning ensures that children's uniqueness is valued and their needs and interests are also included. For example, all the children enjoy being involved in the story of a penguin as they use the props to act out the story whilst the childminder reads the book. This prompted the children to gain knowledge of penguins whilst looking at a factual book and also take turns in playing a balancing board game involving penguins. The childminder has identified a learning objective for constructing using different materials for one child and so the children will be involved in building their own penguin, using boxes.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to explore their environment as they grow cress and collect conkers on their regular walks, talking about the seasonal changes. They learn about lifecycles as they look at a cocoon as part of the 'hungry caterpillar' story sack and collect eggs from the chickens in the garden. All children from a wide age range join in together playing musical bumps and hide and seek. Children are encouraged to use the 'jumpstart' programmes on the computer, from toddlers who can press any key to activate it to the older ones who learn to operate the mouse with increasing confidence. They behave well and show care and concern for each other and are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as they practise road safety whilst out walking. They play 'I spy' whilst out in the car, using initial sounds and the childminder is introducing 'jolly phonics'. Children attempt to write their name on their pictures.

p.4

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 sensitive support the children receive enables them to develop their independence and ideas. They regularly bake cakes and biscuits, counting out chocolate buttons to decorate them. Children compare different sized eggs and talk about which is the biggest and they are beginning to do simple addition as they play a 'magic cauldron' number game. Children enjoy making dens in the garden and play 'rock pools' jumping from one mat to another. They pretend to be doctors and use the cash register and money as they play shops. Children hold their own Olympic games as they choose a country, make the flag and then compete in running and hopping races, winning homemade medals and trophies. They enjoy dressing-up in saris and wearing Indian jewellery as they dance.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe, secure environment because the childminder has completed and regularly reviews a thorough risk assessment. Effective procedures ensure that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised or without an authorised person. The childminder promotes good health, providing individual hand towels and regular reminders as to why they need to wash their hands. Written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment has not been obtained for all children and this means that some children may not receive appropriate treatment in an emergency. The childminder provides a well-balanced diet and children are able to choose from a selection of fruit at snack time, to ensure they get their daily portions of fruit and vegetables. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

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.

p.8