Halsey 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 129162 Inspection date 09/02/2009 Inspector Anneliese Fox-Jones

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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 1988. She lives with her husband in a house in Hatfield, within walking distance of shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the house is mainly used for childminding. Children freely access the conservatory and a play room. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The premises are accessed by one small step leading into the property.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently three children on roll in the early years age range. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides effectively for all children in the early years age group and a welcoming environment is offered to all families. Children are happy and progressing well in their learning and development. The childminder is attentive to the children's needs and promotes their individual well-being. She is keen and committed to attend training to increase her knowledge, which further supports the childminder is promoting most aspects of children’s learning. Parents are well informed and secure policies and procedures are comprehensive and implemented effectively to promote children's welfare and safety.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the use of observations to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child as they progress towards the early learning goals.

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provision

The childminder maintains appropriate records, policies and procedures that are required for the safe and efficient management of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Her secure knowledge and understanding of local safeguarding procedures supports her in protecting children's welfare. The childminder reflects on her practice and can identify her strengths and weaknesses in order to self- evaluate aspects of her provision. For example, there are effective systems for assessing and observing children during their play. Consequently she has a clear understanding of future improvements to further outcomes for all children. She demonstrates a positive approach to improvement and has instigated a fire guard, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 a complaints record and a consistent approach to hygiene at mealtimes, following recommendations from her last inspection. It is clear through parents' letters of

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provision

thanks that they are very happy with the care their children receive. Children are happy and content, and they have established warm and caring relationships with the childminder.

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provision

The childminder provides an inclusive environment for children with an appropriate emphasis on meeting their individual needs. For example, children's needs are discussed carefully with parents so that they can be suitably met and parents’ views and wishes are respected. Parents receive clear and comprehensive information about her service. The childminder keeps her knowledge and skills within the early years up to date as she attends relevant training opportunities to support her care of the children. Children are encouraged to become independent and therefore, become active learners. Parents and carers are informally updated about their children's activities through daily discussions with the childminder. The childminder is vigilant with regards to children's safety both within the home and when they are out within the local community. Her risk assessments fully support her in maintaining a safe environment for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a bright and interesting play environment which encourages children to enjoy. The environment is effectively organised and encourages purposeful play and exploration, both indoors and outdoors, with a mix of self-chosen and adult-led activities. Thus, children are making effective progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder knows the children's needs well and uses this information to prepare appropriate resources and activities. A new scrap book supports the childminder in monitoring the children's achievements and progress. However, the use of this information to inform future planning and learning opportunities for children is less well implemented. The childminder supports children throughout their play to develop an awareness of communicating, literacy and numeracy. Young children develop independence as they help prepare the table for lunch and are encouraged to feed themselves.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children express delight in this social occasion, sitting at the table with their peers. Whilst they eat they use gestures, eye contact and facial expressions to communicate. The childminder plans exciting outings to the local and wider community so children can begin to make sense of the world. Children show curiosity in the natural world and are enthusiastic to use binoculars to look out the window and observe the birds. They show an appreciation and are excited to listen for birds together with the childminder's support. Children explore the lives of others through their play, such as puzzles, books and dressing up materials that help portray positive images of people in society.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare and well-being is effectively promoted. They develop a good awareness of leading healthy lifestyles. They are offered nutritious meals and regular drink breaks, and enjoy physical activity and movement. Encouragement is given to develop young children’s walking, and a wide range of equipment in the garden and frequent outings to the shops or parks support children in being active. Children develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe and appropriate This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safety measures within the home allow children to play in a safe and secure environment where hazards have been identified and minimised. Children begin to understand the needs of others through being supported to be kind and to share. There is a nice emphasis on celebrating children's positive behaviour through praise. As a result children gain confidence and self-esteem. They behave

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

appropriately as consistent strategies as used to help children cooperate and behave well. Their social skills are fully promoted as they play with peers of varying age groups. Children are presently supported because the childminder works in close partnership with parents and carers to meet each child's particular needs. 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: 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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