Whingate First 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 127855 Inspection date 12/02/2009 Inspector Ann Marie Cozzi

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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 1993. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time, three of which may be in the early years age group. She is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for six children on a part- time basis in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

She lives with her husband and two grown up children on the outskirts of Ware, Hertfordshire. There is a small step to access the property and there is a downstairs toilet. The whole of her premises are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have two pet dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds relevant early years qualification to National Vocational Level 3. She 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 childminders knowledge and understanding of each child ensures that she effectively supports all children so that no group or individual is disadvantaged. Children make exceptional progress in their learning and development, which is a key strength of this setting. There is a clear and effective range of systems in place including self-evaluation. This ensures that children are protected and their well being is promoted, however, the accuracy of children’s hours of attendance is not assured. Partnerships with parents, carers and others support good quality education and care.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the use of observations and assessments to consistently identify learning priorities.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that a daily record which includes children's hours of attendance is maintained (documentation: also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 26/02/2009

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provision

The childminder provides a warm child friendly environment which positively impacts on children’s care and learning. She has in a comprehensive range of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 policies and procedures, which support the smooth running of her service and the welfare of children in her care. She ensures that parents and carers have access to this information and has provided them with a computer disc to ensure that they are fully aware of recent updates.

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provision

The childminder has worked hard to ensure that her flexible planning accurately links to each child’s interests and observational assessments. As a result, it supports children’s development exceptionally well and builds on what they know and can do. Children's progress and their next steps for learning are accurately identified and purposefully used to ensure that the educational programme is appropriate, extremely exciting and interesting for each child. Learning experiences consistently address all areas of development and are inclusive.

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provision

The childminder has undertaken an insightful review of her provision. Her self- reflection and evaluation promotes an ethos for continuous improvements. There are a wide range of risk assessments in place which promote the safety of children both inside and outside the home. In addition the childminder makes a record of all visitors to the home. Children are further safeguarded by the childminder’s good understanding of child protection procedures. Links with parents and carers are maintained on a daily basis at pick-up and-drop off times, the childminder informs parents and carers of their child’s achievements and at their request provides information about learning priorities this contributes to children’s continued progress. Parents, carers and children are invited to make comments and suggestions on the care provided through discussion and questionnaires.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are assured a rich and exciting range of practical learning experiences, in the home and when visiting interesting, exciting outdoor local resources. The flexible and stimulating range of planned and child-led games and activities make learning very enjoyable. Children are very confident to access resources independently, which is encouraged by the provision of child height storage and allows them to play at their own pace. The childminder’s sensitive interaction and communication with the children is excellent. She employs the use of open questioning, intonation and facial gestures with great skill. In addition her clear understanding about different learning styles ensures that all children are very well supported as they are encouraged to develop their thinking and reasoning skills. For example, they discuss what rabbits might eat and what sound they make.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making excellent progress towards the early learning goals. Whilst at play they demonstrate their curiosity and are very eager and excited to share learning experiences with the childminder. They get pleasure from sharing simple songs and rhymes and using their senses to explore exciting activities such as 'Pooh sticks' when playing with the childminder and their peers at the nearby river. Children’s assessment is excellent, observations and evaluations of what children know and can do are of a high quality. The childminder uses this information extremely effectively to challenge children and assist their progress onto the next steps in their learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Regular trips to the surrounding woodland and outings in the local area enable children to learn about the exciting world on their doorstep and socialise on

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

broader base. The childminder teaches children about personal safety, for example, at home, on outings and trips out in the local area. Displays of children’s artwork around the home promote a strong sense of security and belonging. Children behave well because the childminder implements a good range of consistent strategies. 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? 1 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: Not Met (with actions)

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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 compulsory 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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 26/02/2009

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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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 26/02/2009 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

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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