Fiveways Special 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 123944 Inspection date 19/03/2009 Inspector Susan Parker

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and 14 year old child in Hertford, Hertfordshire. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children on a part-time basis in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are making sound progress in their learning and development. Their welfare is well-promoted and children are learning healthy habits and to keep themselves safe. Partnerships with parents and other professionals are well developed and promote inclusive practice. The childminder has successfully self-evaluated her setting and prioritised areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop an up-to-date understanding of safeguarding issues and procedures  match the observations to the expectations of the early learning goals and use these observations to identify learning priorities.

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provision

The well-developed leadership and management of this setting underpin the good care provided for the children. The childminder has attended recent training in first aid and food hygiene, which enables her to provide good levels of care to the children. Every child's individual needs are well recorded and met. The childminder is effectively teaching the children to play safely and be aware of possible hazards. She provides creative and imaginative activities. Visits and outings enable the children to practice their skills and explore their environment safely. She assesses her home regularly for risk and has a basic understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has all the required documentation, records and procedures which are kept confidentially. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder ensures that she keeps parents and carers fully informed of the

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provision

children's welfare and activities every day and has a detailed portfolio containing information on the childminders experience, policies and procedures. Regular observations of the children and the caring relationships formed, ensure that she is aware of children's capabilities; however, these observations are not effectively matched to the early learning goals.

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provision

The childminder is able to provide a good range of resources, activities and experiences, which children of all ages can access themselves. The childminder uses her experience to ensure that all children are included in the activities she provides and they are learning about each other, their similarities and differences.

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provision

The childminder has completed a self-evaluation of her provision and this has been effective in highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement in her daily practise.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are settled in this home-from-home environment where they are learning to make their own choices and decisions. They can choose from a wide selection of age appropriate toys, games and activities which stimulate their interests and imaginations. They are learning how to keep themselves healthy and safe while having fun and exploring the world around them. This promotes children's self- esteem and confidence, which motivates their learning. Through every day activities, such as counting steps, sharing books and regularly attending pre-school groups, children are developing well and making good progress in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder observes the children in daily situations and interacts in their play which enables the children to form firm bonds with her. Children's communication skills are developing well; they learn new words through sharing books and talking about their experiences with each other and the childminder. They mix with other children on a regular basis and are developing good social skills and independence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Their welfare is well taken care of if they are unwell or have an accident, as the childminder has very good procedures to follow, however, if there was a concern regarding a child, there could be a delay in effectively gaining the correct advice as the childminder's knowledge of the correct child protection procedures is limited.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's individual needs, backgrounds, likes and dislikes are well recorded and this enables the childminder to provide the support each child needs to make progress. Very good partnerships with parents, regular contact and discussions enhance the good care provided. 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? 3

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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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