Clark, Tina Ann

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 EY152821 Inspection date 28/04/2009 Inspector Susan Marriott

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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 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 2002. She lives with her child, aged nine years, in three storey town house in Tring, Hertfordshire. The childminder uses the whole of the house, except the top floor, for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children 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 both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to the local school to deliver and collect children and takes them to the local parks. The family has a pet hamster. The childminder holds a Level 3 childcare qualification. The childminder is a member of Tring childminders group, who meet on a regular

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Description of the childminding

basis, and she holds a Hertfordshire 'Quality Standard' quality assurance award.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in a setting that is very child-friendly and meets the needs of children of all ages, clearly recognising their uniqueness and individuality. Each child receives support according to their individual needs enabling them to take part in all activities in a fully inclusive way. The children make rapid progress and greatly benefit from the professional skills of this experienced childminder who is genuinely enthusiastic about the Early Years Foundation Stage. Through excellent self-evaluation of activities and procedures, the childminder promptly identifies and acts upon any areas for improvement. She is continually striving to offer the very best possible care and education to the children.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 drawing on the full range of quality improvement tools available.

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provision

Children enjoy an exemplary quality of care in this setting, supported by precise policies, procedures and records. On completion of a contract, parents are issued with an informative parents pack, containing a copy of their contract and other signed permission forms and the complete range of policies and procedures. This helps to establish a clear basis for provision of care and contributes to children's continued well-being and progress. A very clear complaints procedure is in place. The childminder demonstrates an extremely good understanding of the procedures regarding the safeguarding of children and a very high level of commitment to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promoting children's safety. Clear records of accidents, incidents and medication are shared with the parents to ensure the needs of the children are fully met. All equipment and toys are checked regularly for safety. Very effective procedures

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provision

ensure children's health and well-being are promoted throughout the day. Thoroughly detailed risk assessments are carried out visually on a daily basis and written assessments are periodically completed for every area of the home and for every type of outing.

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provision

The childminder shows a passionate commitment to continuous improvement although she has yet to draw on the full range of quality improvement tools available. She regularly reviews her provision and continuously seeks to improve it, as shown by the evidence supplied in the self-evaluation form. For example, she is very proud of the recent conversion of her garage which provides additional play space for the children and enables them to sit together for meals. The childminder takes on board new ideas and information gained from research on the internet, her contacts with other childminders and training courses. She demonstrates an exemplary commitment to attending training courses to extend her knowledge, enabling her to offer a high quality of inclusive care and education to the children. The childminder attends group meetings and works closely with her development worker to ensure that she is fully informed and up-to-date with changes in the

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provision

childcare field. The close childminding group carries out regular peer observations to identify areas of strength and weakness in a friendly, constructive and non- critical environment. This is a critical feature of the childminder's improvement process.

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provision

The childminder reflects upon her current and previous training to reconsider ways of introducing children to new experiences, and on how to improve on old and well-rooted experiences. She has an exceptionally clear understanding of inclusion, summarising her values in eight bullet points which are shared with parents and children. Exceedingly well-documented observations, very closely linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage, are maintained on all children prior to starting school. Regular discussion with parents keeps them very well-informed of their child's development and the childminder works closely with them when addressing the next steps for learning. As a result, children progress extremely well with very high levels of achievement in relation to their age and stage of development.

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provision

The childminder successfully develops the activities and offers a broad, stimulating range that offers challenge to children of all ages. This has a very positive impact as the children learn to work together and respect each other, thereby effectively improving overall the early years provision and outcomes for children. Extremely effective links with the parents and carers enable the childminder to tailor activities to the individual children in her care. Detailed information is requested from parents and carers before the placement commences. For example, the childminder finds out as much as possible about the children's favourite things, words and their meanings, comforters, favourite foods and any particular routines. Parents are kept extremely well-informed about the care their child receives through daily diaries and regular discussions. Posters and certificates are displayed on the playroom walls for parent's information. The childminder actively seeks the

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provision

views of parents through a questionnaire based upon a sample from the 'Index for Inclusion' folder. The children are always asked if they have enjoyed various This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 aspects of the setting and asked periodically to write or draw what aspects of the setting they enjoy and dislike. If there is a particular activity they do not like or want to do more of, the childminder initiates change to make it happen. The childminder works in partnership with parents and other providers to ensure continuity of care for each child through providing information about the child's development, preferences and natural abilities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder gives outstanding support to learning. The education programme is extremely well-organised with themes and activities tailored to the interests and abilities of the children in attendance. These cover all aspects of the early learning goals, ensuring children enjoy a broad, stimulating variety of activities and are designed to meet each child's developmental needs. The childminder's view of inclusion is expressed in terms of 'including everyone, in some way, in whatever we are doing'. For example, whilst children are learning to recognise colours by retrieving items from a bag, babies can be taking items out of the drawstring bag and putting them back in again.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a robust knowledge and understanding of how different activities support intellectual development and is particularly skilled in promoting investigative and exploratory play. For example, children representing a range of ages and stages of development enjoy making 'Journey Sticks', on their way home from school. They collect items which interest them in order of collection by wrapping them onto a stick secured by string. When they arrive at the childminder's house, they lay the items out in order and stick onto strip of paper as a record of their 'journey'. The childminder adapts this popular activity for younger children by giving them a strip of paper with double-sided sticky tape which is released in stages to secure the treasured 'finds' in order of collection. Children are active learners and the childminder constantly suggests ways in which they might solve everyday problems instead of providing easy solutions.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is very effectively promoted through the clear procedures and guidelines used by the childminder. She gives affection and security to all children in her care and constantly introduces new initiatives to improve their health and well-being. They enjoy regular daily exercise and benefit from daily fresh air and local outings to extend their experiences appropriately. Every child and visitor has their own colour coded towel to prevent cross-contamination and visual aids enable the children to be aware of the need to brush their teeth regularly. Children are actively involved in decision making for healthy eating and snack planning. Children are safe because they are involved in regular fire drills and posters displayed in the childminder's home reinforce learning about road safety and 'Stranger danger'. Children demonstrate good manners, politeness and respect for others. They respond positively to the expectations of adults, and make choices

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and decisions. Children develop skills for the future as they explore other cultures, develop an awareness of disabilities, similarities and differences, and their own cultural heritage. Role play and other activities help them develop their number, reading and writing skills through play, with adult guidance as necessary. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 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: 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

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