The Downs Infant 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 129126 Inspection date 05/05/2009 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 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 1992. She lives with her husband and adult son in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. This comprises of lounge, conservatory, kitchen and downstairs toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden, and children can use a bedroom for sleeping. The family have a dog, and fish in a tank in the utility room. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than four may be in the early years age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Well-developed knowledge of each child's individual welfare needs ensures that they receive very good care. The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding children which promotes their safety at all times. The childminder has formed positive working partnerships with the parents with good levels of information shared in a confidential manner. The childminder has effectively evaluated aspects of her provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop effective links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage which children attend  develop the use of observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child.

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provision

The well-organised leadership and management of this setting underpins the outstanding care and welfare of the children. Every child's individual needs are well recorded and met. Robust safeguarding policies, outstanding daily practice, and a commitment to training ensures that children are safe and well protected. She has a detailed understanding of child protection and is committed to promoting children's safety at all times. This includes teaching the children to play safely and be aware of possible hazards. Well-planned, creative and imaginative activities, visits and outings enable the children to practice their skills and explore their environment safely. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children enjoy their time in this well-organised and stimulating environment where the childminder dedicates time to enhance her setting by implementing effective

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provision

systems to monitor and evaluate the provision including the introduction of parental questionnaire and newsletter. Parents and carers receive excellent information regarding their children including all aspects of their welfare and developmental achievements. This includes a portfolio containing information on the childminders experience and a full written set of policies and procedures.

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provision

The childminder has a very positive attitude and is fully committed to enhancing the welfare, learning and development of every child attending. Every child's individual and diverse needs are fully met. Regular observations of the children and the caring relationships formed ensure that she has a good awareness of their abilities. She provides a range of suitable, interesting and challenging activities and links these to the early learning goals. However, the observations on the children are not effectively used to identify individual learning priorities or to demonstrate how the childminder has raised children's achievements. Individual scrap books containing photographs of children enjoying fun activities such as craft, cooking, visits to the farm and fire station. The written observations accompanying the photographs describe how well the child enjoyed the activity but not what they learnt. Children’s personal independence skills are well-promoted; they learn to

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provision

toilet themselves, practise good hygiene habits and behave in positive and safe ways. Children’s motivation and self-esteem are promoted as they can choose and easily access a wide range of excellent resources. The childminder has a diverse range of good quality toys and resources that are age appropriate and in excellent condition. These are stored in clearly labelled crates and rotated regularly to ensure variety. Any accidents are recorded and the home checked daily for hazards. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and has an excellent awareness of keeping children safe; she regularly assesses the home and takes appropriate precautions to keep children from harm. Through the childminder, the children are learning very good habits, for example, washing their hands before eating and that fresh air and exercise are fun.

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provision

The childminder is very effective in working in close partnership with the parents, ensuring that information on the children's welfare and activities are exchanged regularly. The childminder is endeavouring to establish links with the local nursery in order to ensure coherence and continuity by sharing relevant information on children in the early year’s age group. However, the arrangements of the nursery for collection of the children are an obstacle.

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provision

The childminder is very effective in ensuring that each child is included. All activities are managed to ensure that each child can participate at their own level. The childminder provides appropriate resources and activities such as dual language songs, toys and books reflecting other cultures and religions and ensures that the children are fully aware of each others needs and abilities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children really enjoy their time in this setting where their individual welfare needs are well met. The childminder knows each child well and is able to provide them This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with interesting and exciting games, resources and activities which stimulate their natural curiosity and imagination. Children are safe and secure in this provision. They are adopting healthy habits and are learning to keep themselves safe near roads and behave well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have regular access to outdoor play and mix with other children frequently. They are establishing very good social skills as well as firm friendships. This actively promotes children's feelings of self-esteem, confidence and independence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's language and communication is actively promoted. Children are encouraged to be very social, they are encouraged to talk and the childminder really listens to what the children are saying. Children are encouraged to think critically as the childminder asks them appropriate questions about what they are doing and what may happen next. They are developing their vocabulary every day through sharing books and talking about their experiences. Children are forming a good understanding of problem solving and numeracy; they recognise shapes and colours. Children's mathematical thinking is promoted as an integral part of all activities such as counting cars, recognising colours and familiar numerals. They are learning about the world around them through mixing in the local community, looking at seasons, nature and animals. Children are very well supported and are encouraged to try to do as much independently as they can with full support of the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder. Children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well- supported as the childminder ensures she is knowledgeable about each child's needs so they are met well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Every child’s milestones and achievements are recorded by the childminder and she effectively plans the next steps to challenge the children to ensure an excellent progression towards the early learning goals. 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? 2

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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? 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

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