Esland Daven 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 149448 Inspection date 02/06/2009 Inspector Anna Davies

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 10 years in Baldock, Hertfordshire. The downstairs of the childminder’s house is used for childminding where there is access to a sleep area. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access into and out of the childminder's home is at ground level and there are downstairs toilet facilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently seven children on roll, two of whom are within the early years age range. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, offering care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder supports children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The house is within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, the library, shops and parks. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and works as a support childminder for newly registered childminders in the area..

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has a secure awareness of children's individual needs which ensures she is able to provide and effectively support a good range of activities, enabling all children to gain the most from their play and learning experiences. Systems to monitor, assess and plan for individual children's learning are firmly established. The childminder promotes inclusive practice, treating all children as individuals and respecting their different interests and needs through the activities and resources that she provides. Good quality information is shared between the parents and childminder who work closely together to provide continuity of care for the children.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a firm commitment to continuously improving the provision; she has effective systems in place to monitor and evaluate her practice and is able to clearly identify key strengths and some areas for further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide continuous opportunities for parents to contribute to their children's assessment records, this relates to incorporating observations and information from parents about what they know about their child's learning and development so that this can be used to further enhance assessment procedures  update the safeguarding children policy to ensure that it is in line with Local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Safeguarding Children's Board (LSCB) guidelines.

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provision

Documentation and written policies and procedures are effective in promoting children's health, safety and welfare. The childminder has a very secure awareness of safeguarding procedures and shares her written policy with all parents. However, it does not make reference to the Local Safeguarding Children's Board (LSCB) guidelines which the policy is required to follow. She is committed to improving her knowledge and awareness of relevant issues, such as safeguarding, inclusion and food safety though further training as well as completing a Level 3 Qualification Childcare and Education, which underpins her good practice. She ensures children's safety by undertaking thorough risk assessments of her premises. As a result, she is able to identify and effectively minimise potential risks to children's safety which means that they are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder pays particular attention to children's safety when

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provision

on outings, ensuring they are well supervised, travel safely in the car and wear wristbands which contain emergency numbers.

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provision

The childminder's home is suitably-organised to provide opportunities for children to make independent choices in their play, as toys and resources are stored in a low-level cupboard or in toy boxes in the designated playspace for children. The childminder has good links with parents. They are given good quality written information about the provision including policies and procedures in the childminder's portfolio and two informative noticeboards ensure that parents are aware of the types of activities being covered and the training that the childminder has completed. Information is shared verbally each day in relation to the child's day, their achievements and routines. The childminder regularly records observations on each child's development in their learning journey book. Parents are free to look at their children's 'learning journey' which gives further information about their child's care and education. The childminder has taken positive steps

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provision

towards developing firm links with other providers also delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to children in her care in order that she will be able to use information relating to the child's learning and development at other settings, to promote consistency.

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provision

The childminder successfully involves parents in reviewing her provision and her practice. She invites parents to complete annual questionnaires to enable her to identify areas of strength and areas for further development. This is further supported by the childminder's good systems of self-evaluation and ability to monitor and evaluate her own provision. The childminder shows a commitment to continuous improvement and is keen to further develop her knowledge and skills through additional training courses. She has taken positive action to address recommendations made at the last inspection which has further improved children's safety. For example, appropriate fire detection equipment is now provided and the childminder also requested a visit from the fire safety officer to ensure that her arrangements to protect children in the event of a fire were suitable. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled within the childminder's care. She plans and provides purposeful play and exploration through a good range of activities and play equipment to engage children's interest, and help them to make progress in all areas of learning. Regular visits to local groups further enhances the range of activities offered. She has established effective assessment procedures; regular observations are made of children's learning in their 'Learning journey' together with photographs and examples of children's work and these are assessed in order to identify next steps of learning. This information is then used to inform and appropriately support future activities. However, children's assessment records do not incorporate observations and information from parents about what they know about their child's learning and development so that this can be used to further enhance assessment procedures. The childminder has a clear understanding of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

learning through play and supports children effectively as they access age- appropriate resources including educational toys and games. She asks children questions and promotes discussion, allowing time for them to think through answers, ensuring that their language development is promoted. For example, as she shares books and puzzles with children, she incorporates numeracy, problem solving and colour recognition into the activity. The childminder is able to effectively adapt activities according to children's needs, ensuring that they are appropriately challenged and extended in their learning according to their age and ability. Children with additional learning needs are well supported with effective strategies to ensure they are fully included in activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have opportunities to practise their emergent writing and begin to recognise familiar words such as their first names on name cards that they display. They enjoy reading books and are given time to think about answers to questions, predict what may happen next and make up their own stories. Younger children confidently complete peg puzzles understanding the concept of size as they say 'it won't fit, it's too big'. They take time to turn the jigsaw pieces until they fit into the given space. They begin to learn early calculation skills for example as they divide cake mixture between children. They are gaining an understanding of the world around them as they visit the garden centre to look at plants, selecting bulbs to plant themselves, water and watch grow. They are encouraged to respect one another's differences and diversity, for example, as they enjoy traditional multicultural cooking and spend time on trips out into the local and wider

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

community. Children enjoy good opportunities for physical activity; they visit the local park and demonstrate their coordination skills as they balance on one leg or their hands and feet, slide with confidence and kick and catch balls. Children enjoy creative and imaginative activities such as dressing up, role-play, baking, playdough and a good range of art and craft activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a clean and well-maintained home for children. She actively encourages children to keep themselves well and safe from harm. For example she teaches the children about the dangers of a hot oven during baking activities, not talking to strangers and ensures that they sit to eat so that they do not choke. Good hygiene habits are actively promoted. For example, children wash This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their hands before eating and after using the toilet and learn about the importance of this in relation to the spread of germs. The childminder works with parents regarding the provision of food for the children. The childminder provides healthy snacks of fresh fruit from the fruit bowl and tries to encourage children to develop their tastes for example by providing different types of fruit such as kiwi. Children are able to help themselves to their personal cups to ensure that they remain well-

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

hydrated. The childminder ensures she can respond appropriately if children have an accident, for example, she holds a valid first aid qualification and appropriately maintains all documentation relating to accidents. The childminder has a good understanding of how to promote positive behaviour; there are clear house rules displayed and much praise is given to children for their efforts which promotes their self-esteem. 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

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