Whitton Junior 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 129974 Inspection date 17/04/2009 Inspector Sandra Daniels

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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 is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years, and there are currently 19 children on roll, most of whom are in the early years age group and attend on a part-time basis. The childminder offers morning and afternoon sessions, generally to children aged between one and three years. She works alongside another registered childminder and an assistant, who is in the process of becoming a registered childminder herself. Many of the children either attend a morning or afternoon session, however a small number do attend a whole day. Sessions run from 09.00 until 12.00, and then 12.30 until 15.15, although these times are flexible. The childminder lives with her husband and two adult sons in Borehamwood, Herts. There are a few local shops and schools within easy walking distance. The childminders have developed a set routine for the sessions; this is

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Description of the childminding

geared around free play, snack time, activities, outside play and story time. Children attending the morning and afternoon sessions are offered a cooked lunch. The children access the downstairs accommodation only, they mainly play in the conservatory which has direct access to the garden via a ramp. There are toilet facilities downstairs. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are safe and secure at all times and enjoy the range of activities and resources on offer. They are happy and settled in the childminder’s care and develop a close relationship with her and her co-minder and assistant. The childminder has formed good partnerships with parents, she recognises that all children are individual and promotes an inclusive and supportive environment for all. The childminder has a positive attitude to improvement and is beginning to evaluate her provision to identify areas for development. She is using simple observation and assessment to plan for each child's individual learning needs.

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further?

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

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further?

 consider confidentiality issues when recording information on children, such as accidents and incidents.

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provision

The childminder organises her setting very well. All adults working with the children are suitable to do so and they work very well as a team, sharing responsibilities equally. A comprehensive set of policies and procedures underpin the good practice and these are also shared with parents and carers. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 benefit because the childminder recognises the importance of having good working relationships with parents. Valuable information is gathered at the beginning of each child's placement, ensuring that the childminder knows children's interests and home routines. On a daily basis, written and verbal information is shared with parents so that they are well informed of what their children are doing in the setting.

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provision

Safeguarding procedures are in place and the childminder fully understands her responsibilities in relation to recording and reporting any concerns and keeping children safe at all times. A thorough risk assessment of the premises is regularly reviewed and is supported by a daily health and safety check. All children practise an emergency evacuation procedure with the childminder and older children begin to understand the importance of keeping themselves safe. They learn how to cross roads safely and the importance of holding hands when out walking. Accidents and incidents are recorded and shared with parents, although this does not always consider confidentiality issues. The childminder has attended several training courses since her last inspection and has also started to reflect on her practice and identify strengths and areas for development. She is currently working towards a Level 3 qualification in childcare and this is bringing new ideas to the setting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides an enabling environment for children to learn. She is gaining confidence in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and making useful observations and assessments. She has identified targets for children's next steps of learning and works very effectively with her co-childminder and assistant. Children's records are shared with parents, as well as photographs and samples of their work, to show their child at play and to illustrate their achievements and the progress they are making. Parents' wishes are respected and children new to the setting are supported very well. The childminder finds out about their likes and dislikes and ensures they become familiar with the routine. She contacts parents to reassure them that their child has settled if the children were unhappy when they were left. Very positive feedback has been received from parents valuing the care their child receives. There is an informative notice board in the playroom for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

parents. Children are supervised very well at all times and the childminder is delighted when she sees them make progress. They enjoy a good balance of planned and free play opportunities. They have regular access to a secure play area outside. This has recently been redeveloped and provides opportunities for children to ride wheeled toys, kick balls and run around freely. Children are clearly happy and secure within the setting. They confidently make choices about their play and feel a strong sense of belonging as they see their art work displayed on the walls.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare needs are met. Documentation is in place to support their care. The childminder has a secure knowledge of all the documentation required and the importance to regularly review. Healthy eating is promoted very well. The childminder provides freshly cooked meals and snacks for children, paying high regard to any special dietary requirements. Children sit together at the table and this is a social time where they make plans for the rest of the day together. 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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