Watson, Jeanette

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 EY315537 Inspection date 19/05/2009 Inspector Clare Elizabeth Pook

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 10 and 14, in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is fully enclosed garden used for outdoor play. The premises are has wheelchair access and downstairs toilet facilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children in the early years age range on a part- time basis. The provision is registered on both the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The family have no pets.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides appropriately for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home and are making some progress in their learning and development. Children's individual needs are generally supported well by the childminder. The childminder has started to evaluate and think about ways to improve her practice in order to improve outcomes for children, but this is not yet a workable system.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the system for carrying out systematic observations and assessments of each child's learning, interests and learning styles  use the observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and match these to the expectations of the early learning goals  develop a system of reflective practice to identify the settings strengths and priorities for developemnt that will improve the quality of provision for all children

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure a current paediatric first aid certificate is held(Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare; this also applies to both parts of the childcare register) 01/12/2009  develop the system for carrying out risk assessments and review it regularly. (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 30/06/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder cares for children in a generally safe and secure home. She carries out risk assessments of the premises and for outings, however these systems do not fully meet the requirements of the EYFS. The childminder keeps accurate records regarding the administration of medication and the recording of accidents. She has previously held a paediatric first aid certificate, however this has lapsed and she is trying to access training to renew this. The childminder has attended recent Safeguarding Children training and the knowledge she has gained from this enables her to understand and protect children from harm.

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provision

The childminder does not have an effective system in place to evaluate her practice. She has started to think about areas she needs to improve, but has not developed a plan to move her provision forward for the benefit of herself and the children she cares for. She speaks to parents to gain their opinions, but does not use this information to contribute towards her evaluation. The childminder has identified areas such as renewing her first aid and developing her systems for observing and assessing children's learning and development.

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provision

Parents are happy with the service provided by the childminder. They receive verbal daily reports about the activities their children have been doing during the day. They communicate well and share routine information about the children. Policies and procedures form part of the childminder's portfolio and provide parents with relevant information about the service the childminder provides.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder adequately promotes children's welfare, learning and development so that children make progress. Children learn about healthy diets and good hygiene through the provision of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals and the childminder being a good role model. Laminated sheets used as placemats show different aspects of a healthy lifestyle such as brushing teeth, exercise and healthy eating. These also provide reminders for children about hand washing and encourage good personal hygiene routines. Children learn to keep themselves safe through tidying toys away so that they don't trip over them and taking part in exercises on how to escape in an emergency.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder sets out the room each day in preparation for the children. The children make their own decisions about what to do and the childminder supports their play. She provides effective questioning to challenge children and encourage language development. The childminder interacts well with the children, supporting their play by introducing play food and cooking utensils to the role play area. She encourages the children to make meals for the dolls. The children experience a full range of activities provided by the childminder or through the various groups they attend. Outdoor play is encouraged each day through playing in the garden or visits to the park.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages positive behaviour, praising children for their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 achievements such as successfully threading the cotton reels or helping to tidy away. Photographs displayed provide parents with an insight to the activities provided such as baking cakes, playing shops or taking part in visits to the farm, as well as promoting children's self-esteem. Children's home life and family backgrounds are respected. The childminder plans activities to help children feel secure and introduce others to their varying cultures. Children have access to electronic toys and the computer which develops their interest in information technology. These activities, together with well-supported communication and language skills, support the children’s future economic well-being.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making suitable progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has started to familiarise herself with the guidance on learning and development and has begun to plan, observe and assess the children. This is in the early stages and the childminder now feels she needs to develop this further by keeping records of their achievements. At present plans are basic and cover the children's interests. The observations are not yet linked to the early learning goals and so the next steps are not effective or used to influence planning. Some photographs are used to evidence observations, but are mainly use to show parents the fun their children are having. 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 qua lity 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? 3 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? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report (Welfare of the children being cared for). 01/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report (Welfare of the children being cared for). 01/12/2009

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