Lostock Hall County 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 129467 Inspection date 18/06/2009 Inspector Susan Tuffnell

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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 1985. She lives with her husband and their adult daughter in a residential area of Leverstock Green, Hemel Hempstead. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding with the exception of the second floor. There is a rear garden for outside play. The premises are accessible by a low step to the entrance. The family have two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder provides care every weekday during term time and school holidays. She is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for three children on the Early Years Register and currently four children attend on part-time and flexible contracts. The childminder currently provides care for two children on the Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR) and one child attends on the Voluntary Childcare Register (VCR). All the children share the same facilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and works in partnership with parents, carers and other professionals.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a safe and welcoming environment that supports children well in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The close partnership with parents contributes significantly to meeting individual children's needs. Children are highly valued at the setting because the childminder promotes diversity and equal opportunities through the careful planning of activities and resources. An effective self-evaluation process identifies a clear understanding of priorities for improvement to strive to provide the very best care and education for the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the child protection policy is in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) guidance and procedure  devise a procedure for outings that ensures essential records and equipment are taken on outings for example, first aid kit, mobile phone and emergency contact numbers  ensure that children's identified learning needs are carried forward, implemented into future planning and evaluated to give a clear picture of progress  ensure that information about children's starting points is collected from parents and carers to inform planning for each individual child. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder effectively manages the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision. She demonstrates a positive attitude to continuous improvement through training to enhance her knowledge and understanding of childcare and education. The childminder has identified some strengths and weaknesses in her practice. For example, she has carried out comprehensive risk assessments, devised an emergency plan to ensure children are safeguarded and has taken necessary steps to protect and promote their welfare through effective policies and procedures.

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provision

The childminder provides an inclusive service that promotes children's welfare requirements. She understands and engages in reflective practice respecting diversity and valuing a child as a unique individual. Consequently, inclusive practice is promoted so that all children have their welfare requirements met very well. Parents, carers and other professionals are involved as partners in promoting children's learning and development. For example, parents and children have opportunities to comment on all aspects of the setting through questionnaires. Parents are kept informed of their child’s achievements through appropriate policies and procedures, regular verbal feedback and the sharing of assessment records.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are supported well as they access a good range of interesting and challenging play materials and equipment. Planning is linked to the six areas of learning and ensures that children's interests and ideas are included. Children are offered a balanced range of activities and are encouraged to make choices and instigate play opportunities. Planning is linked to observations and assessments. For example, it shows how the activity supports a child's learning. However, information is not collected from parents about children's starting points in order to inform initial planning and children's identified needs are not carried forward into future planning to give a clear picture of progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages the children to be active in their learning and to work and play together harmoniously. Children are very happy, well behaved and share willingly with their peers. For example, young children explore the large cardboard box in the garden and climb in and close the flaps. Children crouch down in the box to 'hide' and enjoy covering themselves with the paper filling. They show fascination with vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers and use trolley wheels to 'mow the grass'. Children's language development is fostered very well. The childminder encourages them to express their feelings and thoughts as they play. For example, young children respond to the childminder's open-ended questions with single words, short sentences and positive body language. Children converse with each other and are confident to join in with conversations. Children play imaginatively and are provided with experiences and support to help them develop a positive

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

sense of themselves and others. They are interested and motivated to learn as they explore the resources and learn new skills. For example, children play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 together in the sand tray making sand castles and using their fingers to make marks. Children playing at the water tray discover that the sand sticks to wet hands and so play continues from the sand tray to the water container where sand is continually washed off and hands made sandy again. Children investigate objects and learn how and why things work as they attempt to make the plastic tubes hum as they spin them. They have regular opportunities to practise physical skills as they climb, balance and jump on the outdoor equipment. Numeracy skills are encouraged frequently as children discover shapes, weight and volume and count spontaneously as they play. The stimulating and welcoming environment

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

gives children of all ages opportunities to freely access an abundance of resources and play materials. The childminding areas are well organised to allow for quiet and active play and for older children to complete homework. The children celebrate different festivals and have access to information about the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment because the childminder has a consistent approach to health and safety. Thorough risk assessments are completed and cover all the childminding areas. Children are well protected with effective supervision and security. However, a procedure is not in place to ensure that essential records and equipment are taken on outings, for example, a first aid kit, a mobile phone and emergency contact numbers. Fire safety equipment such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place and an emergency evacuation procedure devised and practised with the children. The childminder has a clear understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children. However, information in the policy does not include the Safeguarding Children Board guidance to ensure correct procedures are carried out in the event of any concerns. Children benefit from a healthy diet and regular exercise.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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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