Sedgwick, Simone Elizabeth Ann

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 EY385370 Inspection date 01/06/2009 Inspector Kim Wailling

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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 2008 and lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 15 months years in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes. There is a rear garden available for outside play. There is level access to the childminder's home.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for three children in the early years age group and two school aged children all on a part-time basis. She operates on four days a week for 51 weeks of the year. The childminder has no pets.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Generally, the childminder has a sound understanding of all the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment in a welcoming environment that is mostly safe. The childminder maintains appropriate documentation in most areas and shares relevant policies with the children's parents. Effective use of the information gained from parents means that the childminder provides an inclusive service that meets individual children's care needs. The childminder is beginning to evaluate her childcare practice through self assessment which is helping her to gain an appropriate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of her provision and plan for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop risk assessments so that they cover anything with which a child may come into contact  develop further a culture of reflective practice and self evaluation to identity the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children  develop systems that support the sharing of information about children's learning and development with parents and between other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

The childminder has organised her home so that children have ample room to play with a range of age-appropriate toys. She is attentive and children clearly enjoy being in her care. Ample information is available for parents before childminding starts and later a daily diary is kept to inform parents of the events in their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's day. Children's individual care routines are known and accommodated within the daily routine. As a result, children of all ages settle quickly.

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provision

Overall, levels of engagement with each child and their families are adequate but some aspects are underdevelopment limiting parents contributions to children's involvement and achievements. The childminder has completed relevant pre- registration training, including child protection, and has used the information gained to inform her policies and procedures; however some equipment has not been included in the risk assessment. All major aspects of the steps taken to safeguard children are satisfactory. Parents are very happy with the standard of care that their children receive and have written complimentary references.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children happily participate in the range of adult-led activities and experiences that the childminder offers. This includes art and craft activities, such as painting canvas pictures, model and card making. In addition, younger children attend a weekly local parent and toddler group and older children are taken on outings to local places of interest such as Luton Airport, which widens their interests.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making sound progress in their learning. The childminder effectively monitors children's development by the use of observations, photographs of their play and the completion of progress grids which she uses to inform her planning. Activities cover all areas of the EYFS and are well resourced. However, systems to share information about children's learning and development with their parents and other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are underdeveloped which impacts on the childminder's ability to monitor children's progress to ensure that there is no underachievement among particular individuals or groups who could be doing better.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have the opportunity to choose favourite toys and play contentedly together. For example, at the time of the inspection visit younger children enthusiastically took part in an impromptu music session sharing simple percussion instruments and dancing together. Consideration is given to ensuring that children can move around safely in the childminder's home. In addition, additional risk assessments in specific circumstances such as hot weather, are undertaken to ensure that children's well-being. However, children's use of the garden swing has not been included in the childminder's assessment of possible risks to children's safety.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is fully promoted and children's individual health needs are known and fully met. The childminder uses her skills as a paediatric nurse to ensure that children receive appropriate medical care and attention. For example, medication records are clear and accurately kept. Children are offered a diet of healthy foods and benefit from freshly prepared meals. Children are encouraged to make decisions as part of their daily routine. For example, toys are stored at low level in the childminder's lounge to facilitate younger children's choice and older children are able to use a designated playroom which has a range of age- appropriate games. As a result, children become happily engaged in activities and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are able to follow their interests. Overall, children have an enjoyable time in the childminder's care.

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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? 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: 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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