Grove Road Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 129144 Inspection date 06/10/2009 Inspector Susan Parker

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 1993. She lives with her three children aged 18, 13 and 11 years in Garden Village, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Access to the premises is down a slope. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding including the playroom, lounge and kitchen, the bathroom is upstairs. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age range on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children over five years to 11 years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The family has a cat, a dog and two guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder gains a good knowledge of each child's individual needs which ensures that she successfully promotes all aspects of children's welfare, learning and development. She ensures that children’s safety and security are prioritised and effectively teaches the children about keeping themselves safe while investigating the world around them. The partnership with parents, the local pre- school and other agencies is very good and is highly significant in ensuring that the individual and diverse needs of all children are well met. This greatly benefits the children who make good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder has sought the views of parents and carers as part of her evaluation of the setting. She has successfully analysed her practice and has developed ideas for continual improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that all documentation is maintained with current information.

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the early years provision

The well-organised leadership and management of this setting supports the good progress that the children make in their learning and development. The childminder is very effective in her planning and provision of the good levels of individual care and learning for each child. She records each child's individual needs which enables her to adapt activities to ensure that each child is fully included and able to participate equally. The childminder has a detailed understanding of child protection and is committed to promoting children's safety This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 at all times. Robust safeguarding policies, effective daily practice, and a commitment to training ensures that children are safe and well protected. This includes teaching the children to play safely and be aware of possible hazards. Well-planned, creative and imaginative activities, visits and outings enable the

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the early years provision

children to practise their skills and explore the world around them safely.

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the early years provision

The childminder dedicates time to enhance her setting by implementing effective systems to monitor and evaluate the provision including consultations with parents. Parents and carers receive daily information regarding their children including all aspects of their welfare and developmental achievements. This includes a detailed portfolio containing information on the childminder's experience and a written set of policies and procedures. Most of which have been recently updated.

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the early years provision

The childminder is well qualified and is fully committed to enhancing the welfare, learning and development of each child attending. She has a good knowledge of each child's individual and diverse needs. She regularly observes and plays with the children, developing her understanding of their interests and capabilities. The childminder has developed caring relationships with the children which promotes their feelings of security and confidence. The childminder uses these observations and a selection of photographs to form a detailed record of their achievements and to meet their individual needs. This information is regularly updated to ensure that it reflects each child's current standing. She then plans exciting and challenging activities which are very effective in promoting children's good progression towards the early learning goals. Children are able to access for themselves, a diverse range of good quality toys and resources that are age-appropriate and safe.

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the early years provision

Any accidents are recorded and the is home checked daily for hazards. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and has a good awareness of keeping children safe; she regularly assesses the home and takes appropriate precautions to keep children from harm. Through the childminder, the children are learning good habits, for example, washing their hands before eating and after touching the pets. Children are also developing healthy eating habits as they choose fruits for their snacks and can independently access their drinks at any time.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very effective in working in close partnership with the parents, other settings and other professionals. Through this effective partnership, she ensures that she has a very good understanding of each child's abilities, interests and personalities and is able to fully include them in all activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a wide range of experiences in this setting which supports their good progress towards the early learning goals. The children are very confident in this provision, where they show respect and display affection for the childminder and each other. They are establishing very good social skills as well as firm friendships. This actively promotes children's feelings of self-esteem, confidence and independence. The childminder knows each child very well and is able to provide them with interesting and exciting games, resources and activities which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 stimulate their natural curiosity and imagination. Children are safe and secure in this provision where they are learning how to use tools and equipment safely. They are adopting healthy habits, choosing fruit for their snack and learning about eating fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Children have regular access to

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and outcomes for children

outdoor play either in the enclosed garden or in local parks. They visit farms and play areas, developing their understanding of the world around them. They are learning how to be gentle with pets and that they need to cleanse their hands afterwards.

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and outcomes for children

Children's language and communication is actively promoted. Children are encouraged to develop good social skills, such as turn taking and sharing. They are encouraged to talk and the childminder really listens to what the children are saying, expanding their vocabulary and developing good communication. Children see the written word and practise making their own marks. They use books daily for sharing, for stories and for reference. Children are encouraged to think critically as the childminder asks them appropriate questions about what they are doing and what may happen next. Children are forming a good understanding of problem solving and numeracy; they recognise shapes very well and are able to complete challenging activities. Children's mathematical thinking is promoted as an integral part of all activities, such as counting cars, recognising shapes, colours and familiar numerals. They are learning about the world around them through mixing in the

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and outcomes for children

local community, looking at seasons and celebrating festivals from around the world. Children are very well supported and are encouraged to try to do as much independently as they can with full support of the childminder. This ensures that all children make good progress towards the early learning goals based on their individual starting points and abilities. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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