Salmons Brook School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 149100 Inspection date 30/09/2009 Inspector Sheila Harrison

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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 1998. She lives with her partner and two children age 11 and 14 years. They live in a two storey house on the outskirts of Kings Langley. It is within walking distance to the village shops, library, parks, schools and the common. All of the ground floor is used for childminding. This consists of a lounge, dining/family room, kitchen, hall and cloakroom room. There is a fully enclosed garden which is accessed through the kitchen. Access to the premises is via small step from a paved drive.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are 10 children currently attending with varying attendance patterns within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Overnight care is not included in the registration. The childminder has a car to transport children and takes children on regular outings including the local Parent and Toddler groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has an appropriate childcare qualification.

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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 provides a positive atmosphere with a safe and welcoming environment. Children are happy, settled and making good progress in their learning and development. The uniqueness of each child is recognised and the childminder endeavours to support every child so that they are not disadvantaged. Children benefit from the childminder’s effective partnership with parents and some valuable relationships with other professionals. A comprehensive portfolio of information contains the required documents to ensure the smooth running of the childminding arrangements and the childminder is beginning to reflect on her own practice and is proactive in extending her knowledge and skills.

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further?

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

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further?

 promote children's linguistic diversity and provide opportunities for children to use their home language in their play and learning  develop further effective communication between settings to ensure that there is continuity in children’s learning.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded due to the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of the known indicators of child abuse. She understands Local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures through recent on-line training. The childminder has comprehensive information and effective procedures for the safe management of the child care service and reviews them appropriately. Parents are well informed of the child protection and complaints procedures. The childminder takes thorough steps to ensure that children are safe indoors and outside. She conducts effective risk assessments and takes action to manage or eliminate risks. Furniture, equipment and toys are suitable and safe.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a strong and effective relationship with the parents and there is a good two-way flow of information, knowledge and expertise. She ensures that the needs of all children are met and parents well-informed. Children's achievements are confirmed through a daily journal and verbal discussions. There is a climate of confidentiality and inclusion whereby children’s individual needs are recognised and acted upon. However, some links with the children’s home language have not been fully exploited.

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the early years provision

Children’s learning is well supported as the childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and her efficient use of time gives them plentiful individual attention. The accommodation is well organised to meet the needs of the children as they can move freely from the inside to the outside decked area. This allows them to actively expand their play and learning. The environment is amply resourced and the easily accessible toys and equipment allow the children to choose freely and this is conducive to their learning. The childminder finds extra resources to ensure all children can explore technology. Older children are given a large real calculator to play with when younger children show interest in a toy calculator. Regular use of the toy library ensures that the environment is sustainable.

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the early years provision

The childminder is establishing a culture of reflective practice and a commitment to continuous professional development. The childminder has addressed previous recommendations and is currently updating her professional childcare qualification. She is developing a good understanding of the EYFS and has undertaken a well planned programme of ongoing learning opportunities to ensure that her skills are consistently updated. The childminder has sound links with other professionals although contact with the children’s other providers of the EYFS is in the early stages of development potentially limiting the continuity of learning and care.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder effectively promotes children's learning and development. Children are happy and settle well as the childminder works to maintain a secure and settled environment. They are making good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder ensures she has information on children’s starting points from the parents and makes useful plans for the child's next steps as she knows the children’s strengths and interests very well. She undertakes regular, sensitive observations and accurate assessments of the child's development. The childminder encourages children’s learning as she expands their thinking by asking open ended questions and encouraging children to fit the pieces of a toy together This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 themselves. She introduces mathematical concepts such as taller, shorter, big and small, adding one more.

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and outcomes for children

Children are excited and eager to learn. The childminder allows children to initiate their own imaginative games, joining in when invited. Children explore the sounds of language repeating with joy the words ‘crash, bang, wallop’. They learn whilst being active as they run around outside pretending to be witches.

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and outcomes for children

Children have valuable chances to make appropriate choices and decisions. They are confident to express their feelings to the childminder and she encourages them to behave well. Children are naturally praised for their achievements. They are offered a choice of stickers for swiftly getting ready to go home. Consequently, children are developing good habits and behaviour.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is effective in supporting their good health and well-being. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks each day which offer variety and choice. Their dietary needs and preferences are well known by the childminder who ensures that these are catered for. There are secure infection control measures and the childminder models good hygiene practices. Parents are well informed of the childminder's sickness procedures. Children benefit from free access to the fresh air and exercise in the garden. They are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder has a range of road safety information that is shared with them and they are keen to be involved in the regular emergency evacuation drill. The children asked to do the drill during the inspection visit. 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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