Sports Connect

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 149385 Inspection date 26/11/2009 Inspector Susan Ennis

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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 registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and five children aged nine, 11, 15, 17 and 18 years in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There is level access to the premises. The family has one dog and two rabbits.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder provides care on each weekday term-time and during school holidays. She is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of three children in the early years age range and is currently minding three children in this age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years and this provision is registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently no children on roll in this age group. Children on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register share the same facilities as those on the Early Years Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a safe and welcoming environment for all children and ensures that all are included and supported in their time with her. Children make sound progress in their learning and development because the childminder's flexible approach to planning generally meets their individual needs. Activities are adapted to enable all children to participate and enjoy their time at the setting. The childminder has taken some steps to evaluate her practice and is consequently able to make changes to improve the daily care and experiences she offers the children, parents and carers. She demonstrates a growing awareness of the practice required to promote the individual needs of the children and has the capacity to improve further.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide evidence of attendance on a paediatric first aid course (Safeguarding and welfare). 29/01/2010

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the use of starting points to identify where children are in their development  develop further the use of observation, assessment and planning to demonstrate children's progress towards the early learning goals and to identify any areas of concern or for further challenge This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips.

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the early years provision

The childminder has appropriate policies in place to ensure that all children are safeguarded. For example, she is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and ensures that all people coming into contact with the children are suitable to do so. However, as the childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate children's safety is compromised. Children are able to move freely around the premises because the childminder takes sound steps to minimise the hazards. For example, she carries out daily visual safety checks to ensure that any items, such as socket covers are in place. She also completes annual risk assessments of all areas used by the children. However, as risk assessments for all outings and trips are not currently in place children's welfare is affected.

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the early years provision

The childminder has implemented some systems to improve her provision such as partially completing the on-line self-evaluation form and discussing her day-to-day practice with parents as an ongoing process. She is starting to identify areas for improvement and demonstrates a positive attitude to feedback from the inspection. She wants to improve the outcomes for the children in her care and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability.

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the early years provision

Children's individual development is generally promoted because the childminder has sound procedures and resources in place to support, monitor and evaluate their progress. The available resources are positively used and the all-inclusive child-friendly environment is generally conducive to children's learning and play. Rotation of the resources ensures that the children are offered a stimulating environment and use of local age-appropriate toddler groups broadens the children's experiences.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a positive attitude to anti-discriminatory practice, enabling her to provide a service which is inclusive for all children and families. She works with parents to ensure that she understands each child's background, needs and beliefs. Children are encouraged to recognise differences and respect diversity. This is encouraged by playing with resources such as dolls, books and play figures that positively reflect the diverse society in which we live. The childminder has some experience in caring for children with special educational needs and/or learning difficulties and is able to offer care to all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder generally updates the parents about their child's welfare and learning through verbal interaction including their special moments and developmental milestones. Parents are encouraged to share any concerns they may have and are made aware of the childminder's policies and procedures including the complaints procedure. The childminder is aware of liaising with other agencies and plans to put this into practice when the children are old enough to start at other settings. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder offers a sound range of opportunities to support the children to make satisfactory progress in the areas of learning and development. Her flexible approach to planning ensures that children have a choice of what to play with and stimulating activities to participate in. For example, whilst playing with small world resources the children choose which play figures to put on the roundabout and squeal with delight when they turn it so fast that the people fall off. However, the planning does not currently identify all the areas of learning covered by an activity or the differentiation for meeting each child's individual needs. The childminder knows the children very well and uses her experience and childcare knowledge to observe and assess children's achievements and to plan for their next steps. For example, as children start to develop their independence skills by putting on their own coats, the childminder encourages them to firstly put their arms into the

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and outcomes for children

sleeves and then progresses them onto putting on the whole coat for themselves. However, there is limited information regarding children's starting points and current processes do not sufficiently demonstrate children's progress towards the early learning goals. Therefore, areas of concern or further challenge are not highlighted and children's development is not optimally promoted.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder generally ensures that there is a sound range of both adult-led and child-initiated activities that are adapted to meet the needs of all children. When children are hesitant to join in at toddler group the childminder supports them to gradually choose resources near to her and then encourages them to choose more independently whilst playing together with their peers. Children are starting to use their imagination skills as they play with the toy kitchen and imitate their parents by using a spray bottle to clean the table. They enjoy developing their problem solving by playing with puzzles and shape sorters and encourage their language and listening skills by looking and reading books alone or with the childminder. They also participate in everyday activities, such as going to the dentist or the shops enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the world.

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and outcomes for children

Children are clearly settled with the childminder and demonstrate their trust in the relationship by falling asleep on her lap when they begin to feel tired. Children are encouraged to use good behaviour and are encouraged by the childminder who, as a positive role model helps them make the right choices, for example, teaching them how to share and take turns. Children's health and welfare are positively promoted as the childminder takes steps to minimise the spread of infection and develop children's understanding of healthy living, such as encouraging them to eat fresh fruit with their lunch. They learn about their own safety as they take part in the emergency fire drills and discuss road awareness when out and about. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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: 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

 ensure that the safeguarding policy includes procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation against the provider or a member of their family (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) (Also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 10/12/2009

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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 Childcare Register section of the report. 10/12/2009

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