Soriano Vilchez, Maria Del Carmen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY218629 Inspection date 01/10/2009 Inspector Julia Louise Crowley

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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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and three children, one adult child and a 14 and 13 year old. They live in the Cranbourne area of Potters Bar in Hertfordshire. The ground floor, first floor bedroom and bathroom of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, three of which may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding seven children all on a part time basis, four children are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She has two dogs and one cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

Children are happy and relaxed at the childminders home as their individual needs are successfully catered for. The childminder recognises the importance of knowing the children well and offering them a well resourced and stimulating environment in which to learn and develop. Children make steady progress as planning is based on thoughtful and varied observations that equip the childminder with plenty of individual information. Good partnerships with parents offer the children consistency and support. The childminder takes effective steps to evaluate her setting and has tackled the identified weakness in her last inspection.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase opportunities to develop independence and make appropriate choices and decisions  further improve observations and assessments to consistently identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for the each child

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains her records, policies and procedures which are required for the safe and efficient management of the early years Foundation Stage. She has completed recent training in safeguarding children and is confident in her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 knowledge of what to do should she have any concerns for the safety of children.

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the early years provision

The childminder completes regular thorough risk assessments consequently the children play in a safe and secure environment. They move around confidently and safely accessing toys both indoors and outdoors. Any identified hazards, such as the trampoline string, are effectively identified and rectified. Play equipment is good and of interest to the children. For example, children enthusiastically play at the interest table and excitedly chalk on the allocated brick wall in the garden. The childminder encourages the children to use resources well and takes time to discuss recycling and developing their appreciation of the outdoors and the environment.

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the early years provision

The childminder's group of minded children are of varying ages and abilities however she expertly manages to cater for all of their needs and interests. Support is given to children when experiencing learning difficulties through communication with parents and other agencies. The childminder works hard at creating a supportive atmosphere where children are keen to help each other and recognise each others achievements. For example, children smile as they sit in a circle and say one good thing about each other.

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the early years provision

Communication between the childminder and parents is good. Parents have a travelling diary which they take home. Parents can add to the diary or just read each days account, written by the childminder. In addition well documented child profiles are available at any time which include photographs, creative work and observations. Observations are well written and include next steps for progress, however, sometimes next steps are not always identifying which area of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy and achieve in an interesting and challenging environment. They grow lettuces, green beans, tomatoes and spinach. They use a range of safe tools such as watering cans and spades to water and care for their plants. Children understand that plants take time to grow and enthusiastically measure the height of the beans and sunflowers. They count and gather conkers and acorns from the park and the oak tree in the garden. They delight in the texture of shells, pebbles and stones collected from the beach by the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children confidently approach the childminder and move around the setting in a relaxed and secure way. Babies are settling in and snuggle into the childminder for reassurance, which she is quick to give. They gurgle and smile as they listen to the childminder talking and are comforted by the rhythm of her voice. At nap time young children lie on their bedding and fall peacefully to sleep. Children feel safe and secure.

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and outcomes for children

Children begin to understand about healthy living. They talk and learn about the importance of fresh foods. For example, they eat the produce that they have sown in the vegetable patch and enjoy healthy varied meals. They follow appropriate personal hygiene as they wash their hands at the sink before eating and after This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 toileting. However, younger children's independence is not always fully supported. For example, children do not always have access to a step at the sink and toilet. Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise and the childminder supports this through ensuring appropriate clothes are available throughout the week. Overall children's health, physical and dietary needs are well met.

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and outcomes for children

Children play well together they share toys and understand the need to cooperate and listen to each other. For example, turn taking is in order of age, children know the youngest comes first and enjoy working out who will be next in line. Older children are attentive to younger children and are sensitive to their safety. They begin to understand each others differences and those in the wider community, through outings and regular walks to school and community childcare groups. 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 1 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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