The Dales Junior High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 129319 Inspection date 08/06/2010 Inspector Lindsay Hare

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 2001. She lives with her partner and one child aged 12 years in Welwyn Garden City. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outside play. The family keeps giant African land snails. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder provides care on each weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

Children on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register share the same facilities as those on the Early Years Register. There are currently two children on roll, both of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 making progress in their learning and development, although, the assessment process does not clearly show how observations of the children link to the early learning goals. The childminder ensures children are safe within the environment and provides a flexible, working relationship with parents. Although, risk assessments are carried out there is no record of these, which means the action taken to minimise hazards may be missed. The required documentation is in place, although, information about parental responsibility has not been obtained and this is a legal requirement. The childminder has identified some areas for improvement within the setting and has a positive approach to improving the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain information about who has legal contact with the child; and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 22/06/2010

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further?

 make a record of risk assessments clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or an incident (Documentation) 22/06/2010 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve the assessment process to show how observations link to the assessment of children and inform the planning of the next steps.

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the early years provision

Children are protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of the procedure to follow to safeguard children and all adults in the household have been vetted. A risk assessment and daily visual checks of the premises are carried out which means that children can move around in a safe and secure environment. However, there is no record of risk assessment kept to show where hazards have been identified and the action taken to minimise them.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to developing the welfare and learning of every child attending. She knows the children well and talks to the parents about their child's routine. For example, she is supporting one child who is toilet training and regularly talks to the parents about how the child has been at home, and the importance of consistency between all those providing care for the child. There is a child-friendly environment with easily accessible resources for children to choose from, for example, young children were observed selecting a book to look at and then putting it back on the shelf when they had finished. They are gaining an understanding of the wider world as the childminder regularly talks to the children and parents about their background and culture, showing a keen interest in their holiday and the children's experiences in Nigeria. The childminder makes use of the local community, taking children to various parks, the library and a music

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the early years provision

There is a positive relationship with parents, exchanging information both verbally and using daily communication books. Parents are provided with a set of policies and procedures and the latest Ofsted report. They are able to view the children's scrapbooks at any time and enjoy looking at the photographs. The childminder is fully aware of making links with the other settings once the children in her care start other childcare provisions and is currently working in partnership with both the parents and grandparents of a child to ensure consistency. There are clear records of information for each child, however, the requirement to obtain information about who has parental responsibility for the child has not been met.

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the early years provision

The childminder is developing her self-evaluation and has been able to identify some strengths and areas for improvement within the setting. She has recently started her National Vocational Qualification training in order to improve the outcomes for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and generally make good progress. They are provided with a wide range of toys, equipment and activities to stimulate their interests and develop their skills. Regular observations are carried out, although these are not always used to assess where children are in their learning and to plan their next steps.

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and outcomes for children

Children visit a toddler group and music group regularly where they are able to mix with other children. The childminder develops this by continuing the music sessions at home, the children copy the childminder's movements tapping the sticks up, down and behind their backs. The children move their bodies in time to the music and kick their legs, developing their physical skills and following instructions. They have opportunities to thread pasta and use shape sorters and puzzles appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children. Children engage in lots of pretend play, such as using the toy kitchen and finding play food in response to the childminder's requests. Young children enjoy a regular story time with the childminder, one child noticing and pointing that the picture in the story looked like his sister. The childminder read the story 'Handa's surprise' and children were able to find and name the fruits in the story with the fruits in the bowl that were used.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good awareness of speech development and has been able to seek advice and pass this on to the parents. Children are becoming aware of the wider world as they use a variety of resources reflecting positive images of diversity.

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and outcomes for children

Children's feelings of confidence and self-esteem are well promoted as they are supported by the childminder and praised often. Young children are comforted and cuddled to sleep. They develop their independence, for example, as they feed themselves at snack time. Children are encouraged to sow seeds and water the plants and have previously grown sunflowers. They use different mediums to make marks and participate in art and craft activities planned in the weekly project.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and secure in the setting as they regularly practise the evacuation procedure. They are given simple explanations as to the possible consequences of their behaviour and are gaining an understanding of how to keep safe. For example, the childminder discusses the reasons why they need to hold hands when crossing the road. Children are provided with healthy nutritious snacks and the childminder is keen to introduce new foods to the children relating to different cultures and religions. There are good hygiene procedures in place and all the necessary documentation regarding health and medication is in place. 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 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 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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