Davies Lucy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY265828 Inspection date 24/11/2010 Inspector Jane Mount

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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 assesses 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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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 13, 11 and eight years. The property is situated in the Marshalswick area of St. Albans, Hertfordshire. It is within easy walking distance of shops, parks and schools. All areas of the premises are included in the registration, although primarily the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. There is a fish tank on the premises.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The registration is for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time including three in the early years age group. The childminder is currently caring for six children in the early years age range and five children in the later years age group. Children over eight years also attend. All children attend on a part-time basis during term times only.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and part of a local childminding group.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a high quality service where children flourish in a child- centred, dynamic environment. Excellent partnerships with parents, carers and others contribute significantly to her knowledge and understanding of children's individual needs. Children are fully safeguarded and well-organised documentation underpins highly effective practice. Children's learning is purposefully promoted and children are making excellent progress towards the early learning goals as the childminder tailors activities to the individual child. Close monitoring of the quality of the setting and evaluative assessment demonstrate the childminder's commitment to continuous improvement.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 developing further the use of a quality improvement process, such as self- evaluation, to monitor and extend effective practice and ensure continued improvement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Arrangements for safeguarding children are robust as the childminder has an excellent understanding of how to safeguard their welfare. An informative safeguarding policy details how children's welfare is protected and all household members have appropriate checks completed. She updates her knowledge of how to protect children through regularly attending training and has guidance documents and publications readily available. Children's safety is paramount and the childminder ensures children are closely supervised and supported in their play. Highly effective measures are taken to minimise hazards. For example, high visibility jackets are worn by children when out walking. Thorough and rigorous written risk assessments and ongoing visual assessments ensure the environment remains safe and children are protected at all times.

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the early years provision

The childminder is fully committed to implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage and this is reflected in her outstanding practice. Professional development takes high priority and she has attended an extensive range of early years courses and workshops. She is also studying for an early years foundation degree to develop and extend her childcare practice further. She is fully aware of her key strengths and areas she wishes to develop further and she closely monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of her practice. One way this is achieved is through seeking feedback from parents and children. Other reflective systems, such as self- evaluation, are beginning to be developed to ensure continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder effectively and efficiently organises her time and resources to ensure children's individual needs are fully met. The environment is safe and supportive and children know the daily routine well. Consequently they develop a strong sense of belonging. Comprehensive policies and procedures are used effectively to protect children and promote their well-being. Children and parents are welcomed into the childminder's home and are provided with exceptionally good quality information. For example, new parents receive a welcome letter and children receive a small booklet called 'this is me' which explains in simple words and pictures about the childminder and her setting. An effective settling-in programme designed to meet the needs of the individual child and parents ensures children settle well. Daily verbal communication with parents along with daily diaries ensures children's needs are fully met. Parents are kept fully informed

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the early years provision

about their children's progress and achievements with the weekly planning of activities shared with parents along with children's development files. Highly effective links are in place with other early years settings children attend to promote the integration of care and education.

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and outcomes for children

Children's learning and development is positively promoted. The childminder uses the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to effectively plan a broad and varied This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 range of play opportunities. She understands that every child is unique and activities are adapted to meet the individual needs of each child. Children's progress is closely monitored and systematic observation and assessment systems clearly show children's achievements and progress over time. This information is then used by the childminder when planning future play experiences for individual children. Consequently, all children's learning needs are identified and catered for and they are making excellent progress towards the early learning goals. Children are confident and motivated in their learning because of the excellent guidance and support they receive from the childminder. Adult-led and child-initiated

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and outcomes for children

activities are well balanced and encourage children to be active learners, with the indoor and outdoor environments used to their full potential. Regular attendance at toddler groups further supports children's development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are enthusiastic in their play as they keenly participate in an extensive range of appropriately challenging and stimulating play experiences. They are making excellent progress in their personal, social and emotional development because of the strong relationships with the childminder and her family. Children's independence is encouraged from an early age and they play an active role in the setting, which results in them being secure in their surroundings and feeling confident when making choices. Children are encouraged to plan their own activities, access resources and select games or craft activities. Their communication, language and literacy development is fully promoted and the childminder is skilled at extending children's language through listening and talking with them. Children participate in an extensive range of art and craft activities using a variety of mediums. They develop skills in problem solving, reasoning and

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and outcomes for children

numeracy with everyday routines used to develop their number recognition and counting skills. Children delight in singing songs which involve counting such as 'five current buns' and recently participated in a treasure hunt where they enjoyed finding different numbers, colours and shapes. Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is successfully promoted. They are encouraged to develop a sense of their own identity and culture as well as that of others such as when they learnt how to say hello in a variety of different languages. Children learn about the local community through outings, such as visits to the library, parks and toddler groups. Children's understanding of the environment is increased through various activities, such as learning about recycling.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is proactive in implementing highly effective strategies to promote and safeguard children's welfare. Excellent hygiene procedures minimise the risk of cross-infection and protect children's health. Children learn about the importance of personal care routines to keep themselves healthy. They delight in singing a hand washing song to encourage them to wash their hands thoroughly after visiting the toilet or before eating. Children receive a healthy balanced diet and have regular opportunities to learn about the benefits of healthy eating. Their physical development is fully promoted. They learn that physical activity is good for them and can be fun. They participate in regular walks and visits to the park and love to dance and sing. Children's safety is fully protected and they have extensive opportunities to learn about how to keep themselves and others safe. For example, during a road safety week topic, children participated in a variety of activities

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and outcomes for children

involving learning about how to stay safe when crossing roads. Children learn how to stay safe in an emergency and actively participate in regular fire drills. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder is a positive role model and the children's secure relationships with the childminder enable them to feel safe and valued in the childminding environment. Children's behaviour is exemplary. Positive behaviour is promoted and children are highly valued as individuals. They regularly talk about their feelings and emotions and have enjoyed using paper plates to make happy and sad faces. Children are developing a clear understanding of their own needs and those of others. They are supported effectively by the childminder in sharing and taking turns while learning to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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