Olympus

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 149445 Inspection date 03/02/2011 Inspector Alison Reeves

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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 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult daughters in Baldock, Hertfordshire. Part of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two dogs. The childminder walks to a local school and pre-schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the park, library and educational facilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for six children under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for four early years age range children on a part-time basis.

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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 in the Early Years Foundation Stage are making good progress in their learning and development while in the care of this experienced childminder. Their safety and welfare is paramount and appropriate measures are taken to ensure this. Children are valued and the childminder works hard to cater for individual needs. Children thrive in the caring environment and most aspects of assessment are effective. Partnerships with parents are well established and those with other providers are developing. The childminder uses sound methods to reflect on her practice and improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 identify children's next steps and link these to plans  develop further the relationships with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage that children attend.

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the early years provision

The childminder's knowledge of safeguarding procedures means that children are well protected. All members of the household are appropriately vetted, ensuring their suitability to be in contact with young children. The childminder has kept up- to-date with current safeguarding practice by attending further training. Clear risk assessments support the childminder in ensuring the safety of children in the home and on outings. She involves the children by teaching them road safety, ensuring they become aware of the potential dangers in the environment.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and uses this well to support children in their learning. The environment is well organised and accessible to the children. For example, they have plenty of clear floor space on which to play with their chosen toys and equipment. This means they are able to explore and make good progress in their development.

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the early years provision

The childminder reflects on her practice and, as a result, is very aware of her strengths and weaknesses. She looks for ways to improve her provision for the children and sets herself clearly defined and ambitious targets. She has addressed previous recommendations promptly and effectively. For example, she has provided children with a step for use in the cloakroom which means that young children can be more independent in self care as they wash their own hands.

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the early years provision

Effective working relationships with parents are well maintained. The childminder makes sure she has all of the information to enable her to meet children's needs. This means that parents' wishes and children's individual preferences are accommodated within her setting. The childminder and parents share important information about the children each day. This means that parents can become involved in their child's learning and each child is well supported in making progress towards the early learning goals. Relationships with other provisions delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage who are involved with the children are developing and any concerns are shared to support children's welfare and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder includes children very well and readily adapts activities to ensure that all children can access them. An effective equal opportunities policy supports her in meeting individual needs. This means that all children are included fully in the life of the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children are busy and well mannered. They have secure relationships with the childminder and enjoy her input in activities. Children are kind to the dogs and show a respect for their needs. The dogs are equally well behaved and enjoy attention from the children. Children are physically active indoors, using small tools for modelling malleable materials and mark making. Outdoors they enjoy fresh air as they walk to and from school and play in local parks on some of the large equipment. Children enjoy regular meals and snacks and have access to drinks to ensure they stay hydrated.

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and outcomes for children

Children engage in activities and show good levels of concentration. Children enjoy books and listen attentively to stories. They point out familiar characters and talk about the main features of the story. Very young children can point out favourite characters and they point to the words, signifying their understanding that print has meaning. Children observe and use positional language and describe size accurately when looking at figures in books. They routinely count as they put on their shoes or eat a pile of raisins. Children are developing an understanding of technology through play with cause and effect toys. They start out pushing the buttons to make the animals appear and then push the lids down again so as to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 repeat the exercise again and again.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has developed a system for observing children regularly and using what she sees to plan further activities. The system enables the childminder to monitor children's achievements but is not sufficiently linked to planning for individuals at present. Nevertheless, children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Clear explanations and appropriate boundaries mean children understand what is expected of them and they behave well. Children are developing a respect for themselves and others. They learn about other cultures and beliefs through special events and celebrations. The childminder makes effective use of books and activities to introduce new ideas and promote diversity. 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 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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