Griggs, Alfonzina

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY331590 Inspection date 19/07/2011 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 12 years old, in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder drives or walks to a local school and pre-school to take and collect children. She takes children to the park, woods and to meet friends.

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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 five children under eight years; and of these, three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for one early years age range child on a part-time basis. 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

The childminder provides a broad range of learning experiences for children so they make good progress towards the Early Learning Goals. She has established good relationships with parents and carers, thus, ensuring children's individual needs are effectively met. The childminder is beginning to reflect on her practice and has a strong capacity to maintain continuous improvement. All of the required documentation is in place and is well used to promote children's welfare.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for recording children's achievements to include contributions from parents  develop self-evaluation to show how you reflect on practice and plan for further improvements.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded and well protected in the setting because the childminder's good understanding of safeguarding issues means she is able to keep children safe and promote their welfare. Risk assessments are routinely carried out to ensure the safety of the home and suitability of any outings. These are regularly reviewed and updates noted. This means that children are able to move safely and freely around the home. Essential documentation is in place to promote the welfare of children. For example, the childminder has relevant emergency contact details, medication and accident information to enable her to provide safe care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are made welcome in this friendly environment. Resources are stored so they are easily accessible to children, enabling them to make appropriate choices about their play and learning. Consequently, children enjoy their time in the

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the early years provision

setting, making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has established effective relationships with parents and carers. She gathers all of the required information so that she understands children's individual needs. Policies and procedures are shared with parents so they are fully informed about the childminding service. The childminder shares important information about children's progress but does not fully involve parents in the process. The childminder has had limited opportunities to work with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage, however, she is clear about how effective working relationships could be developed. The childminder has kept up to date with developments in practice by attending short courses and reading relevant professional journals. She uses her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage to support children well in their learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder is beginning to evaluate her setting and is aware of her strengths and weaknesses. She continually looks for ways to improve her provision for the children and to this end is setting herself appropriate targets. The priorities include promoting children's personal, social and emotional development and links to being healthy. She has addressed previous recommendations promptly and effectively. For example, she has ensured that low level glass does not pose a hazard and has improved the range of resources to reflect diversity. As a result, children play in a safer home and are able to learn about the wider world through everyday play experiences.

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the early years provision

The childminder offers sensitive support to children and readily adapts activities to ensure that all children can access them. An effective equal opportunities policy is regularly reviewed and supports her well. This means that the individual needs of all children are met and each one is included fully.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder builds strong relationships with children that help them to feel safe in her care. The consideration given to supporting children in developing their own sense of safety and promoting safe behaviour means they feel secure and behave in ways that helps them to protect themselves. For example, when out walking they learn about road safety. Children are physically active, they enjoy fresh air as they walk through the woods and play in the garden and local parks. They are developing dexterity as they use different materials in their art work. Children enjoy regular meals and snacks and have access to drinks so they stay hydrated.

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and outcomes for children

Children engage in activities and show good levels of concentration. The play with the cars and blocks has children developing their thoughts and ideas, as they build structures for the vehicles and challenge themselves to build the tallest tower. The childminder supports play well and introduces language to support children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 thinking and communication. Children enjoy books and listen attentively to stories. They point out familiar characters and talk about the main features of the story. Observing the natural environment whilst walking in the woods is popular as children like to collect sticks and leaves.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has developed a system for observing children regularly and using what she see to plan further activities. The books reflect the range of activities provided and show links between observations and children's identified next steps so progress overtime is clearly illustrated. The photographs capture children's moods and give a real sense of their enjoyment. 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 really 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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