Staplands Nursery and Tutorial

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 130123 Inspection date 19/10/2011 Inspector Tina Kelly

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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 2000. She works at her mother's home who is also a registered childminder. She has three children aged 12, six and three years. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Children do not generally access upstairs other than to use the family bathroom and for young children to sleep. The house is within walking distance of local amenities, such as, schools, the library, shops and parks. The family have a dog, tank of goldfish and a small lizard which is kept in a vivarium upstairs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register as well as the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. When working with another childminder they may care for a maximum of six children with no more than two under the age of one year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a Nursery Nurse Examination Board qualification, a Certificate in Pre-School Practice and has recently completed a level 3 course in Childcare, Learning and Development.

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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

Young children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. She uses observations and assessments effectively to show children are making excellent progress, but planning for the next steps in the children's learning is not consistent. Parents are kept extremely well in formed of their children's personal care routines and the activities they have enjoyed. Comprehensive documents required for the well-being of the children and the smooth running of the setting are in place. The childminder has attended a range of courses during her registration, she evaluates her practice and is committed to improving and developing the service that she provides to the families in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure observations are used effectively to assist in planning 'what next' to promote children's existing talents This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are exceptionally well safeguarded as the childminder is very clear about her responsibility to provide a safe environment. She has attended child protection and safeguarding training throughout her registration. She is fully aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) remit and has a very good understanding of the referral process. Her knowledge is supported with information from a recently attended course and leaflets from the LSCB. Appropriate background checks have been taken out on all adults in the home and the visitors' book ensures she is aware of other adults that come to her home. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Appropriate risk assessments are in place and effective in identifying and minimising risk to children within the home, garden and for outings. Children have additional play space in the conservatory and a covered area of the garden next to the house which

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the early years provision

enables them to play outside in all weathers. The space can be adapted for children of different ages and ensures toys and resources are age appropriate and suitable. There is an excellent range of good quality resources that are well organised, children have easy access to toys, books and games that extend their learning and play opportunities. The large garden provides an exciting area for children to play and explore. The larger play structures are well managed and covered on the risk assessment check list.

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the early years provision

The setting has a highly positive relationship with parents and families who are invited on outings to the farm and river side experiences. The childminder shares information with parents on a daily basis about their children's achievements, personal care and aspects of the day they have enjoyed. This is a two way process and parents keep the childminder informed about events from home. A recent questionnaire shows that parents are very happy with the care their children receive, this shows the communication with the childminder is effective. Older children's views also sought with a questionnaire, they are encouraged to be involved in some of the decision making with regards planning future activities and outings. The joint childminding arrangements have provided consistent care for families from a range of different backgrounds and cultures for over many years. The childminder is developing contacts with other early years support agencies,

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the early years provision

such as, the children's centre where she attends childminder drop in sessions and support groups. She is proactive in making links to other early years provisions where children attend. She has information from schools and preschools on planned themes and topics so she can support and promote the children's interests when they are in her care. The childminder has cared for children who have special educational needs and/ or learning disabilities. She has a very clear understanding of the importance of working with parents to ensure all aspects of their home life and the children's individual needs are respected and valued. Children who have English as an additional language are well supported. The childminder uses phonetic notes around the home to enable her to communicate with young children in their home languages. This works well as she takes them up stairs to have a sleep, she can reassure and comfort them.

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the early years provision

The childminder has systems in place to monitor her practice and identify areas to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 be developed. Recommendations made at the last inspection have been implemented, this has improved information for parents and outcomes for children. She has attended a wide range of training over the many years she has been registered that has extended her professional skills and enabled her to promote children's learning and play to an exceptionally high level. She is aware of the training opportunities provided by Hertfordshire for early years and has training planned for months ahead. She has a strong commitment to extending her service to parents and improving outcomes for all children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides an extensive and interesting range of resources, activities and outings throughout the week for the children in her care. An extensive selection of photographs show children over many years have enjoyed a variety of experiences both in the home, large garden and out in the community. Trips to the local parks and children's farms extend their understanding of the natural and wider world. They are gaining confidence and are beginning to enjoy new experiences in a safe environment with good support from their carer. Children understand the simple rules that are in place to teach them to share and take turns. The childminder is an excellent role model, she talks to the children and uses praise to promote good behaviour. Children are considerate and play alongside each other well. They are beginning to understand the impact their actions have on other children playing nearby. This has developed a strong sense

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and outcomes for children

of belonging as children know what is expected of them and thrive in this well managed setting. The young children all enjoy playing in the ball pool. Their physical and social skills are well developed as they roll and play alongside each other with gentle reminders from the childminders to take care. They are beginning to find a voice and are competent communicators for their ages. The insect puppets provided to early years settings by the children's centre is well used. Craft activities, bug hunts and stories support their learning and understanding. The packs are shared with families who are encouraged to involve the puppets in every day activities with the children at home. Children are encouraged and well supported as they freely access pencils and paper and enjoy drawing. They are starting to attempt to write their names and show an interest in the written word. Their art work is displayed around the home. This gives all

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has well established learning journeys for the children. The discussion she has with parents provides a good starting point to build on the children's interests and previous experiences. The observations are shared with parents to show the many different experiences that the children enjoy during the week, they have opportunities to extend their children's learning at home. The comprehensive learning journeys show that children are making excellent progress in all areas of learning. Flexible daily, weekly and termly plans are adapted to follow the young children's interests and to ensure resources are readily available. The childminder has clear strategies to monitor the children's progress that is securely linked to the early years foundation stage framework. However, planning for the children's continued learning is not consistent. This means that children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

individual next steps are not effectively planned for to show how their existing skills are practiced and extended.

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and outcomes for children

Children coming in from pre-school show great confidence and settle quickly to play. All children are very familiar with the lunchtime routines, they sit and wait patiently as the childminder talks and reassures them at all times. Their sense of belonging and self-esteem is enhanced to a high level with this close interaction. They have all taken part in growing fruit and vegetables in the garden and clearly enjoy the cherry tomatoes they have grown. Each child has a laminated book of photographs and text to show the experiences they have had throughout the summer. They are developing a very good understanding of where food comes from and what is good for them. Drinks are available at all times. The childminder has been involved in the community project as part of research for University College London. This promotes children's and their carers understanding of a healthy lifestyle. This has enabled her to find out more about food and how good

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and outcomes for children

foods will help them grow. The setting is registered with the Food Standards Agency and has information to ensure a clean environment where food is prepared. Excellent cloakroom and nappy change routines provide children with valuable experiences which mean they are learning skills for their future well- being.

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and outcomes for children

Equality and diversity is promoted through a range of resources and events planned throughout the year. Resources are being sought to reflect different cultures and family settings and are incorporated in the play with sensitive interaction by the childminder. The childminder knows the children well. She provides toys and resources that they are interested in and enjoy. Children have developed a warm and trusting relationship with the other children and their carers. Their self-esteem is promoted to an exceptionally high level with consistent interaction and well organised activities and freedom to make choices about their play. Children are learning skills that ensure they cope with new experiences and to extend and develop skills for their future learning. 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 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 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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