Longdendale High School

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 148431 Inspection date 18/11/2008 Inspector Susan Victoria May

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 1997. She lives with her husband, twin sons aged 17 years and their 13 year old daughter in Woodley, near Reading in Berkshire. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding and includes a conservatory playroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register and is registered to provide care for no more than six children under eight years; of these not more than three may be in the early years age group. She currently cares for 2 children full-time and 3 part- time, in the early years age group. The childminder also cares for eight children over the age of eight. The childminder works with an assistant and when working together, they are registered to care for a total of six children, of whom all may be within the early years age range at any one time.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is prepared to take and collect children from local schools and pre- schools.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers support to the children as she provides an extremely warm and welcoming environment in which children are eager to learn and their care and development is promoted. The childminder and her assistant follow clear practices that ensure children are kept safe and good policies and procedures are in place to promote inclusion. Each child’s individuality is recognised and a range of planned activities and resources help them progress toward the early learning goals. The childminder establishes good links with parents. Parents are informed verbally of their children's progress. The childminder recognises that improving children’s care and learning is an ongoing process and self-evaluates her provision to help provide a plan for further training and future development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop systems for identifying and planning for children's next steps in learning  ensure that records of children's attendance are accurately completed at the times of their arrival and departures

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provision

Children enjoy a safe and secure learning environment as the childminder organises her day following clearly defined policies and procedures. For example, the complaints procedure, behaviour, risk assessments and sick children procedures help protect children and provide continuity of care. Parental This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 preferences and children’s routines are discussed alongside recorded information about the children’s wellbeing, health and dietary requirements, this ensures individual needs are met. A sound knowledge of child protection issues safeguards children’s welfare and the childminder ensures children are well supervised and that all adults living in the household have been vetted.

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provision

Children are free to make choices from a wide range of activities and resources. This promotes their independence and allows them to explore and experiment initiating their own learning. For example, children access a range of collage materials, discover shape and texture and problem solve as they cut, glue and paint their creations. Daily routines ensure children have good opportunities to learn while outdoors, for example, they visit local parks and identify colours as they look for autumn leaves. Children’s physical skills are reinforced and developed as they play in the garden and climb on the garden equipment. The childminder observes and assesses children's development keeping records of their progress; however, systems are not yet fully developed to clearly identify and plan children's next steps in learning. The childminder and her assistant have good links with the parents and information is shared through verbal exchanges at the end of each

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provision

The childminder creates an inclusive environment. She is friendly and welcoming towards parents and is sensitive when discussing children’s individual needs; offering appropriate levels of support and maintaining links with other professionals to help all children reach their potential.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages children to practise good hygiene as they follow the clear role models she and her assistant provide. Children begin to learn about personal hygiene as they freely access the bathroom and know to wash their hands after messy activities. They have all the necessary equipment in place to help them do so independently, for example, step-ups, soap and towels. The childminder checks and cleans toys and resources thoroughly to prevent the spread of infection and a sick child policy is actively followed. Daily routines provide many opportunities for the children to be energetic and get plenty of outdoor exercise, or rest and play quietly according to their needs. For example, children sit and relax as they listen to a story at the end of the day prior to going home. Parents supply the children’s food and this is stored appropriately by the childminder who allows the children to make daily choices from what has been

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

provided. Drinks are always available. The childminder has up-to-date first aid training and a clear understanding of the requirements for recording accidents and administering medicines. Parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is in place.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Risk assessments are in place that identify and minimise hazards both on and off the premises. A fire evacuation plan has been identified and the childminder keeps a daily record of children attending. However, as these do not always record arrival and departure times accurately there is no clear indication of when the children are on the premises. Children behave well and show respect for each other and the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 adults. Older children show care for others, for example they offer help to the younger children, play games with them and share toys. Children say 'please' and 'thank you' spontaneously and a reward chart for younger children promotes positive behaviour. Children begin to learn about right and wrong as they recall why they got their ‘smiley face’ reward. Older children understand and take responsibility for their own actions and learn right from wrong as they follow the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

clear guidelines provided by the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is committed to providing an environment in which children are happy and well settled. She is seeking to enhance the care and learning experiences the children receive through further training and by having regard to her self-evaluation. She clearly enjoys the children’s company and involves herself in their play to support their learning. For example, she takes note of the children’s interests and builds on their experiences to extend their learning. Children socialise as they mix with a varying age range of other children in the home and through pre-school groups. Children explore the natural world. They look at mini-beasts as they dig in the garden, and find out about other cultures through every day experiences, such as looking at different foods when shopping. All children are encouraged to participate in all activities. They explore their creativity and imagination through a range of media, and learn to problem solve and reason as

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

they build with construction toys and complete simple software games on the computer. An enjoyment of books is developed as children listen to and participate in stories and begin to recognise them as a source of knowledge. The childminder uses open-ended questions, simple sentences and phonics to help children’s developing thought processes and language skills. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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