Highgate Infant 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 145530 Inspection date 14/11/2008 Inspector Catherine Louise Sample

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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 has been registered for over 20 years. She lives with her husband in West Lavington. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor except for the lounge. The house has level access to the rear. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to care for a total of six children at any one time. There are currently five children in the early years age range and four older children on roll. The childminder operates during weekdays and is not registered to provide overnight care.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in all areas due to the high level of support and affection provided by the childminder. She knows each child well and takes positive steps to ensure that their individual needs are met and that all can take part in and enjoy a stimulating range of activities. Children also benefit from an excellent working partnership between the childminder and the parents. The childminder monitors the effectiveness of her provision and is able to identify areas for development and take effective steps to increase her skills and knowledge.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop confidence in meeting the learning and development requirements and in reviewing systems for assessment and planning to help children make progress towards the early learning goals  ensure that fire drills are carried out regularly to ensure that children know what to do in an emergency situation

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provision

The provision is well organised. The childminder keeps all necessary records which help her to ensure children's safety and welfare. She has drawn up comprehensive policies and procedures which help her care for children effectively. These include a full and effective risk assessment and a detailed child protection statement. She has attended a wide variety of training and workshops including child protection and anti-bullying. She monitors and evaluates her provision and has a positive attitude towards further development. She has successfully met the recommendations set at her previous inspection.

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provision

Children benefit from an excellent working relationship between the childminder and parents. The childminder liaises closely with parents to ensure that she This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understands children's needs fully. She shares information through discussion and children's records of achievement and actively seeks parental feedback about the provision. She also shares children's records and any other relevant information with other providers such as pre-schools and has close links with other local childminders. Parents have provided enthusiastic written references which detail how well the childminder cares for their children and helps them to make progress. This close working relationship enables the childminder to fully meet the needs of children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children are becoming familiar with wider society through the use of a varied range of resources that

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provision

promote diversity and through activities such as visiting different places in the community.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children relish learning through a balance of planned and free play that comprehensively covers all areas of their learning and development. The childminder interacts well with children and provides them with excellent levels of support. This enables them to play a full role in activities and make good progress. She has a sound working knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage although she is still developing her confidence in using it. She has drawn up effective systems for recording observations of children's progress and planning for their next steps and is evaluating how well these work for her. Planning takes account of the needs of each child and includes a stimulating range of activities such as visiting the local church and going to collect eggs from a friend's chicken coop. There is plenty of discussion which encourages children to become confident speakers and they have good opportunities to learn to count and problem solve.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning about how to stay safe as the childminder talks to them about hazards and helps them learn about road safety. She has taken many positive steps to ensure that her home and garden are safe for children, such as keeping the front and back doors locked at all times. She has a full fire drill procedure although she has not practised it with children for some time. Children's health and well-being are promoted effectively. They have healthy snacks of fruit and regular drinks of water or juice. They follow thorough hygiene procedures and talk about why play dough that has fallen on the floor needs to be thrown away. They are well behaved. They can share and take turns and ask if they may leave the table after eating. The childminder uses 'wow' sheets to acknowledge particularly good 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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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? 2

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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 the last inspection.

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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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