Thornden Wood Primary 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 147751 Inspection date 15/06/2009 Inspector Victoria Vasiliadis

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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 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 and three children. Her husband is also registered as her assistant, but only works with her when required. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes. In addition, the childminder uses a room upstairs for children who require a sleep. There are steps at the front of the premises and a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to provide care for six children under eight years, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for three children within the early years age group, who attend on a full-time basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are making good progress across all areas of development. This is due to the effective organisation of good- quality resources and the range of learning opportunities that they are provided with. The children benefit from the effective systems that the childminder has in place to work with parents and carers. These ensure that the children's individual needs are known and met, and consistent care is offered. The childminder has started to self-evaluate her own strengths and areas for development, but as yet has not identified those areas that will make the most impact on improving outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the systems for self evaluation to ensure the service offered is continually improving and outcomes improved for children  make further use of the information gained from observations about the next steps in children's learning to enhance the planning of future experiences

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provision

The childminder is well organised and has developed good record keeping systems to ensure that all children's individual needs are identified and met. She has clear written policies and procedures in place to support her practice in relation to children's safety and welfare and she holds a valid first aid certificate. The childminder has a good understanding of how to protect children who may be at risk of harm and the reporting procedures to follow in these circumstances. Inclusive practice is well promoted within the setting, which ensures that children have their welfare needs met and achieve well. Parents and carers are encouraged This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to share what they know about their child, particularly when the child first starts to attend.

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provision

The childminder has organised her home well. This enables the children to select their own resources and activities, and to explore and play happily. She has a clear understanding of her role in promoting the safety and welfare of the children in her care. As a result, children are cared for in a safe environment. The childminder has effective risk assessments in place that identify potential hazards, and has taken appropriate action to address these. For example, safety gates restrict access to the stairs and kitchen area, and the garden is free from hazards.

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provision

Positive outcomes for children are promoted by the childminder's capacity to make improvements as she has effectively addressed issues that were highlighted at the time of her last inspection. For instance, she has developed her knowledge of children's development by familiarising herself with the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is in the early stages of self assessing the quality of the service that she offers. However, as yet, she has not identified those areas which would have the most impact on improving children's care and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children learn and develop well in all areas as the childminder provides them with a range of stimulating activities, resources and learning opportunities. They are provided with a good balance of adult-initiated and child-led activities. For example, children enjoy accessing books and having stories read to them. They self-select books and bring them to the childminder who involves them in the story, asking many open-ended questions to develop and challenge their thinking.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from regular trips to places of interest such as parks, going for rides on a steam train, looking inside fire engines, singing sessions and story time at the local library. This provides children with many positive learning experiences. The childminder completes observations of the children's development and photographs chart children's involvement in activities. Planning is successful as the childminder knows the children well and is able to identify the next steps in their learning. She is currently working on her system for improving this.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from the positive relationships between the childminder and their parents and carers. There are effective systems in place to share information as a daily exchange of information takes place. This ensures that children's individual needs are respected and met. The childminder works well with parents and carers to find out as much information as possible about the children before she commences caring for them. This ensures that she is able to provide consistent care and helps the children to feel secure and settled.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's developing independence is well supported as resources are easily accessible, well presented and stored at low-level, which enables them to make choices and initiate their own play. They are encouraged to use the toilet independently and to tidy away toys once they have finished playing with them. Children's behaviour is managed well by the childminder who talks to them in a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 calm and respectful manner. She uses methods that are discussed and agreed with parents, ensuring consistent practice. Children are praised for their achievements and efforts, which promotes their self esteem and confidence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning how to keep safe as the childminder has devised projects to encourage their knowledge in this area. For example, the childminder has talked to them about road safety and has incorporated this into creative activities, which ensures that children learn through play. Children's health is well supported as the childminder encourages parents and carers to provide children with healthy lunches and snacks. Children help to grow fruit in the garden and are very proud of their achievements. For example, strawberries have been successfully grown in the garden. 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? 2 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

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