Aster House Pupil Referral Unit

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 115844 Inspection date 21/10/2008 Inspector Beverly Hallett

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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 lives in the Sidcup area of the London Borough of Bexley with her husband and two adult children. The childminder is registered to care for four children in the early years age group and is registered on both the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently six children on roll, all of whom attend part time and their ages range from two to nine years. Mainly the downstairs of the home is used for childminding purposes although there is an additional bathroom for use upstairs and sleeping facilities in one of the bedrooms. The childminder has a cat and the setting is suitable for disabled access.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage means that children are effectively supported in working towards the early learning goals. Children are safe and secure at all times and enjoy a very varied and balanced range of planned, adult-led and child-led activities which support purposeful play and exploration. The partnership with parents is a key strength and contributes significantly to ensuring that the needs of all children are very well met. This means that children make good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder keeps up to date with current issues in the early years sector and accesses a wide variety of additional training, as a result the service provided is of very high quality and meets the needs of the children and families that use it.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop observation, assessment and planning process to ensure that children's starting points, capabilities and interests form the basis of activity planning  increase the range of resources which reflect children's diverse backgrounds in order to support a positive image in all children

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provision

The childminder offers a very welcoming, interesting and stimulating environment for children. Well written, detailed policies and procedures clearly underpin practices and support a strong partnership with parents. The childminder has a very pro-active attitude to improving her practice and children benefit greatly as a result. The childminder knows children very well and this ensures that children’s individual needs are met and that the activities, toys and resources offered, engage their interest and support their development. However, whilst observation and assessment are used effectively to monitor children’s progress, the planning of activities is based on the adult’s learning intentions rather than on children’s This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 interests and what they can do. Excellent safeguarding knowledge and procedures means that children are kept safe, whilst still being encouraged to explore their

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provision

environment and engage in the type of appropriate risk taking activities which develop their self confidence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are extremely well supported in their learning and development. They are cared for by a childminder who spends the majority of her time playing with the children, interacting and encouraging their learning. She provides an excellent range of resources which offer challenge and fun to children of all ages and this ensures that children are very happy and enjoy their time in her care. Regular observations are completed and evaluated and this helps to monitor children’s progress towards the early learning goals. Experiences outside the home such as pre-school groups and partnerships with other childminders, offer children extensive opportunities to learn, and themes, sometimes linked to topics being covered at local schools, are used to extend children's interest and enjoyment, for example, when older children learn about various festivals and celebrations. The childminder routinely evaluates

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

how successful the activity was and how, if repeated in the future this can be improved/changed. Children are extremely settled and confident in the childminder's home. They move around freely, making choices about where and with what to play. For example, in free play, children choose between the play room and kitchen as their games with the dinosaurs and electronic toys develop. Children show great enthusiasm for the toys and resources available and readily approach the childminder for assistance or if they want a particular toy. In addition, the childminder is skilled at noticing if the younger children are becoming bored and engages their interest in alternate toys accordingly. Children learn good social skills because the childminder acts as a good role model and offers lots of praise and encouragement for good behaviour. Children are learning to care for themselves and others as the childminder encourages them to play together, share and take

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

turns. In particular, older children show great care and concern for the younger ones, supporting them in completing activities and keeping them safe by holding their hands for support when playing on physical equipment such as a balance board. Children enjoy reading familiar books both independently and with the childminder. They sit on her lap, turning the pages and develop language skills as they name the pictures in the book. Children have many opportunities to be creative and there are extensive examples of past creations displayed throughout the home. These include Mothers Day Flowers made from yoghurt pots and cards exchanged at Birthdays and Christmas. Photographs also show children of all ages enjoying painting, role play, small world and music activities. A particular favourite with all the children are the electronic and programmable toys which support children’s confidence in using technology. The garden and decking area are used extensively

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to offer children a very good variety of physical activities as well as to enjoy daily fresh air. Children mix with a variety of people at local groups and when visiting other childminders and this contributes to their understanding of diversity. However, opportunities for children to see positive images of today’s diverse society are limited because the range of resources in the childminder’s home is minimal. Clear procedures are in place to promote children’s good health and the childminder provides healthy meals and has very good knowledge around a balanced diet and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 healthy eating. Drinks are available at all times for the children and they enjoy snacks consisting of a good variety of fresh fruit. Children are encouraged to be independent and develop self help skills as they sit at the table and choose which fruit they want from the choice available at snack time. The childminder gives

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

excellent regard to keeping the children safe. A regularly practised, written evacuation procedure is displayed which incorporates pictures to help pre-readers identify fire exits. Regular visits from the fire safety officer also ensure the procedure is up to date and effective. Written risk assessments are completed for the indoor environment and for outings and this means children’s safety is always ensured. The childminder has excellent knowledge on safeguarding procedures and updates her knowledge and understanding to ensure children are protected from abuse or neglect. The childminder shares information about her practice, as well as care and developmental information about children, with parents and other professionals, this ensures consistency for the children. 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound 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? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Outstanding

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Outstanding How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Outstanding

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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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action.

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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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