Town Lane 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

p.1

Unique reference number 105010 Inspection date 13/11/2008 Inspector Susan Marriott

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and one adult in their house in Luton, Bedfordshire. The house is accessed across a paved front garden. The childminder uses a dedicated playroom at the back of the house, the kitchen and the downstairs toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding three children in the early years age group during the day, two children over five years and three children over eight years for out of school hours and during school holidays. The childminder walks to the local school to collect children and takes them to the local park. The family have a pet dog. The childminder has almost completed a Diploma in Home Based Childcare. The childminder is a member of

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children thrive in this setting that clearly recognises their uniqueness and individuality in a fully inclusive way. Each child receives excellent support within an extended family environment which promotes their good progress and development. Through very good self-evaluation of activities and procedures the childminder identifies and acts upon any areas for improvement. She is continually striving to offer the very best possible care and education to the children. This is an extremely welcoming provision that is very child-friendly and meets the needs of children of all ages.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 improve further, the quality of risk assessments.

p.3

provision

Children enjoy a high quality of care in this setting, supported by effective policies, procedures and records. Parents receive their own copies of these which they are encouraged to keep. The childminder has almost completed a recognised childcare qualification and regularly attends training courses to extend her knowledge, enabling her to offer admirable care and education to the children. The childminder successfully develops the activities, and offers a broad, stimulating range that offer challenge to children of all ages. This has a very positive impact as the children learn to work together and respect each other, thereby effectively improving overall the early years provision and outcomes for children.

p.3

provision

All activities involve all the children at their individual developmental level. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder confidently promotes inclusion, ensuring that the children's play environment conveys positive messages and actively intervenes in play to ensure that any unwanted attitudes are challenged sensitively and appropriately. For example, she reassures boys that it is acceptable to play with toys perceived as being 'for girls only' by the girls present. Informative newsletters, daily diaries and regular discussions ensure the parents are kept extremely well informed about the care their child receives. They have expressed their confidence and pleasure in the provision through the many letters of thanks and appreciation kept on record by the childminder.

p.3

provision

The childminder demonstrates a commendable level of commitment to promoting children's safety and has attended courses in this area. Clear records of accidents, incidents and medication, are shared with the parents to ensure the needs of the children are fully met. Very effective procedures ensure children's health and well- being are promoted throughout the day. Risk assessments are carried out visually on a daily basis and a written assessment is periodically completed. She clearly identifies areas of risk and puts procedures in place to minimise the risk. The childminder identifies this as an area which she wishes to further develop. She regularly reviews her procedures and seeks to improve them, as shown by the evidence supplied in the self-evaluation form. The childminder demonstrates an extremely good understanding of the procedures regarding the safeguarding of children, including a thorough understanding of child protection procedures and

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children's learning in a highly effective manner, ensuring that children have fun and make good progress through spontaneous child led play and planned activities. They make very effective progress in their learning and development, as demonstrated by the co-operative play observed and the interactions with their childminder. For example, the children ask her to read them a story, and they choose a book about 'Hands'. The childminder explains how clever a mole is, and how his hands are very good for digging. This leads to a discussion about different animals having different uses for their hands and the children learn that an octopus has 'tentacles' and that elephants use their trunks to pick up logs, or to wash themselves. The childminder skilfully draws further learning from play as she encourages the children to count the tentacles and to mime moving like an elephant.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The education programme is organised in advance, but remains flexible and covers all aspects of the early learning goals, ensuring children enjoy a broad, stimulating variety of activities which meet their developmental needs. For example, children demonstrate that they have good knowledge and understanding of road safety issues and potential dangers because they have been involved in activities connected with 'Road Safety Week'. Children are proud to show their 'Lollipop lady' collage and their traffic light craft work, resulting from childminding group activities for 'Beep Beep' day. Well-documented observations, closely linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage, show that children are making good progress in their learning and development. For parents information, the childminder has placed a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 photograph board on the playroom wall which shows children enjoying lots of

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

activities and how these link to the Early Years Foundation Stage. For example, snapshots of children exploring the riverbed at Stanbridge, shows parents that 'enabling environments play a key role in children's learning and development experiences'. Regular discussions with parents keep them very well-informed of their child's development and the childminder works closely with them when addressing the next steps for learning.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is very effectively promoted through the clear procedures and guidelines used by the childminder to ensure their safety, health and well-being at all times. They enjoy regular daily exercise in the extremely well-equipped garden which is divided into two sections, one for the younger children and one for the older ones. The indoor and outdoor environment, together with the equipment and toys, is extremely well-maintained to provide a very safe and welcoming environment for the children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 1 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

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.

p.8