Highwoods Community 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 114846 Inspection date 04/12/2008 Inspector Felicity Gaff

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. The ground floor of the house and an upstairs toilet are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a cat. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll who are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. Children in all age ranges share the same facilities. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends carer and toddler groups and takes children to play in the nearby park.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are very much at ease in the setting because the childminder creates close, long-term partnerships with their parents. There are good arrangements to exchange information on a daily basis, and the childminder works closely with schools and playgroups in order to provide consistent care. She monitors her policies, practices and premises effectively to create a welcoming environment where all children and their families feel included. The childminder is developing systems for assessment and planning, although the impact of these on the children is not yet clear.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systematic observations and assessments of children’s achievements, interests and learning styles in order to plan relevant and motivating play experiences for each child  develop support for children acquiring English as an additional language; for example, by using the effective practice examples in the Department for Children, Schools and Families guidance, 'Supporting children learning English as an additional language'.

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provision

Children are well protected by the childminder's conscientious approach to safeguarding. She ensures that all members of her household are appropriately vetted and supervises children closely when they are around people who have not been checked. She updates her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues by attending relevant training, and fully understands how to record and report any concerns. She uses risk assessments effectively to minimise hazards on the premises and to teach children how to keep themselves safe. The childminder forges exceptionally strong relationships with children and their families. She This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensures she will be able to meet parents' childminding requirements before taking children on, and is committed to providing stable, long-term care. She works closely with parents and other settings that children attend to ensure a consistent

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provision

approach. Consequently, the various needs of all the different children who attend are well met. The childminder makes sure she is aware of legislative changes that affect her registration and takes action to comply with them. She works closely with parents to establish children's starting points, and adapts some activities to meet individual needs. Her ability to plan for each child's future learning is limited because she does not yet use systematic observations and assessments of what they achieve.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time at the setting and settle confidently in the childminder's care. Her consistent expectations help them learn how to behave. For example, they are well mannered, and the childminder supports them well as they confidently and politely greet visitors to the setting. They persevere at challenging, self-chosen tasks, such as puzzles, and the childminder offers effective support to help them find solutions to problems. They enjoy using their mathematical skills as they engage in interesting activities, such as baking cakes. The childminder provides a good language model to children and uses books and songs to help them develop their literacy and communication skills. She helps children acquiring English as an additional language develop their understanding of English, but makes little use of home languages to support their emerging bilingualism. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe and follow a healthy lifestyle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

They benefit from a good variety of outings and visits, including opportunities to develop their physical skills through active outdoor play. These are well balanced with times for rest and relaxation according to children's individual requirements. The childminder works sensitively with parents to ensure children are well nourished and that their dietary needs are met. There are good arrangements for promoting health and safety and all the records required to support children's welfare are in place. Children are cared for in welcoming and hygienic premises where the occasional minor accident is appropriately managed. Toys and equipment meet the needs of the children attending and are stored so they can reach them safely. 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 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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