Avenue First 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 120929 Inspection date 18/12/2008 Inspector Catherine Greenwood

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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 1993. She lives with her husband and three children aged 18, 14, and three years, in Woking, Surrey. There are shops, parks and pre-schools all in walking distance. Children have access mainly to the ground floor, with sleeping facilities upstairs. An enclosed garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time. There are three children on roll within the Early Years age group. The family have a pet rabbit.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children achieve and make progress in relation to the early learning goals. The childminder's evaluation of the provision shows she has a good knowledge of how to use activities effectively to support their learning. Children are fully included in all activities, and the childminder divides her time equally between the children. Effective communication with parents helps to involve them in their children's care and education. Children are very happy and settled and their individual needs are well met due to the childminder's affectionate and caring approach.

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further?

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

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further?

 record the actual times of children's attendance and obtain local child protection guidance  obtain and record all necessary parental consent  complete observations in relation to all areas of children's learning and progress towards the early learning goals

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provision

The childminders interaction with children is excellent, and she dedicates her time to involving herself in their play and ensuring they are provided with a wide range of experiences. The opportunities that children have to go out every day are a key strength of the setting. The childminder has a good knowledge of children's differences, treats them as individuals, and can clearly identify the next step for their development.

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provision

Since the last inspection, the childminder has completed additional training on Developing Childcare Practice and Extending Childcare Practice. This has enabled her to become more confident in assessing the quality of care she provides in relation to children's welfare, learning, and development. All recommendations since the last inspection have been met. The childminder is committed to maintaining an open and approachable attitude, and asks parents on a regular basis if they are happy with the provision. Letters from parents include very This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 positive comments such as 'I trust the childminder one hundred percent, my children do so much and they have come on heaps', and 'I was first greeted by the childminder with open arms, her home is warm and welcoming, and my children were soon roaming around and playing'.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to climb and become more confident in their physical abilities, during regular visits to a local gym and soft play facilities. Weekly outings to toddler groups help children become more socially confident, able to separate from the childminder, and independent within their play. The childminder takes children out every day, all year round, to places that meet their individual needs. She wraps them up well in cold weather and is committed to ensuring they have plenty of fresh air. Children learn about the features of living things as they go for walks in country parks and woodland areas, feed the ducks, and in the summer are taken on lots of picnics.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's positive approach towards the children has enabled them to form good relationships. She consistently talks with children, ensures they are well occupied at all times, and is quick to give them a cuddle if they are unsettled. Consequently, children are happy and secure. The childminder is observant of the choices children make within their play, and she encourages them to share the resources, such as footballs. When they find this difficult she suggests they all sit on the floor and roll the ball to each other. Consequently, children quickly overcome their frustrations, laugh with enjoyment and feel included. The childminder says she regularly praises the children, which builds their self-esteem and helps them to play independently and alongside their peers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Young children show very good independence as they choose their own play equipment, which is made easily accessible in the through lounge. However, sometimes the childminder moves children on too quickly to the next activity, which means they have insufficient time to persist and concentrate within their play. Children enjoy using resources such as a 'pretend hoover', jumping and rolling around on a music mat, and are keen to practise forward rolls, which they have learnt at soft play facilities. The childminder helps them to notice differences, for example, as they choose to cuddle a doll, although there are insufficient resources and activities that promote children's understanding and attitude to disability.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well organised and included in all activities. For example, younger children sit in their high chairs so they can take part in drawing, mark making and gluing activities. Activities during the afternoon include cooking, using sticker books, making cards to celebrate birthdays and having friends to tea, dressing up, and painting. In the summer children have lots of opportunities to play with water and wheeled toys in the childminder's garden.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Assessments of children's progress show some evidence of how they are making progress towards the early learning goals. This is supported by information obtained from parents about their 'developmental starting points'. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder's ability to observe children's progress is a key factor in how she plans the next step for their learning, although some areas of learning are not always given equal consideration. Informal discussions with parents at the end of each day include details of what children have been doing and any developmental progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is fully safeguarded. The childminder consistently talks to children on outings so they develop their awareness of dangers such as water, strangers, dogs, and roads. Most documentation is in place, although some necessary details have not been obtained or recorded. 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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