Cowley Academy

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 149436 Inspection date 14/01/2009 Inspector Susan Parker

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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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and adult child in Baldock, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Entrance is accessed via two steps to the front door. The childminder walks to local schools to drop off and collect children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to provide care each weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered to care for three children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and there are currently three children attending who are within this age group. The childminder is also registered to care for children aged five years to eight years. Children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the early years age range. There are currently two children on roll in this age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has a pet cat.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides well for all children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She provides a safe and stimulating environment, supporting all children to ensure that they are and feel included. All children are able to participate in the range of exciting activities offered. They are making good progress in their learning and development because the childminder has a very good understanding of how children learn through play. The childminder is effectively evaluating her practice and through this evaluation she is able to develop and improve her good practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop training and knowledge in order to meet the individual needs of all children  develop the understanding of eating a healthy diet for those children who bring their own meals.

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provision

The childminder has clear written policies and procedures in place which are well organised to ensure that all the children are well protected. The childminder has effectively begun to evaluate the strengths and areas for improvement in her daily practice.

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provision

The childminder has detailed safeguarding policies and procedures, which ensure This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 that children are protected. She has a clear understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children and has the relevant information and contact details for all children. She completes a regular risk assessment of her home and ensures that toys and resources are suitable and safe.

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provision

She regularly discusses the children's development and progress with parents and carers. Photographic evidence and observations are effectively used to share information on activities and achievements with parents and carers, who are encouraged to share what they know about their children in order to support the children's learning and development. Children's individual starting points and development are well documented and there are robust systems in place to monitor and develop their progress. This means that children make very good progress, given their age, ability and starting points.

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provision

The childminder is developing effective links with other provisions delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's individual needs are exceptionally well met by the childminder who ensures that she has an excellent knowledge of the children in her care. The children's good health and welfare are a priority. The childminder provides home cooked healthy meals and snacks, which are well balanced and take into account any specific dietary needs. Some parents provide ready meals for their own children. She takes comprehensive steps to minimise the spread of infection by acting as an excellent role model. She talks to the children about germs and encourages them to clean their hands before eating.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides an excellent range of exciting and interesting indoor and outdoor activities, including regular visits to local parks and pre-school groups. The childminder ensures that children have access to a good range of quality resources in her home which are suitable for the children's ages and stages of development. The childminder effectively observes the children to gain an understanding of where children are in their learning and knows what activities to offer them in order to promote their development. Therefore, she meets the children's individual needs and provides achievable challenges to enable the children to make excellent progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder plans a selection of suitable and interesting learning activities for the week ahead which truly encompass the individual abilities of all the children. She effectively ensures that all children are included and offered the same opportunities which are adapted effectively to suit their individual needs and interests. For example, providing even the youngest child with art materials promoting their creativity. She encourages children to develop appropriate behaviour and effectively uses praise and rewards to encourage children to be kind to each other and learn right from wrong. They are learning to be responsible for tidying away their toys before moving onto the next activity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are cared for in a secure environment because the childminder has a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 very good understanding of minimising risks. She carries out a regular risk assessment of her home and regularly practises emergency evacuation procedures to promote the high levels of safety. Children are learning, through interesting games and routines, to keep themselves healthy and safe. 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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