Brinsworth 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 136301 Inspection date 01/04/2009 Inspector Valerie Anne Curotto

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 registered in 1996 and has a level three qualification in childcare. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and part of the local authority's approved network and quality assurance scheme. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 14 to 21 years. The family live in the Downend area of South Gloucestershire and have two cats. Childminding takes place on the ground floor of the house which includes toilet facilities and a room in which children may sleep. Children also have access to an enclosed rear garden. The childminder is registered to care for up to six children under eight years, of whom three may be in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently five children on roll.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and secure in the busy atmosphere as their individual needs are met within the safe environment. A combination of home based and community activities offer children a wide range of experiences which promotes their learning and development. Assessment systems ensure children's progress is monitored appropriately with monthly observations across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder makes good use of the local childminding network to reflect on her practice and keeps up to date with developments to benefit children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to extend assessment arrangements to include more everyday observations; to further impact on the evaluation of activities and planning for individual children

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provision

Children's attendance at local groups most mornings, form the basis of weekly activities and ensure they enjoy a wide range of positive experiences, particularly craft and physical play. Assessment systems provide a useful record of children's progress within the EYFS, using monthly observations and photographs. These are shared with parents regularly who readily add their comments and own observations. However, assessments are not fully developed to include more everyday observations which evaluate the impact of a wider range of activities on individual children. As a result, some organised activities are not sufficiently planned to offer challenge for all children.

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provision

Record keeping, including contracts and information about children's health and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 dietary needs is well organised. Ongoing, daily discussion with parents ensures information continues to be exchanged and that children's individual needs are met. The childminder has developed a full range of written policies which forms the basis of a useful 'welcome pack' for parents. These are reviewed and updated appropriately with support from the network coordinator, to promote children's welfare. The childminder is familiar with the local authority's safeguarding procedures and continues to keep her knowledge of child protection issues up to date.

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provision

The childminder makes good use of contact with other, experienced childminders and the network coordinator to review her practice. She demonstrates a commitment to improvement by continuing attendance on training courses to benefit children and is actively involved in the local childminding group to extend the range of activities she provides. She proactively involves parents in evaluation of her provision by seeking feedback. Parents comment positively on the flexibility of the childminder and the care their children receive. Since the last inspection, the childminder has developed assessments and planning for younger children as recommended. These are not yet routinely in place for children she cares for in the EYFS who attend school.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a well resourced, welcoming environment where they confidently choose equipment and initiate their own play. They have daily access to the extensive garden which is used effectively to provide an extended play area and many opportunities for children to engage with the natural world around them. For example, they plant sweet peas and learn where their food comes from as they take an interest in the vegetable plot. Children's spontaneous discovery of insects in the garden is extended as the childminder provides magnifying boxes and picture checklists to reinforce their learning. Children develop physical skills and confidence with equipment at local groups and in the garden. They scramble through tunnels, propel sit and ride toys and climb the steps to put 'baby' down the slide.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children understand about hygiene as strong, daily routines support their independence in self-care, such as handwashing. Pet management is effective in reducing risks to children's health. Children's nutritional needs are met as the childminder provides healthy, fruit based snacks and balanced menus of home-cooked meals which are shared with parents. Children develop a good understanding of evacuation procedures through monthly fire drills and exciting, organised visits by local firefighters. Risk assessments are comprehensive and include individual planning for outings to local groups to safeguard children effectively. Transport arrangements are well considered and children regularly learn about road safety during trips to school as the childminder reinforces expectations.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well behaved as the childminder is skilled at diffusing situations and providing additional resources when necessary. Children develop valuable social skills as they remind each other to 'share' at snack time and offer cuddles to others This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 in distress. Children develop good communication skills as conversation is encouraged and the childminder takes an interest in what they have to say. Children show an appreciation of books as they take turns to choose their favourites from the attractively presented rack and sit round the childminder for stories. They show an interest in shape and number in everyday situations, recognising circles in the snow and 'four' helicopters in the sky. Children make choices as they indicate which colour bowl they want at snack time and what they want to drink. Children's creativity is fostered well with daily opportunities for craft

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and cooking activities. For example, they mix chocolate flakes to make cakes and add painted hand prints to pre-cut shapes to make chickens on Easter cards. 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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