St Mary's Catholic 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 102425 Inspection date 24/02/2009 Inspector Sarah Jane Wignall

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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, one school aged daughter and mother-in-law in the village of Downderry in Cornwall. Children have access to the whole of the first floor except one bedroom, with toilet and sleeping facilities in this area. A garden is used for outdoor play activities. The setting is open each weekday from 07.30 until 18.00 all year round.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of six children aged from birth to eight years may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently five children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). They live locally and four also attend other early years settings. The childminder also offers care to children aged from five to eight years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has gained a level 3 Certificate in Childminding and a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Care and Education.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder and make good progress in their learning and development. Effective procedures ensure children are safe and well cared for. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and plans routines and activities with these in mind. Recently introduced systems of self- evaluation are used to identify ongoing areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop observation and assessment systems to ensure all children are appropriately challenged in all areas of learning  provide all children with regular opportunitites to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of creative activities and resources.

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provision

The childminder is well organised and provides children with a positive and rewarding experience each day. She is suitably qualified and keen to develop her practice by attending relevant training courses on a regular basis. Recently introduced systems of self-evaluation are used to identify areas for development, such as updating safeguarding training and learning about phonics in order to better support children moving up to school. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Appropriate attention is given to health and safety. Detailed risk assessments are carried out to ensure areas where children play are safe and secure. Play space is well organised so children can move freely and make choices about the indoor areas they play in. Systems to safeguard children are effective and they are well supervised as they play. Children learn about safety as they follow simple rules in

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provision

the home such as sitting nicely at the table and talking about road safety as they walk around the village.

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provision

The partnership with parents is well established. Parents are included and encouraged to share information on a regular basis. Good quality written information is provided for them and they are kept well informed of routines and activities. The childminder tailors her care to the specific needs of individual children, ensuring links with other providers of the EYFS are used effectively to better promote outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident and settled in the childminder's care. She provides a warm and caring environment where individual needs are promptly met, for instance, when toddlers need to go to sleep or require additional support as they play. The childminder has a soft and gentle approach with the children and, as a result, they feel valued and self-esteem is raised. The childminder has a suitable knowledge and understanding of the EYFS and plans activities and experiences that interest children, such as walks on the beach and around the village. She plans experiences that appeal to children's individual learning styles, for instance, children who prefer the outdoors enjoy making marks in the sand, which helps to develop their pre- writing skills, or looking for different coloured cars as they walk around the village.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good links with parents help the childminder tailor her care to children's particular needs, for example, children who are moving up to school are encouraged to develop concentration skills. The childminder uses praise and encouragement as they complete pictures and drawings. The childminder has begun to develop her observation and assessment systems and is keen to develop these further so that planning accurately reflects children's needs in all areas of learning. Daily routines are well planned and include a good balance of free play and structured activities. Children enjoy the opportunity to play together using their imaginations as they invent games, taking their dolls for walks in their buggy and using other resources to represent a visit to the vets. They learn about shapes as they correctly identify circles, squares, hearts and triangles and they confidently name the colours of the pencils they are using. Children have some opportunities to be creative using a

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

range of materials and resources but these activities are not always extended to younger children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes good use of the local environment, ensuring children have lots of opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Regular trips to the local beach and woods provide variety and interest. Good use is made of the garden for outdoor play experiences. Children's health is promoted as they are provided with regular meals and drinks during the day. Babies' home routines are followed and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 respected. Children learn about other cultures and festivals through planned activities and use of resources. Information from parents is used effectively to support children who are learning additional languages. Good links with other providers of the EYFS help the childminder ensure her practice is relevant and supports children's overall development. 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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