Barking Abbey School, A Specialist Sports and Humanities College

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 101241 Inspection date 06/01/2009 Inspector Hilary Elizabeth Tierney

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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 lives with her three children in a three-bedroom house in the St. Marks area of Cheltenham. One of her adult daughters is registered to work at the same address and two work as assistants, when numbers require. The whole of the house is used for childminding, which includes two playrooms and enclosed garden for outside play. The home is within walking distance of local shops. Children are collected from Rowanfield, Arthur Dye schools. The childminder has been registered for 31 years and is on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The family have several pets, including chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and two dogs. Only the dogs have access to the house and have an area that is for their sole use if required.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years of age at any one time when working alone. When working with another childminder or assistant a total of 12 children under eight may be cared at any one time. Currently there are a total of seven children under four all day and four children over five years before and after school. The childminder also cares for two children over eight years of age. She attends the local playgroup, toddler group, takes children to the local library, park and shops. The childminder has partnership arrangements with other early years settings, including schools and offers support for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a Level 3 qualification in Childcare Learning and Development. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and of a local childminder support group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are treated as individuals, they are included and supported well in their learning and their welfare is promoted effectively. Although, the childminder is in the process of formalising planning, she has not started to observe and assess the children and link these together to inform for the future. Detailed policies and procedures are clearly written and help the childminder provide good quality childcare. The childminder works closely with parents and shares all relevant information regularly. The childminder has completed self evaluation which has helped her to identify her areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the visitors' book contains all appropriate information, such as hours of attendance  continue to develop the planning of experiences, to include children's interests, and sensitive observational assessments in order to meet young children's individual needs This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure a procedure to follow in the event of a child going missing is in place (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 12/01/2009

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provision

Children play safely in the setting because the childminder is vigilant in her supervision of them. Security of the premises is good, for example, all doors remain locked at all times when children are present. Suitable procedures are in place to ensure no unauthorised person has contact with the children. Risk assessments are in place and are used effectively to keep children safe. However, there is no procedure to follow in place should a child go missing from the setting. A visitors' book is used to record who has visited the property, however, this does not contain details of their hours of attendance. Clearly written policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents, these have recently been reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date. Well organised paperwork ensures that all necessary parental permissions and contact numbers are easily accessible. A good partnership with parents and carers has developed and information is shared daily

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provision

when children are collected. Daily dairies, notice board in the entrance hall, newsletters and questionnaires are used to share information between parents and the childminder.

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provision

The childminder has ensured that all resources are easily accessible for all children, they are able to make choices and select items for themselves during the day. Children are developing well in all areas of learning. The childminder completes detailed daily diaries which are shared with parents. These are also used to help inform the childminder about the progress the children are making, but she has not yet started to link these to the general planning of activities. The childminder has completed self-evaluation which has helped identify her strengths and areas for improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, settled and confident in the homely environment. They take part in a broad range of activities and experiences. Children have access to a balanced range of easily accessible resources and enjoy their play. The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding about the new framework and how she provides activities and experiences to help children use their senses, creativity and imagination. As a result, children enjoy their play. Children have regular access to fresh air and exercise whatever the weather. Children had recently been playing in the snow and had built a lovely snowman in the garden. The children proudly talk about how they made it.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to care for living things. They help to feed the guinea pigs and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 rabbits and collect eggs from the chickens. Children interact well together and co- operate together as they play with the cars and make a track and town setting on the play mat. Children have a sense of belonging because they are provided with their own coat pegs, place mats, cups and their work is displayed around the rooms. Older children confidently help to prepare the table for snacks and meals and get cups, plates and cutlery for themselves and the younger children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are polite and well behaved and the childminder is calm and consistent in her approach with them. The childminder is a good role model and regular praise and encouragement helps promote children's self esteem. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene procedures. They are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and snacks and after using the toilet. The use of paper hand towels helps to prevent the spread of infection. The children are aware of the fire evacuation procedures and have practised these regularly with the childminder. 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action.

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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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