Innisfree House 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

p.1

Unique reference number 117025 Inspection date 18/02/2009 Inspector Susan Victoria May

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Reading, within walking distance of the town centre. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed outdoor area for play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children on a part time basis in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is prepared to take and collect children from Katesgrove Primary and Nursery Schools and local pre-schools.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder meets children’s individual needs as she provides an inviting setting where children rest, play and learn as they participate in well resourced and enjoyable activities. Children’s social, emotional and physical skills are developing well. Comprehensive policies and procedures promote an inclusive environment. The childminder is committed to enhancing the care and learning the children receive, through ongoing training for example. However, while the childminder is able to identify some strengths and areas for improvement of the provision a clear system for self evaluation and assessment has not yet been developed.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop systems for self evaluation and assessment of the services provided to children  ensure there are procedures in place to accurately record times of arrival and departure of children minded on an occasional basis

p.3

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 put in place a record of the risk assessments for specific outings clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom and date of review (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)(also applies to the compulsory part of the Childcare Register) 09/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

The childminder organises her provision well following routines that provide children with opportunities to develop independence as they select their activities from a range of resources both indoors and outdoors. Children's health and well- being is protected through the written policies and procedures for the setting; these include safeguarding, accident and incident reporting and complaints. All required documentation is in place containing relevant information about the children, with attendance registers accurately recording times of arrival and departure. Less consideration is given to recording attendance times of children minded on an occasional basis. Children's safety is enhanced through sound routines, for example, testing smoke detectors, checking cables are secure and sheds locked. The childminder is aware that all adults and children aged over 16 in the household require relevant checks.

p.4

provision

To further protect children the childminder has completed a health and safety policy, completes regular daily checklists and has risk assessments for the premises. However, while an overview of safety on outings is in place and the childminder maintains a vigilant watch on the children at all times, specific outings are not supported by a record of risk assessments

p.4

provision

The childminder enjoys good relationships with the parents, children’s starting points, likes and dislikes and any particular needs discussed with them initially. Information about children's development and care is shared with parents through daily verbal exchanges and daily diaries. The childminder has developed a clear and simple written format to record observations and children’s progress enabling her to identify children's next steps more effectively, parents are involved in this process. The childminder supports the provision of an inclusive environment and welcomes all children recognising their individual needs. She promotes children’s self-esteem, this helps to support the children's sense of belonging and consequently children are happy and settled within her home.

p.4

provision

Children are safeguarded under the childminder's care. She has a thorough understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to be followed following any concerns. Parents have access to the child protection policy.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good procedures are in place to promote children's health and well-being as the childminder provides a good role model, for example, explaining that she needs to wash her hands after a nappy change and reminding children to wash theirs after using the bathroom. Policies identifying when children must not attend, if they have an infectious disease or sickness for example, are provided for parents. This and good practices such as ensuring toys are clean, wiping tables and highchairs before snacks, using individual wipes for washing faces after snack help to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder provides food and snacks that are nutritious and healthy; children are able to make some choices about what they wish to eat and drinks are always accessible. Everyday opportunities are in place for daily exercise and fresh air through walking to and from school, visiting local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

parks and playing in the enclosed outdoor area. Accidents are documented thoroughly and there is a first aid box available to tend to minor incidents. Children are kept safe within the home with precautions in place, such as sheds kept locked and the front door bolted. An extensive range of toys and equipment is available to the children entirely appropriate to their age. Everyday events are discussed with the children to help them understand about keeping themselves safe, for example, the childminder explains to a child; age appropriately, the possible consequences of not sitting on a chair properly.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes a positive behaviour policy, praises children often and encourages children to care for each other, be polite and have respect. Children generally behave well. Children's cultures, beliefs and religions are respected and the childminder often meets with fellow childminders, to celebrate festivals for example. Children make independent choices about what they wish to play with and have access to a computer, games, art materials, books and interactive resources which all promote their economic well-being. The childminder plans around children’s interests involving them and letting them make choices about what they wish to do. For example, children decide what and how they would like to paint, choosing sponges, brushes or hands. They mix the paints and recognise the changes, making purple from red and blue and showing excitement at the result. Children learn about the world around them as they walk around the local

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

area, sample a variety of fruits and foods and play with resources that promote positive images. They begin to socialise as they attend groups and mix with other children in the childminders home.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They have a warm relationship with her and are generally confident and self assured. The childminder interacts well with the children and provides a mix of child initiated and adult supported play. The childminder is aware children learn through their play and she provides resources and activities which encourage this; she is very clear about the six areas of learning and is committed to continuing to develop her knowledge to benefit the children for whom she cares. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 09/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

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.

p.8