St Anthony's 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 126155 Inspection date 24/06/2009 Inspector Linda Patricia Coccia

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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 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 1998. She lives with her husband and one child aged over eight years in Wouldham, Kent. The ground floor of the childminder’s house and a first floor lounge are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There is suitable access to the premises.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time. She is able to care for up to three children in the early years age range. She is also registered on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently minding 12 children between the ages of three and 13 years, of whom two fall within the early years age range. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family has three pet guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is effective in meeting children's needs. She listens to children's views and always attempts to provide requested activities. She is adept at ensuring that all children are included in activities, adapting activities so that each child has a positive experience. She maintains continuous improvement through regular review of her policies and procedures and by discussing practice with other childminders.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the record of risk assessment so that it includes the date of review

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provision

The childminder manages her provision well. Children's records are all well maintained and up to date. She has a good understanding of how to safeguard children and has attended recent child protection training with the local authority. All adults in the household have been vetted. The childminder has a nominated assistant who holds a relevant first aid certificate. The childminder has begun her self evaluation. She has considered the effectiveness of different activities and the comments from children. She has plans to obtain parents' views during their next contractual reviews. The childminder has excellent relationships with parents. They have provided a number of written references which are extremely complimentary. The parent who was interviewed stated that she trusted the childminder implicitly, is always kept informed about her child's day and most importantly her children are happy and eager to stay with the childminder.

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provision

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

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals. They enjoy using a wide range of activities which help them to learn. There is an extensive range of board games. Children have access to a computer and other electronic games, they grow their own fruit and vegetables on the childminder's allotment and enjoy visits to local amenities. All of the children attend other provision such as the local nursery and the majority of them are at school. The childminder uses the Early Years Foundation Stage to complement the care that they receive elsewhere. She allows them to chill out and relax and respects their choices if they do not choose to be very active. During school holiday periods she plans activities that are suitable for their age and stage of development, and which include various aspects from the six areas of learning. The childminder carries out appropriate written observations on the children and provides additional photographic evidence of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes children's well being very well. She keeps them safe through appropriate use of strategically placed safety equipment, practises the emergency evacuation procedures with them on a regular basis and enrols the children's help in setting house rules so that everyone can understand them. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments on the premises. However, they do not show the date that they were reviewed. The childminder and parents work together to ensure any medical and accident records are fully completed. Children talk about why they like being with the childminder and the range of different activities they can use. They are proud of their achievements, their craftwork creations and especially proud of their ability to grow things at the allotment. Children are very happy. 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? 1 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

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