Wolfenden, Sarah Louise

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 EY294881 Inspection date 28/04/2009 Inspector Cheryl Walker

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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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two primary school aged children. They live in a house in Beckenham. There are shops, schools, parks and a main line station within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding, with rest facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder regularly attends local groups with younger children. She supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for three children under five years. This provision is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is highly effective in enabling children to make good progress in their learning and development. She works extremely hard to foster an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment for all children and families, in which children's unique needs are very well met. The high quality of the childminder's robust self-evaluation systems give a clear, overall picture of the well organised service. They effectively address any weaknesses in order to enhance outcomes for children and lead to a process of continual improvement in all areas.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continue to review and develop the systems for planning, observation and assessment

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provision

An excellent understanding of the way children learn best means that the themes of the Early Years Foundation Stage are very well delivered. Children learn in an environment where their uniqueness is highly valued, enabling them to become strong and independent through a sound base of secure and loving attachments to their carers.

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provision

The childminding service is exceptionally well run. The childminder strives for a high quality provision, where children receive extremely good care and education to assist them in their all-round development. In order to continually improve her setting, the childminder seeks the views of both parents and children to make sure This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 that everyone is happy and satisfied. A flexible service is offered. For example, working hours have been adjusted to suit parental working commitments. Excellent systems to promote partnership with parents are in place. Parents receive emails, texts, contact books, verbal information and a wealth of comprehensive policies and procedures, which provide them with good quality information about the service as a whole and about their individual child's progress and achievements. The childminder is planning on introducing Individual newsletters to keep families

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provision

up to date on changes within the service, and progress and achievements children may have made.

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provision

Arrangements for safeguarding children are robust, regularly reviewed and carefully managed. The childminder is extremely vigilant in noting prospective hazards and risks, and ensures that thorough risk assessments are in place to minimise dangers. She demonstrates a secure understanding of her responsibilities with regard to protecting children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's understanding of healthy living is consistently promoted through their everyday experiences with the childminder. They benefit from well balanced, home cooked food and discussion about healthy eating. They make informed choices about what to have for lunch from a healthy variety of options and sometimes help to prepare their own snacks. They enjoy daily trips out to provide fresh air and exercise, and can choose when they wish to play in the well resourced garden area. Children of all ages sit together socially at mealtimes, when they learn good manners and chat to their friends in a relaxed environment. Effective hygiene procedures that are consistently implemented ensure that children develop good practices for themselves and understand the reasons for doing so. For example, they 'wash away the germs from their hands so that they do not get a tummy ache'.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's interests are at the forefront of planning for their individual needs and the next steps in their learning journey. A baseline assessment of the things that children can already do ensures that the childminder is aware of each child's current stage of development. Because children have involvement in the planning of activities, their interest is heightened, resulting in them staying engaged for longer periods of time as they are keen to learn. Good assessment records are continually being developed to support and guide the childminder and give a clear indication of progress to parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children feel secure within a setting where realistic boundaries and routines enable them to rise to challenges and experiences. They benefit from the positive outlook of the childminder and her high levels of enthusiasm. She is skilled in diffusing and distracting potential disputes between children and also in allowing them to negotiate situations for themselves, encouraging them to develop the confidence and self-assurance needed to reach a positive outcome. Older children interact positively with their peers and show care and concern towards the younger children attending. Children learn about difference through an excellent range of resources and through open and honest discussion. They are encouraged to be This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 inquisitive, to ask questions and to develop respect for others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The environment is very well planned to ensure children have consistent opportunities to choose their toys and independently access their activities. Children gain an enormous sense of well-being and security because the childminder is extremely sensitive to their individual needs and knows them exceedingly well. Activities are planned so that all children can take part and contribute at their own level. For example, craft activities enable older children to gain fine motor skills, whilst younger children wallow in the enjoyment of paint on their hands, exploring the feel and texture of the paint. Children take part for as long as they wish, deciding for themselves when they are ready to move on to another activity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop a good understanding of dangers and of keeping themselves safe. They learn about using equipment safely by being shown how to do so and then practising for themselves. They talk about road safety when they walk to school and practise safely crossing the roads. The childminder is consistent in her high level of supervision to ensure children are well protected, whilst allowing children to learn from their mistakes and rise to challenges. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 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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