St Kew Academy

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 144522 Inspection date 16/02/2009 Inspector Jill Nugent

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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 registered in 1992. She lives with her husband in a maisonette in Dalston in the London Borough of Hackney. Access to the maisonette is via two flights of outdoor stairs leading from the pavement. The whole of the maisonette is used for childminding. The childminder belongs to a childminding network and has achieved a quality assurance award.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time. Currently she is minding three children, all of whom are in the early years age group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder offers exceptional care and learning opportunities for children, enabling them to enjoy stimulating play and develop new skills. She is acutely aware of children's differing needs and meets these effectively through her systems and procedures. She works in partnership with parents to ensure her provision is fully inclusive. By evaluating her practice she is able to focus on areas for improvement and grasps every opportunity to further her own knowledge and understanding.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the systems for the monitoring and evaluation of the provision in order to continually guide ongoing improvements.

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provision

The childminder's paperwork is exceptionally well organised. Her written policies are clear and concise, the information on children is filed separately and copies made for parents if necessary. Information is given to all parents about her practice and they are asked to provide details of their children's stages of development from both a practical and educational point of view. She gives information to parents about the six learning areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and shares children's learning journeys with them so that they are involved in their children's learning. She works very closely with parents to support children with any learning difficulties and/or disabilities so that the overall approach is consistent and enables the children to develop relevant skills. When caring for children who speak English as an additional language she collects and displays words in their home language, to help her communicate with them and

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provision

encourage them to feel at home. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to attending training courses so as to continually improve her provision. Since her previous inspection, she has attended numerous courses, for example, Child Protection, Parenting, Inclusion, and has booked on several courses to increase further her knowledge and understanding of the EYFS. She is using self-evaluation effectively as a tool to reflect on her practice, recognising its strengths and also highlighting some areas for development. She organises her day well so that she can spend her time with the children, ensuring that they feel valued and included by interacting with them as a group as well as individually. She prioritises their well-being and knows where to seek advice if she has any concerns regarding child protection issues. Her

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provision

attention to detail in all areas of her practice helps to ensure a high quality provision where all children thrive.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of children's developmental needs and provides a wide range of relevant and appropriate learning experiences. Young children benefit from being able to choose resources and explore freely, making connections through the use of their senses. Children enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and become very happily involved in their play. The childminder actively engages with children, encouraging communication and promoting learning. She is adept at making the most of opportunities to increase children's awareness in the areas of literacy and numeracy. They develop self-confidence and personal independence through her enthusiasm and encouragement. For example, when sharing books they show much interest in the pictures and extend their use of language. They have great fun joining in songs and action rhymes or making music. They are reminded to share and take turns so that they learn to respect the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has in place a comprehensive system for observing children's progress towards the early learning goals and planning around their individual learning needs. She makes regular observations of children's play, reflecting on the learning that has taken place and identifying the appropriate next steps which will move children on in their learning. Her monthly plans incorporate these next steps and in this way, help children to make significant progress in their development. Her plans cover the six areas of learning and include visits to various play groups where children can take part in a wider variety of activities such as model making, sponge painting and role play. There are good opportunities for children to take part in outdoor physical activities on trips to the park. The childminder creates extremely attractive learning journeys for individual children, incorporating her observations and photographs to create a visual record of their development to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted rigorously through the implementation of a set of effective policies and procedures. The childminder conducts thorough and regular risk assessments of the premises, and of each type of outing, in order to ensure children's safety at all times. She has various safety measures in place in her home and a clear evacuation plan in case of an emergency. She is attentive to good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 hygiene practice and her detailed medical procedures help to minimise the risk of infection. Her health and safety records are very well maintained and contribute to the safeguarding of all children. She emphasises the need for children to have a balanced diet and works towards each child having their 'five-a-day' by providing a variety of fresh fruit daily. She ensures children have fresh air and exercise each day and they often take walks in the local area. Children are always well

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

supervised and develop a real sense of belonging in her care. 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 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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