St Nicholas At Wade Church of England Primary 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 118698 Inspection date 31/03/2009 Inspector Amanda Jane Gray

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 1994. He lives with his wife and two sons, aged 17 and 22 years. The family live in Rainham, Essex. He works in partnership with his wife who is also a registered childminder. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Disabled access is good and there are three toilet facilities situated on the ground and upper floor. The family have a cat.

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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. With his wife he is registered to care for eight children under eight years. He is currently minding four children under five, four children between five to eight years and four children over the age of eight years on a part- time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision is outstanding. Children thrive and flourish in the highly stimulating home environment. The childminder's excellent interaction and the way he relates to young children is a particular strength of his provision. He is an extremely knowledgeable and skilful practitioner who consistently puts children at the heart of all that he does. Children's needs are exceptionally well met because the childminder is adept at tuning in to young children and works very effectively in partnership with parents and his wife whom he works alongside with as his co-childminder. He is continually working to improve his already effective and successful practice and has plans to attend additional training in the future.

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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 develop observational methods for young children  ensure parents sign each time medication is given

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provision

Effective leadership and management means that all of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are exceptionally well met. Written records, polices and procedures are of a high standard, effectively organised and are kept up to date to ensure that all children are safe and have their individual needs continually met. However, although the medication procedure is clear, detailed and in place parents have yet to counter sign entries to acknowledge medication has been This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 given. The childminder has high aspirations for the quality of the service he provides and conscientiously reviews and evaluates his practice. He organises his home exceptionally well and children hugely benefit from the child orientated environment in which they are cared for. The childminder has utilised the entire lower level of his property to provide children with a safe, fun and stimulating

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provision

space in which they can learn and grow. Placing their needs above that of his own.

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provision

Children play safely as active steps are taken to prevent accidents. They gain a good understanding of how to stay safe during outings. For example, the childminder encourages children to learn about stranger danger and how to cross roads safely under his close supervision. Children are transported to and from the provision in a minibus. The childminder ensures that safety is of paramount concern and has fitted appropriate baby and toddler car seats, five point harnesses, a first aid kit, camera, torch, tools, and a spare tyre. In addition the childminder takes the following precautions and always carries emergency contact numbers, blankets, tissues and wipes. All children are required to wear security wrist bands when on outings with his contact details in case they get lost. Children's safety is further supported by the childminder's excellent understanding of the procedures for safeguarding children. He has detailed and comprehensive

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provision

policies and procedures in place, and up to date guidance to help him in the event of having a concern.

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provision

Children's behaviour is good, they have a clear understanding of the boundaries of behaviour and are developing a good understanding of right and wrong. They receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder and feel valued because the childminder takes the time to listen to them and notice the good things they have done. The childminder is highly skilled at diffusing potential squabbles between children and encourages kindness and consideration.

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provision

Partnership with parents and others is taken into great consideration when caring for children in the EYFS and the childminder regularly seeks parents' views and information to help him work closely with them to provide the best care, learning and play for children. He encourages parents and carers to share information about their children's abilities and interests. This enables him to plan a range of activities and opportunities both within and away from the childminding setting. Parents feel fully informed about the service the childminder provides and all parties benefit from clear communication. In addition he is skilled and demonstrates a professional attitude towards working in partnership with other agencies. for example, he works closely with speech therapists implementing their work where required. This hugely benefits both children and parents. Parents are exceptionally pleased with the level of service that they receive and have placed

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provision

their extremely flattering comments in writing. For example; 'Children have achieved a good balance of safety, educational and fun activities. They have regular cookery classes and get involved in regular annual festivities such as Christmas, Mothers day and other events and the childminder ensures the children understand the background behind the activities'. and 'Child is more sociable and confident now'.

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provision

The childminder has been successful in improving since his last inspection by attending training, obtaining resources and developing his knowledge to ensure all This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the required documentation is in place. This effectively meets the learning and development needs of young children and greatly enhances the childminders service.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the children's developmental needs and this enables him to interact positively with the children, ensuring they are challenged and engaged in all that they do. The children have built trusting and positive relationships with the childminder and are relaxed and comfortable in his care. The childminder is highly effective in promoting children's welfare, learning and development. He supports learning extremely well and seizes learning opportunities by asking questions which help children to think. The childminder is highly motivated and enthusiastic and has implemented systems for observing and assessing children through various media such as examples of their work, photographs, and notes. He is continuing to build on observational techniques via ideas from his wife's current NVQ training. He is able to identify children's next steps in learning as he has an in-depth knowledge of each child's individuality and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

ability and uses this information for future planning which he shares with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Exceptional photographic evidence and individual scrap books of work clearly shows children’s progress and achievements. Children's successes are celebrated with coloured coded bricks which at the end of a two week period can be used for a treat. Such as an activity of their choice. This keeps children motivated and responsible for their actions. A good balance of adult-led and child-initiated play opportunities help to keep children engaged and result in them becoming active and inquisitive learners. Children enjoy a stimulating range of different types of activity throughout each week with opportunities to explore, to play physically and to express their creativity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted effectively with careful consideration given to the welfare requirements of the EYFS. Children are helped to stay safe because the premises and outings are carefully risk assessed and they learn simple safety rules to begin to understand about danger. The childminder operates a weekly menu which runs over a four week period. He ensure that meals are healthy and nutritious and provides continual refreshments. Children learn the benefits of a healthy diet and how their bodies work and respond to exercise so they can make healthy choices in their lives. The childminder has an exceptional understanding of children's dietary requirements and ensures children are provided with meals according to their religion, culture and medical needs. As a result children's welfare is highly and effectively promoted.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a very clear understanding of how to encourage children to make good relationships with adults and their peers. Children develop an awareness of the wider world and diversity through celebration of different festivals and positive images in their toys and resources. He enables them to learn about valuing each other and understanding and respecting other cultures and beliefs. As a result, the childminder demonstrates a very strong commitment to providing an inclusive service that meets the needs of all children attending the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 setting. He has experience of caring for children with English as a second language and has excellent strategies in place to support children and make them feel as though they belong. He demonstrates a willingness and commitment to help others and ensure children get the best possible care available.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is committed to making sure each and every child has a fun time in his setting, with lots of dancing, music and singing, helping to create a happy atmosphere. Children are encouraged to be confident and develop their self- esteem. The childminder runs a steel band and many of the minded children have learnt to play. Children further benefit from the use of the childminders wooden cabin where they can practise dance and play musical instruments. 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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