Arbour 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

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Unique reference number 143642 Inspection date 12/06/2009 Inspector Arda Halls

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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 has worked as a childminder since 1983 and has been registered with Ofsted since 2001. She lives with her husband and one adult son in a house off Kings Road in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of four children under eight years. She is currently caring for four children under eight on a part time basis. The whole of the house is used for childminding except for bedrooms on the top floor. The home is easily accessible with two short flights of stairs between the lower ground floor and the main floor of the home. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play and children are taken out regularly to the local parks, pre-schools and drop-in groups on a regular basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family currently have goldfish and

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. A stimulating environment enables children to make good progress. The childminder focuses daily on the individual needs of each child and promotes an ethos where children are warmly welcomed. Children enjoy activities that are planned effectively to challenge and stretch each child's learning and development. Good links with parents and other providers ensure children's progression and continuity of learning. Effective steps are taken to evaluate the provision, which helps identify priorities for further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop knowledge of the EYFS guidance to clearly identify and plan for the next steps in learning

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provision

The childminder has good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and implements it well. She is knowledgeable about how to engage children's interest and when to offer support. She plans the day carefully, tailoring arrangements to meet each child's welfare and learning needs. The environment is secure, safe and challenging. Records, policies and procedures successfully ensure the safe management of the provision to promote children's welfare, learning and development. Children's safety is a high priority for the childminder. She is rigorous in her approach to monitoring practice and safety. The quality of risk assessments completed are good and ensure effective action is taken to manage or eliminate risks. Arrangements for safeguarding children are robust. The childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities, signs and symptoms of abuse and the correct This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child.

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provision

Communication is very good and ensures that both parents and children feel valued and welcome. This has a positive impact on children's development and learning. The childminder keeps parents well informed about how their children are cared for and what they achieve each day by giving both verbal and written information to them. Photographs, observation and record books are all shared with parents. The Ofsted self-evaluation form is used well to identify the childminder's strengths and areas for development. Parents are invited to share their views with the childminder. Parents praise the setting highly. This actively encourages parents to contribute towards the self-evaluation of the setting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder treats everything that happens as an opportunity for children to learn. She plans activities to stimulate children's interests and takes advantage of spontaneous curiosity to respond to children's individual needs. The childminder's knowledge of the learning and development requirements is good. She ensures that all children enjoy themselves and are suitably challenged. Babies use all their senses to explore different toys, stretching, pulling, pushing and squeezing different objects. Toddlers explore the musical ball and garage while constantly playing with their favourite monkey. Observations are done on post-it notes and assessment records have been devised to ensure children's activities are linked to the six areas of learning. They show children are making good progress relative to their starting points. However, the next steps of children's learning are not fully identified and used to inform planning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children get plenty of robust physical exercise. They go on daily walks to the parks where they enjoy playing in the sand. Regular visits are made to the childminder's drop-in group where they socialise with children of varying ages. Outdoors they access a very wide range of equipment to practise and refine their skills in peddling and kicking balls. Their health is further promoted by the wide range of positive actions to encourage healthy eating. Children are encouraged to eat healthy, balanced and nutritious foods and on summer days enjoy a picnic in the park. The childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe as she talks to them about safety all the time. Older children learn about how to cross the road with the green cross man and learn to take care going up and down stairs. Children know they must wash their hands before eating as the childminder gives explanations for everything.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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? 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?

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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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