Fitzherbert 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 128842 Inspection date 26/06/2009 Inspector Gillian Cubitt

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and three school age children in a ground floor flat in Sydenham in South East London. Access to the home is via one small step which leads to a communal hall and the childminder's front door. Children have access to one large downstairs room and hallway. There are facilities for sleeping. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She offers part time flexible day care for four children under eight years at any one time, of these, not more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for six children overall on a part time basis. Five children attend who are on the Early Years Register and one child attends, during school holidays, who is on the compulsory part of the childcare register. The childminder has a Montessori Diploma and National

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Description of the childminding

Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Childcare.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. The childminder's sound knowledge of the children she is caring for means she is able to provide a service which meets their individual needs. Children's safety is secure because the childminder is mindful of risks in her home and ensures close supervision during outings. Partnership with parents is a key element in the success of the childminder's service and ensures inclusion is fully reflected. Alongside this, the childminder organises a range of activities to aid children's learning and development. Most documentation is good but some aspects lack clarity. The childminder reflects on her practice and is enthusiastic to improve her service tailoring it appropriately to the needs of the children and families who use it.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve and develop an area in the rear garden to enable children to have safe and easy access to outside play  develop understanding of the procedures of what to do if an allegation is made against an adult member of the family

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure written permission is obtained from parents for each and every medicine before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 08/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder offers an organised and welcoming environment for children. She maintains a focussed approach to meeting the individual needs of the children. Her written policies and procedures generally underpin practice although there is lack of clarity of procedures if an allegation is made against an adult member of the household. Also the childminder's procedure to administer medication is not correct. The childminder has a positive attitude to continually improving the service offered and this is reflected in her enthusiasm to update her skills and knowledge through training. She has also just started to write down her thoughts for improvement using the Ofsted self-evaluation form.

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provision

The childminder develops a good partnership with parents. Their ideas and suggestions are sought and taken forward. Parents find the daily information in the children's individual text books very helpful as it clearly shows children's developmental progress and learning journey. This also contributes to ensuring children are viewed as individuals and that inclusion is promoted. The information gained from parents, coupled with the childminder's good knowledge of child development is used to plan a range of interesting and fun activities both in the home and whilst outdoors.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder ensures they are closely supervised at all times whilst playing in a safe and secure environment. The childminder ensures risk assessments cover all areas within the home and she evaluates the external hazards when going on outings. Children go out most days because the rear garden is not sufficiently safe or appropriate for children to use at the present time.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have fun and their learning and development is supported well. This is because the childminder spends much of her time at the children's level, interacting and encouraging them in their play. Children have a vast amount of toys and resources which are easily accessible. This, together with the childminder's caring support, helps children settle and develop confidence in the childminder's home. Children show affection towards the childminder as she includes their individual interests to explore and develop ideas. She observes children's starting points and includes their learning and development needs in with her everyday plans to give children stimulation and to feel part of a group. For example all children attend sports days to share in the achievements of other children, they join other children in events such as the 'Teddy Bears Picnic' which promotes their social skills. Children learn about diversity and differences in others

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

through the good resources available as well as participating in charity events. Children enjoy the sponsored walk around the park and each child shows pride in their achievement in the form of a gold medal. Children go out daily to local parks and occasionally the museum. These outings teach children about their local community as well as the hazards they meet, such as crossing roads, on their journey. Children also benefit from plenty of physical exercise as well as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 stimulating experiences such as seeing the stone dinosaurs and live animals in the zoo at Crystal Palace Park.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's careful planning of each day supports children's health and wellbeing. They have time to eat nutritious snacks and water refreshment as well as giving younger children time to relax. This ensures that children become accustomed to daily routines and do not become overtired. Understanding these needs helps to promote children's positive behaviour.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes effective use of her written daily information about each child. It is through this medium that she reflects on children's individual experiences which is supported with photographs. Children's moods and feelings are noted when they achieve a developmental stage such as managing to climb, walking without support or saying new words. Parents see this information regularly and are encouraged to share their views and make their own comments. Parents also have access to all the policies and procedures which pertain to the efficient running of the day to day care plan for each child. 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? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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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