Wedgwood 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 126632 Inspection date 02/03/2009 Inspector Fran Fielder

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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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16, 12 and 10 in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She is also registered to provide overnight care for two children. She is currently minding seven children, of whom five are in the early years age range. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes children to and collects them from local schools and attends the local parent and toddler group. She has two appropriate level three qualifications. She is a member of an approved childminding network and cares for children who are in receipt of funding for early education.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is exceptionally well organised. She has an extensive knowledge of child development and how to meet individual needs. She ensures each child enjoys a range of valuable experiences that help them achieve their full potential. Children are extremely secure, both physically and emotionally. Excellent contingency plans ensure children are cared for by a suitable adult in the event of an emergency and parents receive details of these. She works closely with parents and they share valuable information that promotes children's welfare.

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further?

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

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further?

 developing the self-evaluation process to allow children to make a greater contribution

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provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding issues, which promotes children's welfare. She has carried out a full risk assessment and has made her home and garden extremely safe. A daily checklist helps the childminder easily identify any potential dangers. This, together with detailed risk assessments for outings, means children are as safe as possible at all times. Very effective procedures indoors and out help children understand how to keep themselves safe. They learn the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through daily routines This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and open discussions. There are very effective procedures to prevent the spread of infection.

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provision

The childminder is extremely passionate about her work and loves every minute she spends with the children. She is committed to improving outcomes for children and spends time reflecting on her practice, which helps her identify how she can enhance children's lives and their future well-being. Her records are carefully maintained and she has a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that reflect her knowledge of the requirements. She attends training and reads relevant articles that help her develop ideas to support children in their learning. She observes children and assesses their achievements. Using this information allows her to plan for individuals so they make excellent progress in all areas of learning. She successfully builds on children's interests, making learning fun for every child.

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provision

The childminder builds honest and trusting relationships with parents. They are exceptionally pleased with the service provided and are happy to recommend her to other families. Many have used the childminder's service for years. The childminder asks children and parents for feedback on her service and questionnaires indicate that parents feel their children are receiving the best possible care and education available. The childminder has also built excellent relationships with a local pre-school. She finds self-evaluation very valuable and has been able to identify her strengths and areas for further development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are exceptionally confident and enthusiastic in the childminder's home. They arrive happily, put on their slippers and are keen to start playing with friends. Children flourish in an environment that is safe and accessible. They are very independent and make choices about everything they do because the childminder listens to and values their opinions. Children are wonderfully articulate and describe all their favourite activities. They are extremely proud of their achievements, many of which are exceptional for their age, and are keen to show their 'work'.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a wonderful range of activities that cover all areas of learning both indoors and out. They love using coloured foam feet and hands to create patterned paths on the patio. They walk round the path showing extremely good balance while calling out the colours and soon recognise when the sequence is wrong. They develop an excellent understanding of shape and competently explain how to create a symmetrical butterfly using paint. Wonderfully detailed Chinese dragon masks show children's ability to design and make 3D structures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children love to be outside, planting seeds and sweeping leaves. On Remembrance Day, they tidied and planted flowers on an old soldier's grave. They learn about people in the community, such as the 'Lollipop person' who helps them cross the road. They love to go on 'bug hunts' and record what they see in pictures. They enjoy regular walks and visits to the park and library. Children love stories and talk about their favourites, such as, 'Pepper Pig', 'Goldilocks' and 'Lily and the Kangaroo'. The childminder encourages children to predict the endings of stories This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and to make up their own stories. She asks questions that encourage children to think creatively.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children enjoy very warm relationships with the childminder and each other. Babies love to snuggle and wrap themselves in the childminder's arms for extra cuddles. Children are extremely thoughtful, clearing away toys to keep each other safe. They are very polite and reflect the positive behaviour of the childminder. Children are enthusiastic and love new challenges, knowing they can achieve. They persevere making their achievements all the more rewarding. 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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