Wicklea 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 141351 Inspection date 09/02/2009 Inspector Cordalee Harrison

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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 1990. She lives with her two adult sons. The family live in Bradwell, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. Childminding activities are contained to the ground floor of the childminder's home. Washing and toilet facilities are also located at this level. There is a securely fenced rear garden available for children's outside play. The childminder's home is within walking distance of shops, pre-school, and schools. The childminder takes and collects children to and from the local pre-school and school.

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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, of whom no more that three may be in the early years age range. Currently, there are 11 children on roll, of whom three are in the early years age group and three are in the later years age group. The childminder provides full and part-time placements. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder plans well for children, this enables her to meet their individual needs and supports all areas of their learning and development. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. Professional relationships with parents enables both parties to communicate openly, ensuring the needs of all children's are met consistently. The childminder is making good use of documents and training materials issued by government to increase her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and gain improvement in her childminding practices.

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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 Early Years Foundation Stage and guidance and make sure that children’s health records include all of the necessary information  continue to develop children's observation records and use the information to identify learning priorities and challenges for individual children

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provision

The childminder promotes children’s learning and development and safeguards their welfare to a high standard. She has a good grasp of the EYFS and guidance. This enables her to plan very well to meet children’s overall needs, and to promote, and develop their understanding of inclusion. For example, she works closely with parents and children and identifies children's interests; she uses the information to inform their daily activities. Children from a range of different This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 backgrounds feel welcome and valued because of the effective working partnership with parents and positive attitudes towards them. Children flourish in an environment where they learn to respect themselves and others. However, the childminder's knowledge of the EYFS and guidance is not complete. For example, she is aware that she is to register with the local authority with regards to food

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provision

hygiene, but has not done so. The childminder’s management of children's medication does not reflect clear understanding of current guidance. The childminder takes many effective safety precautions to protect children in the home. In addition, she supervises them closely. This allows children to use the space and good quality resources freely and independently. The childminder maintains all of the required documentation and most records include all of the necessary information. The childminder fully acknowledges her responsibility in regards to child protection. She is clear about lines of communication for dealing with issues of abuse, including parents and the local and registering authority. The childminder’s self-evaluation is detailed, it accurately reflects strengths and where she identifies weaknesses, she has considered strategies to gain improvement in her practice. For example, she recognises that it would be beneficial to parents to

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provision

share a written behaviour management statement to establish at the outset how behavioural matters will be handled.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children engage in a wide variety of exciting, fun activities and learning experiences, they are active, creative and confident in their abilities. They express themselves and show their competence with the use of technology, such as the computer. For example, some pre-school aged children are able to turn the computer on and off and use familiar programmes to extend learning and develop their interest and skills. The childminder supports children's learning very well, she joins their activities and introduces news words and concepts to help children to become more proficient. For example, children learn that they can move items by dragging and dropping them with the computer mouse. Children develop their understand of the world as they use realistic resources in their role-play activities. For example, money of different value helps children to develop their understanding of numeracy and the value and use of money in society. Children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

are developing their communication skills very well, they are able to listen and follow instructions as well as making their feelings known; they show care and concern for others. For example, the baby cuddles into the childminder’s shoulder and the childminder immediately engages with the baby, the child is encouraged to babble and vocalise. The childminder’s warm interaction with all of the children affirms that they are special and promotes their emotional health. Children learn about good hygiene, health, and personal safety through regular practice. However, the opportunities for developing some aspects of personal safety are not extended to include all children. For example, only the older children practise the evacuation procedure. Children explore and experiment with many activities, the majority of which are spontaneous. Group activities indoors and outside in the wider community, help children to work and play cooperatively with others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning that they are to show respect for themselves and others, whatever their background, gender, ability or culture. Children are enjoying and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 achieving through stimulating and purposeful activities, they are making connections across all areas of learning. Children’s observation records show their stage of development. However, the records do not include plans for the next step in their learning and development. The childminder does not use the information to identify learning priorities and plan challenges for individual children. 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? 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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