Nadder CofE Middle 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 126471 Inspection date 18/03/2009 Inspector Janette Mary White

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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 was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and one adult daughter in Shepway, Maidstone, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The premises are not suitable for wheelchair uses. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a rabbit and an aviary with budgies. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for two children in this age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory 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 successfully supports children’s welfare, learning and development requirements in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She respects and values parent’s contributions. Nevertheless, systems are still developing to forge links with other agencies and to effectively use children’s starting points in their early assessments. Children are cared for in a safe, stimulating and welcoming environment allowing them to explore as they play. The childminder’s effective understanding of how young children learn and develop is promoted by providing a broad range of resources and activities, including resources of the world around them. There is a wide range of policies and procedures and the childminder is clear on her strengths or where she can improve to develop the quality of care she provides.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the system to ensure the information gathered regarding each child’s starting points is used in their initial assessment to promote the child’s continuous learning and development.  improve links with other agencies involved in children's care.

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provision

Children's records have details of their appropriate care needs, such as language spoken and religion. Their independence is promoted. For example, children help themselves to the easily accessible drinking water. The childminder is developing children’s ‘learning journeys’ and these are shared with parents, although she has not yet established links with other settings. She plans a range of activities and provides a good balance of child initiated and adult led activities. Parents provide all the required written permissions, such as for outings and emergency medical advice and treatment. The childminder has a broad range of policies and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures readily available to parents. For example, equal opportunities, emergency evacuation and behaviour management. She has a good understanding of child protection and a secure knowledge of her policy. Her competent

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provision

understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse ensures children are safeguarded.

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provision

Children are encouraged to follow good hygiene practices and sick children do not attend reducing the risk of cross contamination. The childminder’s first aid certificate is up to date ensuring appropriate first aid treatment is given to the children. Her first aid box is easily accessible and basic supplies are taken on outings. In addition, children’s emergency details are always available. The childminder maintains records on accidents, medication and existing injuries, which are acknowledged by the parents. She demonstrates a proactive approach to her role. She actively seeks information and knowledge through attending childcare courses. The childminder has completed her self-evaluation form and through discussion she highlights areas to enhance future improvements, such as establishing links with other agencies and encouraging more opportunities for outdoor activities. The childminder is well organised and has an effective risk

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provision

assessment system to identify anything a child may come into contact with.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses her observations and plans for the child’s next stage of development. This encourages children to develop and learn at their own pace. Parents are kept informed of the activities and daily routine through their child’s ‘learning journals’. Nevertheless, the childminder has not used the valuable information gathered from parents as a starting point for each child’s initial assessment. She ensures that activities are adapted to engage all children to enable them to enjoy the success of what they achieve. Children are enthusiastic about making decisions when choosing from the easily available resources, such as ‘play food’ and a cooker. The childminder ensures she provides a broad range of opportunities to help children make good progress in all areas of development and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes the house rules and children learn about the boundaries. Storage boxes are labelled in a way to enhance children’s self help skills and growing independence. Children are enthusiastic as they talk about trips to the local library. They respond to questions which help them to solve problems for themselves and listen to stories. For example, they name the colour and object in a picture book and describe there different uses. The childminder adjusts activities to promote younger children’s learning. For example, children explain how they plant bulbs and how tall the flower grew. Children have many opportunities to be creative. They play enthusiastically and are able to make connections between real life scenarios and their play, such as ‘pretending to cook' or as they feed the dolls. Children are provided with a varied range of resources. They describe playing in the garden and how they made ‘angel wings’ in the snow.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Their artwork is displayed and also kept in their development and learning records. 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 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 registration.

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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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