The Gill Blowers Nursery 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 131175 Inspection date 15/04/2009 Inspector Maxine Coulson

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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 three children, aged eight, 15 and 18 years. They live in a two bedroom semi-detached house on a residential close in the village of Thornborough, on the outskirts of Buckingham. Childminding takes place on the ground floor with access upstairs for use of bathroom only. There is a fully enclosed garden available for the children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local parks, pre-school and school and shops are a short driving distance away.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to care for six children under the age of eight years at any one time. She is currently looking after 11 children, who attend for various days and sessions. Of these, five are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The family has two rabbits, one hamster and a rat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is inadequate. Although the childminder knows children well and offers appropriate levels of support in their learning and development, she lacks sufficient knowledge and understanding of promoting children's welfare. Essential documentation and required records are missing or not maintained. All children have equal access to a range of activities, resources and equipment and the childminder ensures activities are set at varying levels to ensure all children are included. However, she does not use recorded observations and make assessments to identify learning priorities, and, in turn, plan relevant learning experiences for each child. The childminder is beginning to reflect upon her own practices and understand how continuous improvement can enhance outcomes for all children.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the early years provision requires significant improvement. The registered person is given a Notice to Improve that sets out actions to be carried out.

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further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

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further?

 ensure an effective safeguarding children policy is in place (Safeguarding and welfare) (also applies to compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register) 02/05/2009  obtain public liability insurance and ensure it is kept up to date at all times (Suitable premises, environment, 02/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and equipment) (also applies to compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register)  maintain a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance (Documentation)(also applies to compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register) 15/04/2009  maintain a record of risk assessments showing when they were carried out, date of review and any action taken following the review or incident (Documentation) 02/05/2009 To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 use recorded observations to assess and identify children's learning priorities and plan relevant learning experiences for each child

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provision

Children’s health and safety receives insufficient priority as a result of the childminder not keeping a record of risk assessments or having a safeguarding children policy in place. In addition, she has not maintained her public liability insurance or a daily record of children's attendance. These are legal requirements to ensure the ongoing safety of children. The childminder is aware and understands safeguarding issues and relevant procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care.

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provision

There is a two way flow of communication as the childminder has a range of policies and procedures she shares and discusses with parents about children’s general care. She requests initial information from the parents, such as children's likes and dislikes and any special requirements. This is so that she can ensure all children’s needs are met and they are fully included in all aspects of the setting. However, the childminder lacks a full understanding of the EYFS learning and development requirements and does not use observations and assessments already in place to plan children's next steps of learning. She completes her self- evaluation form and is aware she can attend relevant training to help develop effective practices.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes warm and close relationships with the children who attend the provision. She provides consistent care as she develops good partnerships with the parents. The environment is relaxed and comfortable for children with a range of resources that are freely accessible; this means children are able to develop their independence as they confidently select their own choices of toys and equipment. Children learn about the wider world and the community, for example, by attending local groups with children of a similar age, where they develop social skills. They also learn about diversity and differences as they find out about other This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 cultural events and celebrations.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has systems in place for the observation of children in her care, however, she does not use the observations she makes on the children for assessments and how she can help them progress more fully towards the early learning goals. She does know the children well though, and is aware of their starting points sufficiently to plan a range of activities to meet their specific interests and individual needs. The childminder provides a mix of adult- and child- led activities and actively involves herself in children's play, for example, they dress dolls together or, after a conversation about clocks, participate in a craft activity to make a clock.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages children to learn simple hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before eating and after playing outside. She has a sick child policy to ensure the risk of cross-infection is minimised wherever possible. The childminder has attended relevant training to ensure she holds a current first aid certificate. This means she is able to administer appropriate care should children sustain a minor injury while at the setting. She has a satisfactory understanding of healthy eating and is fully aware of the children's dietary needs and allergies. Behaviour strategies are discussed with parents and she ensures all methods are appropriate to the ages of the children and their levels of understanding. Children are encouraged to respect one another, to be kind and to share. The childminder promotes appropriate behaviour through gentle reminders in a calm and quiet manner and consequently children behave well.

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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? 3 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? 4

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 4 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 02/05/2009  take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 15/04/2009  take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Insurance) 02/05/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 02/05/2009  take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 15/04/2009  take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Insurance) 02/05/2009

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