Brookland Infant and 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 101263 Inspection date 26/02/2009 Inspector Janette Elizabeth Owen

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12, 10 and six-years-old in the village of Woodmancote, approximately six miles from Cheltenham. The whole of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. There is a secure area for outside play. The property is accessed via steps. Local amenities include local shops, schools, playgroup, library and a park which is located directly behind the house and accessible along a short lane, away from the main road.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five 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 minding five children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the Tewkesbury Childminding Network and is currently 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 good. Children's learning is very well supported, they are provided with a varied range of activities which cover all areas of learning and support a rounded approach to child development. Arrangements to promote children's welfare are implemented effectively in a caring, homely and secure environment. Partnerships with parents and other agencies are generally good ensuring that children’s learning and welfare needs are met. The childminder uses information provided by parents to ensure she is able to meet the individual needs of the children. The childminder promotes positive attitudes to diversity and differences within all children. The childminder has carried out an effective self- evaluation of the provision resulting in identified steps to be taken to improve outcomes for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the relationship with parents by sharing information regualry and offering support for extending learning in the home.

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provision

The welfare, care and safety of children are managed very well because the childminder is committed to improving outcomes for children. She has evaluated This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the quality of the service she provides, involving parents in the process. This has allowed her to target areas for improvement. She has an extensive training portfolio and regularly attends training to improve her knowledge and understanding of a wide range of childcare issues. For example, training in regard of the Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs has been accessed following recommendations made at the previous inspection. This contributes to the quality of care children receive.

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provision

The childminder is very well organised; all documents required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are in good order, meeting the requirements of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder has a good understanding of the learning and development requirements. Systems to plan and provide experiences which are appropriate to each child's stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals are effective. They are based on children's interests, their capabilities and routines enabling the childminder to provide individualised learning for each child. Observations and assessments are carried out providing information on children's progress which is available to be shared with parents.

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provision

The childminder has good links with parents, other providers and services to ensure children receive a consistent level of care and that any additional needs are identified and acted upon efficiently. There is a good two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents both written and verbally. Parents are kept informed of the educational programme though newsletters, and information on the notice board shows details about activities children have been involved in. Children's progress records have been improved to include assessments of the younger children attending the provision. The childminder provides an annual report on children's progress to parents and children's folders are available for parents at any time, although are not regularly accessed by all parents. The childminder uses information gathered from parents on children's starting points and activities and experiences they are involved in at home to influence her

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provision

planning and daily activities. However, there are no effective systems to support parents in extending children's learning in the home.

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provision

There are good arrangements in place to ensure children's welfare within the home and outside. A particular strength is the attention given to children's safety. The premises and any outings children are taken on are assessed to identify any potential hazards and safety equipment is fitted in the home. Children's security is managed well when on outings with fluorescent jackets and wristbands with the childminder's contact details being worn by the children. The childminder follows Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines in relation to child protection and keeps up to date with any changes in procedures through training.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare, learning and development are very well supported. They receive a good level of individual care in a homely, safe and secure environment. They learn to adopt healthy habits, such as good hygiene practices because the childminder uses stories and games to help them learn how to prevent the spread This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of germs and infection. Regular outings and access to outdoor play enable children to be physically active and develop their stamina and muscle control. There are good strategies to help children develop an understanding of dangers and how to stay safe, such as teaching children the importance of road safety and who it is safe to talk to if they become lost. Children's social skills are developed through the good interaction with the childminder who encourages good behaviour and manners. The children are given the opportunity to mix with other children at a

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

weekly childminder's drop in, they are encouraged to make friends and join in with the other children. They are taught how to be kind and good behaviour is praised; the children are encouraged to say 'sorry' if they behave in an unkind way. They are learning to understand right from wrong.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The extensive range of toys are rotated to sustain children's interests. The toy boxes are labelled and the childminder plans to improve children's ability to self- select resources by using pictures as well as words to enable children to make choices independently. The quality of planning for individual children is very good; ensuring they receive an enjoyable and challenging experience across the areas of learning. There is a flexible structure to the planned activities with time for child- initiated activities which enable children to be inquisitive and independent learners. For example, setting up games with small world resources or role play. Adult- directed focus activities allow the childminder to use specific activities with a set learning intention to enable children to acquire new skills and understanding. The children made masks using craft materials to celebrate Mari Gras. The childminder

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

made a good link between Pancake Day celebrations which they understood and celebration followed in a different country. There are many opportunities for children to learn about the wider world using activities and resources reflecting different cultures, religions and ethnic backgrounds.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's communication, language and literacy skills are developing well. They use varied mark-making materials in their play and often ask for drawing activities. Older children attempt to write their own name, sounding out the letters. The child asks the childminder for help to write 'mummy' which she identified as starting with the same letter. A younger child selects books independently settling down to enjoy looking at the pictures, following words with her finger while another child chooses a book and sits with the childminder, looking at and naming some of the pictures. Children express their needs confidently asking for snacks and drinks and talking with the childminder who encourages conversation and uses questions to help children to think and find out information.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is very confident in providing suitable activities to support children's understanding of numeracy. Children are encouraged to observe and talk about what they see on walks to school; identifying numbers, colours and shapes in road signs, or counting numbers of cars. They learn to sort and match objects, for example, collecting and sorting conkers into groups depending on similarities. They learn about weight and measurement during practical activities, such as cookery. 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 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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