Western Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 142220 Inspection date 10/09/2009 Inspector Beverly Anne Brimble

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 15 years, in a three bedroom house in Frome, Somerset. The ground floor is used for childminding which includes two lounges, a dining room, hallway, conservatory, kitchen and toilet. There is a safely enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family have a dog and two cats, to which the children have supervised access.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of six children may attend at any one time, of whom three may be in the early years age group. There is currently one child on roll in the early years age group.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and enjoy a broad range of play opportunities to support their learning and individual interests. All children are equally valued and respected and benefit from care that is tailored to meet their individual needs, promoting inclusion well. Partnerships between the childminder and parents are well established and used to promote good quality education and care. The childminder is aware of the strengths of her practice and also any aspects requiring further development. As a result she maintains the capacity to continually improve the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop use of the garden area to enable children further opportunities to explore across all areas of learning  continue to develop systems of observation, assessment and planning to fully support children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted and safeguarded due to the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of the known indicators of child abuse. She understands Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and ensures that children's parents and carers are informed of the actions that would be taken in the event of a concern about a child in her care. Risk assessments are comprehensive and regularly reviewed, and include each individual outing as well as all areas of the childminder's home, garden and car. Written policies, procedures and documentation required for the efficient management of the Early This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Years Foundation Stage framework are in place and well maintained to further promote children's safety and well-being. The childminder organises the play space to enable children to access toys and resources independently. She regularly

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the early years provision

borrows and exchanges resources with other childminders to offer a wider range of toys for children to enjoy. The daily routine and play activities are adapted to suit the unique needs of the children and provide an inclusive setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops strong relationships with parents to ensure that she cares for their child in accordance with their wishes. Parents are asked about their child as an individual when they attend settling in visits, and are provided with information about the childminder's policies and procedures in an informative portfolio. Information is shared on a daily basis with parents on how their child has been and what they have been doing both verbally and in a written diary. Parents are highly complimentary of the childminder and the care provided commenting, 'she is very sensitive and understanding' and 'an extremely conscientious and professional child care provider'. The childminder has also made some links with other providers, for example, schools and other professionals, to ensure consistency of care for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder is able to describe her strengths and recognises the areas of her practice she wishes to develop further, and is currently developing more formal systems of self-evaluation, for example, using the Ofsted self-evaluation form. The childminder regularly attends training workshops to update her knowledge and skills and she uses information gained from such training to develop her practice, demonstrating her commitment to further improvement. The recommendation from the last inspection regarding the recording of emergency evacuation practises has been successfully addressed.

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and outcomes for children

Young children gain confidence and develop a strong sense of belonging in the childminder's home. They relate warmly to the childminder and enjoy hugs when they seek reassurance and the closeness of sharing books and reading stories with her. Early communication skills are encouraged as the childminder praises children's efforts to vocalise new words and repeats them back to the child for clarity. The childminder enhances children's play by talking to them and increases their awareness of ideas and concepts through her conversation. For example, young children become more aware of colours and shapes as she describes the trains they are playing with. Positive attitudes towards diversity and difference within all children are promoted. Access to a range of multicultural resources and toys, and discussions with the childminder helps children to value different aspects of their own and other people's lives. Children have opportunities to improve their

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and outcomes for children

large muscle skills during visits to the soft play centre or when playing outside in the local park. The childminder is beginning to use her garden for outside play, but has not yet fully developed this area to provide a range of activities across all areas of learning. Children enjoy walks in the local area where they learn about the environment and the world around them. Children are introduced to technology through everyday activities as they use programmable toys, children's computers This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and cash registers.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder actively supports children's learning through her interaction in their activities and by planning a basic structure to the week that includes outings to the park and toddler groups where they can meet with others and develop their socialisation skills. Observations of children's progress are recorded within the children's individual 'learning journals' and the childminder has started to identify the next steps in their learning. This has been accurately identified by the childminder as an area she can further develop in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to fully support children's development, although she already has a good knowledge of each child's learning needs. The indoor environment is organised to promote children's active learning by providing inviting, accessible resources. Activities are adapted to include children across the age ranges in the inclusive environment.

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and outcomes for children

Children's good health is promoted through clear procedures to prevent the spread of infection. Children of all ages wash their hands at appropriate times and use paper towels to help prevent cross infection. The benefits of fresh air and exercise are strongly promoted as part of a healthy lifestyle, with time for rest and relaxation for children who need it. Parents provide meals for their children, but dietary needs and preferences are well known by the childminder who ensures that these are catered for when providing healthy snacks. Fresh drinks are readily available to children, ensuring they remain well hydrated. The childminder helps children to develop an understanding of dangers and shows them how to stay safe, for example, through practising road safety when on outings and fire evacuation procedures. The childminder has very good relationships with children and helps them to respond to her expectations of behaviour, this is supported by

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and outcomes for children

the 'house rules' which underpin the childminder's handling of behaviour incidents. She calmly reminds children of issues which are not acceptable, discussing the consequences of their actions with those old enough to understand and using simple distraction techniques with younger children. The childminder's praise and acknowledgement of children's achievements, helps to boost their self-esteem and build their confidence. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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

 extend the safeguarding policy to include what would happen if allegations are made against the childminder or a member of the household (Providing information to parents) 24/09/2009

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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 compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report (Providing information to parents) 24/09/2009

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