St Martin de Porres Primary 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 109639 Inspection date 07/05/2009 Inspector Carol Johnstone

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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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her partner, his 20 year old daughter and her own two children aged 12 and 14 years. The family live in Broadstone, Dorset. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes with sleep provision provided on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family have two cats, which children can have supervised access to. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, three of whom can be in the early years age group. There are currently seven children on roll, six of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder also cares for children over the age of eight. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, the local

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Description of the childminding

childminding network and a local childminding group. She has a Certificate in Childminding Practice qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for in a bright, clean and welcoming environment. The childminder knows the children well and they are very comfortable and relaxed with her. Activities are varied and interesting and there are many outings to help children socialise.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop observations and assessments to more clearly track children's progress and identify their next steps. Use planning to facilitate this  develop systems to share learning and development information with others who jointly care for the children  ensure that the area around the trampoline is made safe

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provision

The childminder has a full range of policies and procedures in place including the required parental complaints and safeguarding policies. These are offered to parents when they first attend with their children. Contracts, details of children's medical information and accident/medication records are all clearly kept.

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provision

A process of self-evaluation has just been started to identify areas for development within the childminding practice. Two recommendations were made at the last inspection. One of these has been met. The other in relation to the planning of specific activities for children under three to enhance their learning outcomes is still being developed. The childminder attends any childcare related training This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 courses that become available.

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provision

Written risk assessments are carried out for outings and for the home environment to identify potential risks to children. However, the area around the trampoline is a slipping hazard for children, which has not been addressed. The childminder regularly checks the smoke alarms in place and there is a fire drill practice with the children every few months to make sure they are familiar with what to do in an emergency. Children are secured into appropriate safety car seats when travelling. When children are out walking, they know to hold hands or hold on to the buggy.

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provision

The childminder helps children learn about diversity through celebrating different festivals, such as Chinese New Year when the children made a large paper dragon and painted it. There is also particular sensitivity to the cultures of children attending. The childminder researches on the internet and in books to make sure that children's individual cultural and religious needs are met and that other children are made aware of them as a learning experience.

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provision

The childminder has developed close links with local pre-schools, however, observations and assessments are not yet being shared with them to ensure continuity in the Early Years Foundation Stage. There are very strong partnerships with parents and the childminder works closely and flexibly with them to meet the needs of the children. There is daily discussion when parents arrive to collect the children and feedback obtained from parents is welcomed by the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Resources are clean and colourful and they are arranged in boxes on the floor so that children can help themselves independently. Children are offered a range of activities including making cards, pictures and number trees with laminated leaves. Children are currently making paper sunflowers as they will be planting sunflowers seeds soon to monitor their growth. They build houses and models from duplo and enjoy playing with musical and shape sorting toys. Children have many interesting outings, which helps them practise their social skills and there are opportunities to make new friendships at local playgroups. There are regular outings to the local farm, model village, parks and the beach. Trips on the sandbanks ferry add interest and excitement. Children enjoy role-play with tents in the garden and use dressing-up clothes and props. There is also sand, water and bubble play and a trampoline and slide for daily use. Children regularly make cakes and biscuits to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

decorate. The childminder supports the play with effective interaction to help the children think and learn. For example, asking about the pictures in books, pointing out different sizes and encouraging the children to remember things in their local environment. A child points out a parrot in a book and the childminder discusses with the children that a local parrot has gone missing and there is a sign up in their road. The childminder tells the children they will look out for the parrot in the trees on their next walk to see if they can find it. Children particularly enjoy snuggling up with the childminder to look at books together and there are warm relationships between them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder knows each child well and where they are in their learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 However, although written observations and assessments were started, they have not been kept up to date recently. In addition, the next steps for children are not yet clearly identified and planning of activities is not used to facilitate this. The childminder takes lots of photos of the children for them and parents to look at.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to eat healthily. The childminder works with parents to promote healthy lunchboxes and plenty of fruit is given by the childminder. Home cooked food is also offered, for example roast dinners and pasta. Children have independent access to drinks throughout the day to ensure their fluid levels are maintained. Good hygiene is maintained and children know that they need to wash their hands after outdoor play and before meals. Any children who are unwell are excluded in order to protect the other children attending.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about their personal safety through the childminder reminding them not to run in the house, not to put toys in their mouth and not to leave small objects around, which would be a hazard for younger children. When out walking, children learn how to cross the road safely. Children behave well with the childminder and she is a positive role model. They are encouraged to share their toys and be kind to each other and when anything does occur, for example both children wanting the same toy, it is dealt with fairly and consistently by the childminder. Children learn to have good manners and to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Praise is freely given by the childminder, which helps to build the children's self-esteem. 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

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