St Martin in the Fields High School for Girls

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 137966 Inspection date 02/07/2009 Inspector Angela Ramsey

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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 was registered in August 1996. She is registered to provide care for six children under eight years; of these, not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than one may be under one year. When working together with another childminder from the same premises, they are registered to provide care for eight children under eight years; of these, no more than six may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than two may be under one year.

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Description of the childminding

Children are cared for in a ground floor flat in the London borough of Merton, within walking distance of local amenities, including shops, park and schools. There is a communal garden that can be used under constant supervision for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminders currently have seven children on roll who are in the early years age range. They also care for four children aged over five years.

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Description of the childminding

Both childminders are registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children benefit from the childminder's excellent skills. The childminder provides a safe and welcoming environment where an extensive range of rich stimulating learning opportunities are provided. Excellent planning ensures children make progress in their learning and development. Her secure knowledge of each child's individual needs promotes an inclusive environment. The childminder has a proactive approach to making improvements and her processes of self-evaluation are effective in contributing to the service provided.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continue to develop the observation, assessment and implementation of children's next steps, system, by using the EYFS guidance, to ensure all aspects are effectively covered and planned for.

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provision

Children thrive as they are able to take part in an interesting range of indoor and outdoor activities. An excellent range of age appropriate resources are available which engage children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is committed to meeting children's individual needs and thus provides an inclusive service. Children have access to resources, such as dolls and books. Festivals and events are celebrated such as Chinese New Year, pancake day and Easter, which reflect diversity and acknowledge cultural differences. The childminder also ensures that children with learning difficulties and or disabilities are able to participate fully because activities are thoughtfully adapted to meet their needs.

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provision

All documentation is effectively maintained to contribute to children's health, safety and welfare. Policies and procedures have been devised and are shared with parents. Children benefit from the excellent communication between the childminder and their parents.

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provision

Activities and play opportunities are planned to cover all areas of learning, in order to meet children's individual needs. Observations relating to each child's day, development and general wellbeing are fed back to parents both verbally and in written form at the end of each day.

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provision

Procedures for the safeguarding of children are in place. A written policy has been devised and shared with parents. The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the appropriate action she is expected to take in order to protect vulnerable children. Safety measures are in place to eliminate risks. For example, electrical socket covers, stair gates and smoke alarms are in place, and fire drills are practised with the children. Risk assessments are carried out and the details recorded.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy and flourish in the stimulating learning environment created by the childminder. The daily routine is relaxed and provides opportunities for the children to enjoy experiences in the childminder's home, in the garden and on outings. This enables children to make excellent progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Opportunities for children to write and mark make are also provided. For example, paper, pencils, and crayons are available for children to use and be creative.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Observations and assessments of what the children can do are completed. This information is then used to promote and plan for children's learning across all areas of development. A selection of photographs illustrates the wealth of learning opportunities offered to the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are very well established and ensure each child's needs are met. This ensures children's learning, development and welfare needs are met. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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