St Christopher's 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

p.1

Unique reference number 121228 Inspection date 21/07/2009 Inspector Hazel Stuart-Buddery

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and two older children in Staines. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. There is a bedroom available on the first floor for sleeping children, if required. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five, all of whom attend on a part-time basis and are in the early years age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder promotes an inclusive practice; she works with parents to ensure continuity of care is offered. Her practice is well organised and supported by a good range of documentation. She is committed to her ongoing development and attends training to enhance knowledge and understanding in childcare, which has a positive impact on the outcomes for children. She acknowledges the importance of self-evaluation, although currently has no procedures in place to involve parents.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 further develop the systems for observing children by matching the observations to the expectations of the early learning goals; summarise children’s assessment records so they clearly show their progress towards the early learning goals and their next steps in learning  further develop the self-evaluation systems, for example, by using the Ofsted self-evaluation form as the basis for an ongoing review of practice.

p.3

provision

The childminder's home is warm and welcoming; resources are neatly stored in an area designated as a playroom, giving children free and safe access. All issues raised at the last inspection have been addressed. The childminder regularly reflects on her practice on an informal basis and has not yet put procedures in place to use self-evaluation as a tool to reflect her practice. Through discussion, the childminder has identified this as an area for her future development. A good working partnership with parents ensures both verbal and written information is exchanged on a daily basis. Learning Journeys are completed for some children who attend and other children have development diaries. Parents can view their child's records at any time and regular discussions take place to talk about the progress children make. Parents receive detailed information about the setting and comprehensive written policies and procedures are fully shared.

p.3

provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children play in a safe and secure environment where their welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has a written child protection policy and has recently updated her knowledge in this area. She undertakes regular written risk assessments on the home, garden and for all outings. A fire escape plan is in place and practised regularly with the children, ensuring they know how to get out quickly should they need to do so. A good range of documentation underpins the practice and ensures the safe management. All required parental consents are in place.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a clean and well maintained home. Good daily hygiene procedures help to prevent the spread of infection. Daily access to the garden and trips to the park encourage children to develop their physical skills and get lots of fresh air.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children and shows interest in them. She offers cuddles to children who show signs of tiredness and children respond positively and enjoy snuggling up to relax. The childminder plans an interesting and varied range of both adult-led and child-initiated activities and provides a wide range of resources that ensures children make good progress in all skill areas. A weekly music session takes place and all children excitedly jump up and down with anticipation as the musical instruments are brought out. Each child chooses their instrument and listens carefully to instructions, they follow what the childminder does and play their instrument quietly or loudly as appropriate. They listen to the rhythms the childminder makes and copy with confidence, smiling proudly as they receive lots of praise and encouragement. Children dance and move as they sing nursery rhymes and enthusiastically join in with the actions. The

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

expressions on their faces show their delight and how much they enjoy the music session. The childminder creates interesting games to encourage children to learn about numbers, colours and working together.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a regular two-way flow of information with parents to ensure appropriate information is exchanged. Regular spontaneous and structured observations are made on the children. These are linked to the areas of learning, although do not link to the expectations of the early learning goals or identify what the child's next stage of learning is. A development diary is used for most children to record what is observed, and these are supported with photographic evidence and examples of children's work. However, their achievements are not summarised and it is not easy to see at a glance the progress children make towards the early learning goals. A good awareness of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the commitment to continually improve her knowledge ensures that the childminder provides a balance of activities that help children make progress in their learning and development.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well behaved and respond positively to the praise and encouragement they receive. Children listen carefully as the childminder explains to them it is time to put away the musical instruments and they all respond positively and quickly help tidy up. Children enjoy the company of the childminder and display good levels of self-esteem. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.5

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

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

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?

p.5

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

p.5

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.6