St Thomas' Catholic 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 124365 Inspection date 27/04/2009 Inspector Denys Rasmussen

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children. The family live in a house in Thornton Heath, which is within walking distance to local parks and shops. All childminding activities take place on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

She is registered to care for a maximum of five children. Currently, there are five children on roll, of whom three are in the early years age group. The childminder is on the Early Years Register, and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder's knowledge of the children's individual needs enables her to support them well. This supports children to make good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder's effective procedures and inclusive approach promote the children's learning and welfare with success. She reflects on her service which facilitates her to make improvements in her service, helping to develop the experiences of the children who attend. The caring and welcoming environment ensure children enjoy their time at the setting.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the assessment arrangements by matching observations of the children to the expectations of the early learning goals.

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provision

The childminder is continually improving her knowledge base by attending relevant courses and has recently attended training in self-evaluation, how to support children's personal, social and emotional development and has completed a level 2 in health and safety. The childminder evaluates her service and uses a self- evaluation questionnaire and questionnaires to parents and children. This enables her to continuously improve her service.

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provision

The childminder works well with the parents of the children in her care, listening carefully to their concerns about their children and respecting their wishes in the care of their child. She liaises with the children's nursery and playgroup to ensure that information is shared to enable the children's needs to be met. The childminder uses video footage and photographic images to share the children's day with the parents. She also completes a book 'about me' for parents' information which explains what their child has been involved in and what they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 have eaten, when they rested and other useful information. Parents commented that the childminder is thoughtful, reliable and supportive, that the children are treated as one of the family and that they love the activities and outings that are routinely offered.

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provision

Effective risk assessment is completed enabling the childminder to put measures in place to safeguard children both indoors and on outings. For example, cupboards are locked, safety gates are in place and the fire is guarded. The children have practised fire evacuation which means they learn how to evacuate the premises safely and calmly. The childminder has increased her knowledge by attending safeguarding children training and has a good understanding of her responsibility to the children in her care. All the required documentation is well maintained and the childminder is well organised ensuring the efficient management of her childminding service.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages a healthy lifestyle by providing a well-balanced diet which includes fresh fruit and vegetables daily and home-made meals. The children are introduced to a variety of exotic fruits to encourage them to try new tastes. Good hygiene procedures, such as children having their own towels and the routine washing of hands, help to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has a good understanding of providing a safe and welcoming environment. She ensures risks are minimised and children have opportunities to learn to take care of themselves. For example, practising the road safety precautions they have discussed when outside.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports the children well, she is on their level when playing with them and gives them warm physical reassurance. She knows them well and responds to their needs in a timely way. This helps her to provide good opportunities to help them progress. The childminder supports the children's interests, for example, visiting the fish counter in the supermarket to examine the fish, providing literature about fish and tasting different fish. Although the childminder uses observation to assess children's progress and plan their day, she does not yet match them to the expectations of the early learning goals. The children enjoy being read to and the childminder supports their communication and language skills when she encourages them to story tell through role play props.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are introduced to nature when they watch the squirrels and butterflies in the garden, they search for mini beasts and plant tomatoes and corn. Children enjoy baking and weighing the ingredients. The children are confident and comfortable, excitedly pointing themselves out in displayed photographs, discussing what they are doing with the childminder. The childminder promotes the children's developing independence by encouraging them to feed themselves, choose activities and put their own shoes on. The childminder encourages the children to be kind to each other and is a good role model for the children because of her calm and reassuring manner. 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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