Beths Grammar 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 136334 Inspection date 23/06/2009 Inspector Hilary Elizabeth Tierney

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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 1989. She is on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder lives with her husband and two adult children in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding eight children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder currently cares for three children over five years old. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local playgroup, toddler group, takes children to the local library, park and shops. The childminder has partnership arrangements with other early years settings, including Rainbow Teddies and First Steps Pre-School.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has completed child protection and first aid training. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and of a local childminder support group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is extremely well organised and as a consequence she has robust policies and procedures which help to contribute to the smooth running of the setting. Children are happy, confident and treated as individuals, they are motivated and eager to learn. Children are making excellent progress in all areas of learning and development. There is an excellent partnership with parents and they are involved in their child's learning. Links with other early years settings are good and ensure information is shared regularly between all adults. Self-evaluation means the childminder constantly reviews her practice and strives to provide high quality childcare.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the links between sensitive observational assessments and planning of activities that include children’s interests, so that all children’s individual needs continue to be met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children are safeguarded exceptionally well. The childminder is fully aware of the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child in her care. Detailed risk assessments help to ensure that children are kept safe at all times both inside and outside the premises. All necessary precautions have been put in place to keep children safe. Safety gates ensure children do not access areas unsupervised and the front door remains locked at all times. Accidents that may occur are recorded and shared with parents. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe at all times. For example, the childminder has laminated safety sheets which are taken out by the children to help them keep safe, included on the cards are pictures and questions, such as, 'Do you have a hat, sunscreen on, a drink?', 'Are gates closed?', 'Are you wearing seat belts?' Resources are plentiful, balanced and in excellent condition. They are easily accessible so children are able to self select

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provision

Detailed policies and procedures ensure the smooth running of the setting and contribute to the high quality of childcare provided. An excellent partnership with parents has developed and they are encouraged to contribute and be involved in their child's learning and development. Regular questionnaires are completed by both parents and children to help the childminder improve her practice. Daily diaries along with verbal communication ensures parents are informed about their child's day. All necessary written parental permissions are in place and authorised people to collect are recorded. Parents' comments are very positive about the childminder, her flexibility, professionalism and care of the children.

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provision

A detailed self-evaluation has been completed by the childminder and she has identified areas for improvement. Links with other early years settings are good and detailed information is shared between them so that all adults involved in the care of the child are informed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are progressing extremely well in all areas of learning and development. Children are included and involved in their play, they are interested to learn, highly motivated, happy and confident. The childminder provides an excellent range of balanced activities for children to explore and learn. The childminder enjoys being with the children and interactions between them are very good. Open questions encourage children to think and make decisions. Children were observed taking part in a stimulating range of activities, for example, they made their own shakers from plastic milk bottles, the children filled them up with various pieces of pasta, rice and lentils. They glued the lids shut and then decorated them. This activity was completed by all children at their level. Older children were able to be more independent by being able to use scissors to cut shapes from paper to decorate their bottle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to learn to share and take turns through clear guidance from the childminder who gives clear explanations about sharing. Children enjoy This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 looking at books alone and with the childminder. They are able to develop their imagination well through role play and creative activities. Children were observed having a lovely time watering their plants and vegetables they had planted and through regular walks and outings children are given the opportunity to explore the world around them. The childminder has started to complete detailed, sensitive observations and assessments on the children and identifying their next steps and interests, she has not fully linked these to general planning of activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about good personal hygiene and the childminder is a good role model. Children observe her washing her hands before preparing food, wiping tables before children eat and washing her hands after wiping children's noses. The childminder provides separate hand towels for each child which helps to prevent the spread of infection. Excellent nappy changing procedures are in place. All children are provided with a healthy diet and their dietary needs are met well. All children have regular easy access to drinks and the childminder reminds them constantly to have a drink when the weather is hot. 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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