Southgate West Middle 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 125896 Inspection date 09/06/2009 Inspector Joanne Wade Barnett

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and family in a residential area of Tonbridge, Kent . Local amenities, schools, shops and parks are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor and a first floor bedroom of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years. There are currently two children in the early years age group on roll. The childminder also provides care for children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from local schools and pre-schools and attends groups on a regular basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of provision is good. The childminder offers a fully inclusive environment where all children's individual needs are highly respected and provided for. Children's welfare is promoted in all areas. Children's learning and development is supported extremely well through the daily provision of rich, practical play opportunities and visits within the local area. The provision for planning and assessment is developing well. The childminder has a strong commitment towards on-going training, although the use of self-evaluation is evolving to identify areas for development and recognise the strengths of her provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure written permission is obtained from parents for children to go swimming  continue to develop the use of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development

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provision

The childminder is highly efficient and very professional in her childminding service . She maintains detailed records and has a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures to support the care and welfare needs of children. The childminder ensures she consistently remains up-to-date with early years practice through the completion of further training, subscribing to early years journals and by attending This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relevant workshops. This ensures she maintains high standards of care and demonstrates her commitment towards consistent improvement.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. Planning is detailed and covers all areas of learning, ensuring children's progress towards the early learning goals is carefully planned for. The childminder ensures detailed assessments are completed on each child with parents/carers when children first start, to ensure children's starting points are clearly identified.

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provision

Partnerships with parents/carers are developing well. Parents have provided very positive written feedback regarding the childminder's standards of provision and information is exchanged on a daily basis regarding children's care routines, although written consent has not yet been obtained for children to go swimming. As a result, this arrangement has not been formally agreed. The childminder reviews her practice and actively seeks regular feedback from parents/carers in order to enhance her service through positive questionnaires.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a very relaxed, homely and loving environment for children. As a result, children benefit from extremely close relationships with the childminder and thoroughly enjoy the time they spend in her care. Children's learning and development is appropriately planned for as the childminder knows all the children extremely well and is aware of their individual likes and dislikes and personal preferences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is good provision in place to safeguard children. The promotion of children's health is good. Children learn good hygiene routines and clearly understand why they must wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs. Good procedures are implemented to protect children from infection and children develop a good understanding of healthy living as they spend time playing outside in the fresh air and benefit from plenty of exercise and physical activity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children form good social skills and enjoy the company of other children. For example, children sit round the table to draw together talking and listening, as a result, children are confident and make a positive contribution. They feel valued and listened to as the childminder acknowledges what children say and respects their different ideas. The childminder reinforces acceptable behaviour through simple 'house rules' which encourage children to be kind to one another and play co-operatively. This enables all children to be treated fairly and to respect the needs of others. 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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