Regents Academy

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 120744 Inspection date 23/07/2009 Inspector Lynne Elizabeth Lewington

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and four children in a semi detached house in Lightwater. The house is on a main road in Lightwater. Local shops and a pre-school are within walking distance. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor for play and rest. There is level access to the premises, toilet facilities on the ground floor and a secure garden available for outside play. The family have a pet dog and rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years, three may be in the early years age range. Currently there are five children on roll; four are on the early years register. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Her husband acts as an assistant on occasions.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from the local pre-school group and attends local children's activities on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is an accredited childminder.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and confident in this busy environment where they undertake a wide range of activities which interest them. Good communication between the childminder and parents/carers enables the childminder to fully understand and meet each child's individual needs. The childminder has embraced the Early Years Foundation Stage and attended many workshops and training opportunities continuously developing her knowledge for the benefit of the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the child protection policy to include what would happen if allegations are made against the childminder  continue to further develop self evaluation skills to identify how increasing knowledge and skills can be developed and implemented in practice

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provision

Very good partnerships with parents develop through good communication. Comprehensive information is shared with the childminder regarding all aspects of the child. Parents are made welcome and information is shared through face to face conversations and development records. Informative relationships develop with others involved with children enabling the children to experience consistent care and learning opportunities to be consolidated. For example, a two way flow of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 information between the childminder and pre-school encourages continuity in the children's care.

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provision

The childminder's self evaluation of her service is basic. She clearly puts the needs of the children first and attends many workshops on a broad variety of subjects relevant to her work. However, her self evaluation does not link her learning and current practices to further developments in the service she offers sufficiently.

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provision

Sensible safety measures are in place throughout the premises to promote and safeguard children. A comprehensive risk assessment is in place covering all aspects of the provision offered. This is reviewed annually in addition to the daily routine safety checks which are undertaken throughout the day, and fire drills are undertaken. Children learn to be aware of their own safety as they play, taking care as they move around the premises and learning to consider others as they play on the wheeled toys in the garden. Children are supervised closely at all times both indoors and out and sensible routines on outings help to protect the children from dangers.

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provision

A child protection policy is in place which clearly indicates what action the childminder will take if she is concerned about a child in her care. However, it does not currently state the action she will take if an allegation is made against her, although verbally she is very clear on what action she would take. The childminder has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms that would give her child protection concerns and has attended child protection training.

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provision

Children demonstrate a developing awareness of good hygiene routines as they independently remember to wash their hands before snacks. Each child has their own towel to prevent cross contamination. They take great pride in pointing out their own coloured towel. They learn to use tissues and to dispose of them appropriately indicating developing independence.

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provision

Snack and mealtimes are social occasions when children sit at the table. Healthy snacks of fruit are enjoyed. Children try new tastes increasing their opportunities of experiencing a wide and varied diet. For example, a small attractive bowl of cut grapes, kiwi, banana and clementine in front of each child encourages conversation about colour, shape and taste. Children enjoy sandwich lunches and picnics and sometimes eat out developing their experience of mealtimes as a social occasion.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A simple routine to the day helps to promote the children's sense of security and happiness. They are increasing their abilities to work co-operatively with others. The simple routine ensures they have time for free choice in their play, opportunities for adult led activity, regular nourishment and restful times. The childminder is responsive to the children's moods quickly recognising when something is wrong and responding in a warm and caring manner to resolve the problem. Her knowledge of young children's development is evident in her responses to temper tantrums and behaviour enabling any situations that arise to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 be managed appropriately.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop their awareness of the local community as they go on outings to toddler group, soft play areas and local parks. This provides an opportunity to meet other adults and children increasing social skills and confidence in new situations. Behaviour is managed in a clear and consistent manner enabling children to learn boundaries and be clear of expectations. For example, good manners are encouraged at all times and children learn to share and take turns. The childminder sets a good example to the children in her calm and consistent responses to any problems.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder recognises how each area of children's learning can be included in each activity they undertake. Children develop physical skills well. They pedal wheeled toys, throw balls and co-ordinate their movements to play parachute games. They demonstrate increasing fine skills as they sort and link the train carriages together. Opportunities to paint, draw and create collage pictures increase their finer movements. Children show awareness of similarities, size and shape as they sought for carriages to complete the train. They count as they play and sing action songs. Attractive books are available to support their learning and encourage imagination. A story is part of the daily routine, providing fuel for children's imaginations, encouraging enjoyment of books, and an awareness of the written word. Children are developing their awareness of how items work as they switch trains on and off and record messages. They undertake cooking activities

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and enjoy eating the products they make. The childminder is flexible and confident in encouraging the children's development as they play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder values the information parents share about their children and uses it to inform her understanding of each individual. The carefully analysed observations lead to identification of the next steps in learning and then the childminder skilfully ensures children have opportunities to develop new skills through the activities they undertake. 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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