St Audrey's Convent 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 110918 Inspection date 18/05/2009 Inspector Michele, Karen Beasley

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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 1998 and is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her four children, three of which are school age, in a house in the rural town of Petersfield within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs of the property is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. The family keep a dog, cats, rabbits and a hamster. There is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has seven children on roll, of whom four are in the early years age group. Three older children also attend. A maximum of five children may attend at any one time. The childminder takes children to the park, a childminding group, and for walks in the locality and to the library. The childminder is appropriately qualified. She is part of a network and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The quality of the provision is good. The childminder works alongside parents to ensure she has a sound knowledge and understanding of all children in attendance and that their individual welfare and learning needs are appropriately supported and met. The childminder has a realistic view of the strengths of her provision and areas she wishes to improve. This means she is able to build on the good practice already in place and maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems of self-evaluation to identify and maintain continuous improvement

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provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibility for safeguarding children and knows what action to take should she have concerns about a child's welfare. Parents are given information of the childminder's duty to report any concerns she may have regarding their children's welfare. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and children are protected from illness and infection through the procedures the childminder has in place.

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provision

The childminder has established good working relationships with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met; planning sheets provide information of some of the activities their children have engaged in. Information of the progress their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children are making while in the childminder's care is exchanged. Parents are encouraged to discuss with the childminder any achievements their child has made or interests they may have expressed at home, this information is then taken into account when the childminder plans future activities. The childminder is aware of activities that other Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) providers are providing for children in her care. She has developed a system to liaise with them regarding the progress individual children are making. As a result, it is clear to see that all children's individual care, learning and development needs are continuously being

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Toys and resources are stored at low level and easily accessible enabling children to make independent choices within their daily routines. Children enjoy making their own choices in play, which allows them to follow and develop their own interests, for example, piecing together and playing with a wooden train track and trains. This is extended well by the childminder who sustains children's interest by joining in by helping the children problem solve how to put the track together. The childminder ensures children are provided with a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities, such as playing with rainbow rice whilst using different sized containers and scoops. She is active in her use of praise and encouragement. As a result children have secure relationships with her and are developing their confidence and high levels of self-esteem. Samples of children's work displayed provide children with a sense of belonging.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has sound knowledge of the EYFS and uses her skills and experience to ensure children's individual needs are met. She has a clear recognition of each child as an individual and appropriately supports children to make good progress in their learning. Records to show the stage of development children are at in all six areas and what the plans are for their next steps in learning in relation to the early learning goals of the EYFS are clear. They contain the written observations the childminder makes while children play, and these are supported by photographs and samples of their work.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses the outdoor environment as a good learning resource for children. Children develop their large motor skills through the regular opportunities they have to use equipment, such as a climbing frame, a slide and swings. Recently children have had the experience of planting sunflowers, sweet peas, lettuce, rocket and strawberries; they are learning how to care for them by regularly watering and then to look at them daily to see if they have grown.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning how to keep themselves safe; they regularly practise the procedures the childminder has in place for evacuating the premises in the event of an emergency. Children are developing independence in their self-care and are beginning to have an understanding of aspects of hygiene, such as washing their hands through daily routines and activities they engage in. Children's behaviour overall is good; they show respect for the toys and resources, and care and concern for others. In addition, they are developing good friendships with each This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 other as they are encouraged to share and take turns; this is managed well by the childminder. 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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