Huntercombe Hospital School Meadow Lodge

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 145025 Inspection date 22/06/2009 Inspector Beverley Blackburn

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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 registered in 1999. She lives with her husband, in Bradford-on- Avon, Wiltshire. Minded children use part of the ground floor of the house. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for three children in the early years age group at any one time. She currently cares for four children on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a selection of animals, which are not accessible to the children without written permission from the parents. The childminder's husband occasionally works as an assistant. The childminder has experience of supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The environment in which children are cared for and educated is safe and supportive. The childminder meets the needs of all the children in her care and attends to their individual needs. The childminder has made improvements since her last inspection and has plans for further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a self-evaluation process in order to continuously evaluate the improvement and quality of the provision.  continue to develop an understanding of the early learning goals in order to plan, observe and assess the children's progress so that they can be appropriately moved on to the next steps in their learning and development  provide images and activities to challenge children's thinking and help them to develop respect for equality and for differences in culture, gender, disability and religion

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provision

The childminder organises her home appropriately to provide a suitable learning environment, both indoors and outdoors. A range of suitable toys and equipment are at the children's level and easily accessible to them. The required documentation is in place, which is used appropriately to meet the needs of the children and ensuring the safe and efficient management of the EYFS. The childminder is aware of her role in safeguarding children and her responsibility to keep children safe from harm. She has a secure understanding of child protection issues and her role and responsibilities should there be a concern. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder takes reasonable steps to ensure hazards to children are reduced by carrying out visual daily checks. The scaffolding, on one side of the house, poses a potential risk to children but the childminder makes sure that children are

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provision

always appropriately supervised. Her risk assessments are detailed and include assessment of outings and visits. The childminder has made the necessary adjustments to ensure the children's safety is maintained at all times.

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provision

The childminder's process for self-evaluation is in the early stages. She has identified some areas of development, such as increasing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), developing her skill to provide challenging learning experiences for the children, and to increase her knowledge to effectively promote diversity and the children's understanding of the wider world. The childminder has addressed all the recommendations from the last inspection. She has made improvements to increase the quality of care and education she provides for the children in her care.

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provision

The childminder's good communication with parents enables her to provide continuous care for the children. She seeks the appropriate written permissions and exchanges information daily; for example, parents receive verbal feedback about their child's day. She plans to share her observations and progress records with parents in order to encourage them to contribute to their children's learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a home environment that is suitable, safe and secure. Toys and equipment are stored at the children's level. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are relaxed in her company. They are cared for in a home where appropriate standards of hygiene are maintained. The childminder helps the children to learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through the daily routine. Children are able to enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as walks or playing in the local park. They are provided with healthy snacks and are encouraged to keep hydrated by regular drinks made available. As a result, children's good health is maintained and their individual dietary needs are met where appropriate.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have access to a suitable balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities that help them to make some progress in the six areas of learning. The childminder has started to keep observations on each child, to monitor their progress and achievements and to link the early learning goals to the six areas of learning and development. She has identified areas for development for some children and has started to plan the next step in their learning, for example, developing their coordination and physical skills. Children can easily access a range of toys and resources, enabling them to be independent in their choice of what they play with. They experience a range of activities such as craft, messy play, visiting farm, finding fossils and walks in the wood. These activities contribute to the children's learning and development. The childminder is aware that some children may need more help than others and ensures suitable support is available

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to all children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children receive support in the way behaviour is managed, which is appropriate according to their age and stage of development. The childminder helps children to understand what is acceptable behaviour; she encourages children to develop good manners, to say please and thank you. The childminder reinforces positive behaviour through praise and encouragement. The childminder is aware of her role to safeguard children and ensure their safety. For example, she teaches children to be safe on the roads, and to evacuate safely from the house in the event of a fire. The childminder is aware that liaising with other services and providers help to ensure the progression and continuity of care and learning for the children. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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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