International Rural School, Barcelona

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 149177 Inspection date 13/05/2009 Inspector Lindsay Hare

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15 years, 10 years and seven years in the Chells manor area of Stevenage. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is as secure garden for outdoor play. The family has a dog and goldfish. The childminder cares for children during term-time and in the holidays.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of four children under eight years may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently two children who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The provision is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register and the childminder is caring for three children over eight years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good and children are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development, although there are some weaknesses in the planning, observation and assessment process. Inclusive practice is promoted to ensure that each child has the opportunity to reach their potential and they are beginning to learn about the world around them through the resources available to them that reflect positive images of diversity. The close partnership with parents ensures that the needs of the children are met and that they get any additional support they may need. The childminder has met the recommendation from the last inspection and is able to demonstrate an understanding of identifying the strengths and some of the areas for improvement within the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance and update knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children by attending training  plan and provide more opportunites for children to engage in adult-led activities which are appropriate to each child's stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals  improve the system for monitoring and evaluating the childminding provision  improve the observation and assessment process for each child within the Early Years Foundation Stage to include what they have learnt and identify the next steps for individual children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is able to identify the strengths of her childminding provision and is aware of some of the areas in which she needs to improve, although this evaluation of the setting is not fully established in order to secure future development. The childminder has attended an introductory course on the EYFS and has been unable to attend training on observation, assessment and planning. She has identified this as an area for improvement and sought advice from other childminders who have cascaded the information. Children are well supported by the childminder who takes time to engage in their play and develop their language skills. The process of planning activities to help children progress across all areas of learning has not been fully implemented and limited observation and assessment means that the next steps for individual children are not identified or planned for.

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provision

The childminder communicates well with parents to ensure that she provides consistency. She gains information relating to the needs of the children and provides comprehensive information to parents about the daily routine, sharing what the child has been doing whilst in her care through the use of two-way daily diaries. A thorough settling-in period means that children's needs are clearly identified and discussed with parents before they start being cared for. The childminder is part of a childminding network and this helps her to keep up-to-date with current childcare issues.

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provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of the procedure to follow to safeguard children from abuse and neglect and all the relevant literature and contact details are in place. However, she has identified her lack of training in this area as a priority for improvement in order to ensure that children are well protected.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development. Children experience a range of activities and experiences on offer at the toddler and childminding group, however, the planning of activities based on the interests and learning needs of individual children in her care is limited. This means that children's next steps are not identified or planned for and therefore, their learning may be hindered.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children well, recognising those who are anxious with new situations or visitors and offering cuddles. The childminder is able to meet the needs of the children in her care well. For example, she was able to recognise that the children were losing interest in the baby toys and was able to provide them with resources appropriate to their age and stage of development such as dressing up clothes and role-play resources to develop their imaginative play. Children enjoy being outside, tending the plants they are growing from seeds and taking the dog for walks. They regularly visit a soft play area to develop their physical skills and the young children are using low furniture to pull themselves up to stand. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The warm environment and sensitive support enables children to develop their independence. For example, the young children know the daily routine and are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

able to get their shoes to go outside and collect the post from the mat. Children's language skills are promoted as the childminder talks to them, reinforcing the simple vocabulary as children point to objects and praising them when they speak their first few words. Children explore their senses as they mix rice krispie cakes with their hands and manipulate playdough with their fingers. Children sing nursery rhymes and are developing a sense of rhythm as they shake bells and rattles in response to the music playing.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe, secure environment where hazards have been identified through an effective risk assessment and minimised. Children's good health is promoted as they use their own coloured cups to prevent the spread of infection and there is a comprehensive sickness policy in place. Children are gaining an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. For example, regular fire drills are carried out and then the safety aspect of these are followed up by reading stories with the children about fire safety. The good maintenance and implementation of policies, records and procedures supports the safe and efficient management of the setting and ensures that the welfare needs of all children are met. Children's safety is consistently promoted as there are clear procedures to ensure children cannot leave the premises without an authorised person and the childminder has a good understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and all the relevant literature. 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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