Bracken Leas Primary 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 144394 Inspection date 05/05/2009 Inspector Jane Davenport

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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 1992. She lives with her partner and two adult daughters in a four bedroom town house in the Homerton area of the London borough of Hackney. The whole of the ground floor and the fully enclosed play area at the front of the property is used for childminding purposes. Access to the premises is via a low step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time and is currently minding five children in the early years age group on a full and part-time basis. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She has an NVQ childcare qualification and is a member of an approved local childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder focuses on the individuality of each child and therefore their care and learning needs are supported well. She has relevant policies and procedures in place to support her practice. The childminder is committed to improving the quality of the service for the children who attend. She regularly updates her training on relevant topics and effective systems are in place for self-evaluation. This helps to identify positive practice and successfully highlight areas to develop, further promoting good outcomes for children and maintaining continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the observations and assessments of children’s development ensuring clear links between starting points, progress and future planning

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provision

The childminder confidently organises and manages her provision so that children experience an enjoyable, varied programme of activities and experiences. She has a clear vision about offering child-centred learning based on children's choices and ideas, supported by well thought out topics, rewarding sessions at other settings and worthwhile visits. Sessions and routines are well-managed and relaxed so children have time to explore the many stimulating toys, games and books in the comfortable, inviting learning environment she creates.

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provision

Children play in safety as she ensures she supervises them well and that she carries out risk assessments of the home, outdoor area and venues for outings on a regular and ongoing basis. She allows children a balance of being independent This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 whilst helping them, at the same time, develop an understanding about how to keep themselves safe. For example, she explains to them not to climb on the chairs in case they fall and hurt themselves and stresses the reasons why they must stay within sight of her when they are out and about. Children are further safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of the different types of child abuse and the importance of recording and reporting concerns. Documentation, including children's information, accident records, and attendance register is clearly recorded and shared with parents and her safeguarding policy is

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provision

readily available in the parents' and carers' files for them to read and sign.

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provision

A mutually supportive partnership with parents contributes to promoting inclusive practice and this enables the childminder to support the individual needs of children and provide continuity of care for them. Positive feedback from parents through completed parent questionnaires clearly demonstrates their appreciation of the service that she provides. The childminder has prior experience of working with children with disabilities and her planning includes activities to raise children's awareness of different needs and cultures. She recognises the importance of self- evaluation as a tool for maintaining continuous improvement and has begun to successfully use relevant systems to help her to identify areas for future development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder develops positive relationships with children and they are very comfortable with her. She is very much 'in tune' with the needs of the children she cares for, she interacts warmly with them and engages them in many worthwhile activities. Their enjoyment and learning are enriched because the childminder's home is very child-orientated. They use a most inviting play room where they can choose from plenty of accessible, stimulating books, toys and games. They routinely play outside in a carefully planned garden and enclosed play area where they can be physically active on the fixed play equipment, investigate different materials such as sand and water, grow seeds and plants, and observe the environment. Regular visits to toddler groups further promote children's learning and increase the opportunities for them to develop their social skills. These off-site visits also encourage children's appreciation of their community or features of the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

natural world and are well thought out and rewarding.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children in their play, asking questions and engaging them in conversation to promote their language and communication skills. For example, they talk about what they will 'cook' in the home corner and discuss the texture of the sand and the water and what happens when they are mixed together. Numeracy and problem solving skills are well promoted at routine times of the day, for example, as children help count out how many plates, knives and forks are needed for the number of children present for lunch. Photographic evidence shows how the children develop their knowledge and understanding of the world when they visit the marshes to see the cows, make masks for Chinese New Year, play outside in the snow, learn the difference between hot and cold, observe snails who come out in force after a rain storm and have a real snail race. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

During nourishing meals, regular exercise and well-managed personal hygiene routines, the childminder helps children to appreciate the value of a healthy lifestyle. She manages children's behaviour sensitively and consistently and in a way that is relevant to their ages and levels of understanding. For example, she gives explanations, offers choices, uses distraction and remains calm and patient throughout. Even very young children are learning to share and to be kind to one another, for example, giving lots of cuddles if anyone becomes upset.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has compiled an informative scrap book for each child containing photographs, examples of their work and some simple observations to help her to understand their starting points and interests. Observations and assessments are linked to the six areas of learning but are not yet sufficiently systematic to demonstrate clearly the progress each child is making and to support the next steps in their learning journey. However, the available evidence suggests that the childminder has made a good start on this aspect of her record keeping. 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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