Holy Rood Catholic Junior 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

p.1

Unique reference number 117486 Inspection date 26/05/2009 Inspector Sara Jane Frost

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and one of her adult children. They live in the St Budeaux area of Plymouth, within walking distance of shops, school, parks and the train station. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding and an enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play. The house is accessible via single step to front door. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is registered on the Early Years register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register and is currently caring for five children in the Early Years age range at various times during the week. The childminder takes children to local groups and on outings. The family keep salt-water tropical fish.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are very content and clearly at home within the childminder's care. The childminder clearly knows the children well; she plans a variety of activities incorporating their individual interests, therefore, children are making good progress towards the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder has taken suitable action to improve her practice since her last inspection and an additional visit, such as reviewing her policies and procedures and updating parental consents.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 expand the systems that identify and develop the next steps for children's learning and share with parents to reinforce and support their progress at home  develop the child protection policy to include a statement to follow if an is allegation made against a member of the household  update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips

p.3

provision

The childminder ensures children are safeguarded and their welfare is promoted, therefore children are able to play safely in a secure environment. Appropriate attention to identifying risks within the childminder's home enables children to be further protected. However, aspects of the risk assessments particularly in relation to outings are not formally recorded. The childminder shares with parents her range of policies, although her child protection policy requires further development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is aware of her strengths and weaknesses although has not developed any formal approach to evaluating her provision she has identified areas for further development within her practice. For example, she has accessed support from others to develop her understanding of Early Years Foundation Stage and attended additional training to widen her knowledge.

p.3

provision

Systems have been developed for sharing information; for example, discussions take place with parents on a daily basis about their child’s day, in addition diaries are also available at parents' request. However, current processes do not provide parents with the opportunity to be involved in reviewing or contributing to information about their child’s continuous learning and development. Parents are keen to convey the commitment, dedication and flexibility the childminder has shown to them through written testimonials and nominating the childminder for a 'shining star award'. The childminder has forged links with other settings and providers in her local area.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit as the childminder clearly knows their individual preferences and these are effectively used by her to offer a range of stimulating and interesting activities. Resources are stored so that the children can access toys freely, helping them to make decisions and develop their self-help skills and independence. Children also benefit from a variety of activities outside the home; these activities help to develop their physical skills, widen their experiences, give them opportunities to socialise with their peers and help them to develop an awareness of their local community. Children's communication skills are well promoted as the childminder listens carefully to what children say and asks questions to help develop their thinking. Books are used to their full potential; as children are encouraged to access as reference points, for example, looking up the pictures of wild animals seen through a toy camera. Good discussions develop around naming

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

animals, counting, comparing coats, patterns and looking at the animals' habitat all of which broaden children's vocabulary. Children's interest further developed as they remembered the tadpoles sited on the table, discussing the differences in their stages of development and becoming very animated as they discuss the types of food they need to find in the garden to feed them. Children reminisce with enthusiasm the recent visit to the local wildlife centre. They have developed a strong rapport with the childminder, comfortable in knowing what makes her laugh and able to share fun moments together. Children are polite and very well behaved, responding to the childminder's calm manner and her constant, consistent attention. This helps them to develop skills for the future. The childminder is developing her observations and planning, to monitor children's progress with some reflection on children's next steps, which helps support the

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn how to keep themselves safe on outings and in the childminder’s home, for example, road safety and regular fire evacuation drills. In addition to the clear documentation, for example the fire equipment checks and evaluation of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 evacuation processes, children confidently discuss aspects of road safety such as ‘we stand still, look for cars and you mustn’t run or skip when you cross the road’. Children are well cared for in the event of an accident as the childminder is qualified in first aid and has obtained all the required consents. Parents are informed of any accidents via text messaging and through the necessary written documentation. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7