Horndon-On-the-Hill CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 115093 Inspection date 09/10/2009 Inspector Christine McInally

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two grown up children in the Southgate area of Crawley. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding, with children having access to a lounge and dining room, with toilet facilities being situated on the ground floor. A large secure rear garden is available, an area is sectioned off for the children's use and is laid to lawn with a small patio. The family have two pet cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time; of these three may be in the early years age range. She also cares for children aged over eight years. She is currently caring for five children; of these, one is cared for fulltime and the rest on a part-time basis, all are in the early years age range.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment for children and their families. She has a good knowledge of children and their individual needs, interests and abilities and effectively plans a wide range of activities to stimulate their interest and learning. The systems for observation and assessment are in their infancy but the childminder has a secure knowledge of how to support the children's learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder fosters close working relationships with parents and other providers, helping to fully support children's development and learning. She follows clear procedures to ensure children are kept safe and secure. She is beginning to reflect on her practice and is committed to improving what is offered to the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop observation and assessment systems; use the information gathered to clearly identify and plan for children's next steps in learning

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder is aware of her role and responsibility to protect the children in her care. Parents are made aware of her child protection policy so that they know what action she will take if she has any concerns. She maintains their well-being by continuously monitoring safety issues in and around the home, and by supervising children closely. Risk assessments are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 undertaken, recorded and regularly reviewed, and this ensures effective actions are taken to manage and eliminate risks to children. She maintains detailed records and has a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures to support the care and welfare needs of children.

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the early years provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents and confidentiality is maintained. They receive good written information about the provision including policy and procedure documents. Children's ability and involvement in different activities is observed and recorded and the childminder is beginning to use the information gathered to plan for children's next steps in learning. Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child's development and are kept fully informed by the childminder of their child's achievements and progress. Links with other providers are effective and promote the integration of care.

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the early years provision

Children are extremely well supported and encouraged throughout their time in the childminder's care. The learning environment is well organised with easy access to resources that meet the needs of all children. The good range of play equipment is well maintained, suitable for the ages of all the children attending and offers interesting variety. The childminder works to provide an enabling and inclusive environment and she makes parents and their children feel welcome. Children feel good about themselves, because the childminder treats them with respect and has a good understanding of equal opportunity issues. While the childminder has not completed a formal self-evaluation she regularly reflects on her practice and demonstrates an understanding of areas for improvement. The childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities and keeps herself well informed of current childcare practices. She has addressed the recommendation

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the early years provision

made at the last inspection by ensuring she has in place written parental consent for the use of the car.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides an exceptionally warm, caring and purposeful playful environment where children feel secure and enjoy a wide variety of learning experiences. There is a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities, which help children to be active learners. The childminder knows individual children well and has established warm and genuine relationships with them. Children move around the home confidently and safely because the layout enables this and they know where each type of activity is carried out. Children enjoy a good range of organised toys, activities and equipment suitable for their individual needs which they are able to freely access. The childminder listens and responds to children sensitively, enabling them to make good progress in all areas of learning. She takes individual children's interests into account when planning activities and effectively includes the six areas of learning. Activities stem from understanding

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and outcomes for children

what children can do and how learning can be extended. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of children's developing needs and provides them with a broad and interesting range of activities and play opportunities. These are appropriate to children's individual ages and stages of development. However, the current system of observation and assessment to monitor children's progress This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 does not clearly identify the next steps in their learning and how this will be promoted. Children are fully involved and interested in the various activities available to them because the childminder joins in and consistently talks to them about what they are doing, for example, as they discuss the different animals as they play with the zoo or as they play with the dressing up hats. They enjoy looking at books, both independently and with the childminder. They develop good

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and outcomes for children

counting skills through a variety of activities and daily routines. Children develop a sense of belonging through regular outings, including walks and visits to local shops and parks. They enjoy easy access to the garden and develop their physical skills as they play on the range of equipment available. Children benefit from participating in a good all round range of activities such as music, dancing, and imaginary and creative play. Children have good opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them through planned activities and the range of resources available to them which reflect diversity.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder’s home is clean, safe and welcoming for children, providing ample space to play. Children gain a very good understanding of the elements of a healthy lifestyle. They grow and thrive as they learn about healthy choices in their diet. Their learning about healthy foods is consolidated as they pick vegetables from the garden and are involved in preparing them for cooking. Children's social skills are continually encouraged by sitting together at mealtimes, in a relaxed atmosphere. Children have easy and ready access to drinks allowing them to have control over their thirst and learn to meet their own needs. Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out offering good opportunities for exercise and fresh air. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands before eating food or after visiting the toilet. Cross-infection is well considered as children have access to liquid soap

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and outcomes for children

and individual towels to dry their hands on. Children are well supported by the childminder and consequently this encourages them to feel safe, secure and happy while in her care. They use a good range of safe and developmentally appropriate resources that are easily accessible to encourage their independence. They are learning how to keep themselves safe through age appropriate activities such as tidying away toys and practising road safety. The childminder acts as a good role model and uses effective strategies to promote positive behaviour, consequently, children relate very well with each other and 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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