St Augustine's CofE School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 149211 Inspection date 08/09/2009 Inspector Susan Parker

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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 has been registered since 1998.She lives with one child aged 15 and in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The areas used for childminding are the sitting room, kitchen and garden. One bedroom is used for rest times. The toilet is on the first floor. A door from the kitchen leads into a fully enclosed garden with grass and a paved area. Local schools, shops and parks are within walking distance. 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 year’s age range. She is currently minding three children in this age range on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children over five years to 11 years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The family has a cat.

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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 gains detailed knowledge of each child's individual needs which ensures that she successfully promotes all aspects of children's welfare, learning and development. Children's safety and security are a priority and the children are learning about keeping themselves safe while investigating the world around them. The partnership with parents is very good and is highly significantly in ensuring that the individual and diverse needs of all children are well met. This benefits the children who make good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder has completed a self-evaluation of her provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop effective links with other EYFS providers i.e. nurseries and pre schools in order to ensure that all adults who interact with the children contribute to the EYFS assessment process  develop further the observation and assessment systems and match these to the expectations of the early learning goals  develop further the self evaluation systems to effectively identify areas for future improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder is effective in her organisation of the individual care and learning for each child. Every child's individual needs are recorded and met. Robust safeguarding policies, sound daily practice, and a commitment to training ensures that children are safe and protected. She has a sound understanding of child protection and is committed to promoting children's safety at all times. This This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 includes teaching the children to play safely and be aware of possible hazards. Well planned, creative and imaginative activities, visits and outings enable the children to practice their skills and explore their environment safely.

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the early years provision

Children enjoy their time in this organised and stimulating environment where the childminder dedicates time to improve her setting by implementing systems to monitor and evaluate the provision. Parents and carers receive regular information regarding their children including all aspects of their welfare and developmental achievements. This information includes a portfolio containing information on the childminders experience and a written set of policies and procedures.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a positive attitude and is fully committed to enhancing the welfare, learning and development of every child attending. Every child's individual and diverse needs are met. Regular observations of the children and the caring relationships formed ensure that she is developing a basic system of recording their progress; however, this is not linked effectively to the expectations of the early learning goals. The childminder plans and provides exciting and challenging activities which are effective in promoting children's good progression towards the Early Learning Goals. Children are able to access for themselves, a diverse range of quality toys and resources that are age appropriate and in good condition.

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the early years provision

Any accidents are recorded and the home checked daily for hazards. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and has a sound awareness of keeping children safe; she regularly assesses the home and takes appropriate precautions to keep children from harm. Through the childminder, the children are learning very good habits, for example, washing their hands before eating, disposing of tissues hygienically, and covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze. Children walk to and from pre-schools, schools and shops regularly and often visit local parks and play areas where they develop their physical skills and learn to keep themselves safe on equipment.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very effective in working in close partnership with the parents. However, links with the local pre-school is limited to welfare issues. This is not fully effective in gaining an all round assessment of children’s learning and developmental progress towards the early learning goals.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed a self-evaluation of her provision outlining her strengths however; this is not fully effective in identifying areas for future improvement.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time in this provision where their individual needs are met. The childminder knows each child very well and is able to provide them with interesting and exciting games, resources and activities which stimulate their natural curiosity and imagination. Children are safe and secure in this provision. They are adopting healthy habits and learning skills to help them in the future. For example, learning to cross roads safely, wash their hands before eating and dress This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and undress independently.

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and outcomes for children

Children have regular access to outdoor play and activities and are dressed appropriately for the weather. They mix with other children frequently, and are establishing very good social skills as well as firm friendships. This actively promotes children's feelings of self-esteem, confidence and independence.

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and outcomes for children

Children's language and communication is promoted. Children are encouraged to be very social, they are encouraged to talk and the childminder listens to what the children are saying. Children are encouraged to think critically as the childminder asks them appropriate questions about what they are doing and what may happen next. They are developing their vocabulary every day through sharing books and talking about their experiences. Children are forming a good understanding of problem solving and numeracy; they recognise shapes very well and are able to complete challenging puzzles. Children's mathematical thinking is promoted as an integral part of all activities such as counting cars, recognising colours and familiar numerals. They are learning about the world around them through mixing in the local community, looking at seasons and animals, fish and birds as well as mini beasts. Children are well supported and are encouraged to try to do as much

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and outcomes for children

Children's milestones and achievements are recorded by the childminder and she plans the next steps to challenge 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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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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 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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