Mawney Infants' School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 102298 Inspection date 16/12/2009 Inspector Julie Wright

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 1994. She lives with her partner and one adult child in St Minver, Wadebridge. The rooms used for childminding include the lounge, dining kitchen, ground floor toilet and first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play and level access to the property. The family have a cat.

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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 to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, three of whom may be in the early years age range. There are currently two children on roll who attend on a part time basis, one of whom is in the early years age range. Children can be taken to and from St Minver school and the pre-school.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides consistent care for children and promotes positive relationships with parents. She meets the individual needs of children and they make sound progress in their overall development. Children benefit from the relaxed environment and feel secure in the care of the childminder. There are sufficient resources to interest children and the routines provide a suitable variety of learning experiences. The childminder has begun to evaluate her practice and demonstrates an adequate capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 provide suitable fire control equipment in areas of risk to improve fire safety procedures (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 07/01/2010

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further?

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

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further?

 improve knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and develop systematic procedures to observe, assess and plan for children's individual progress  obtain current guidance on the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, ensure that relevant contact numbers for child protection concerns are available and update knowledge and awareness of safeguarding procedures  improve and update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has written brief policies and procedures which relate to promoting and safeguarding children’s welfare. These include appropriate actions to take with regard to accidents, emergencies and complaints. In discussion the childminder demonstrates an adequate understanding of child protection issues, such as, signs for concern. However, at inspection the childminder does not have up to date guidance or relevant contact numbers for child protection agencies. The childminder completes risk assessments on the premises and conducts visual checks before children arrive. She also ensures safety for children on outings, although there is no record of assessment of risk for trips and outings. The majority of hazards are minimised on the premises and the fire drill is practised to help children understand the evacuation procedure. There are smoke alarms in the house, although, there is no fire control equipment, such as, a fire blanket in the

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the early years provision

kitchen. This impacts on fire safety and is a specific welfare requirement.

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the early years provision

Basic systems are in place to maintain mandatory records and documentation. For instance, a notebook is used to record details of accidents and medication. Contract forms are signed and include emergency contact numbers, consents and children’s individual requirements. The childminder organises her space and time appropriately to ensure that children are comfortable and occupied. Toys and resources are maintained in good condition and rotated to promote interest. The childminder knows the children well and is very familiar with their individual personalities and preferences. She takes their interests into account when planning activities or offering choices to them. Children respond well to her positive approach in managing behaviour. They are encouraged to share toys and to be kind and polite towards others. Suitable routines and childcare practice promote children’s understanding of health, hygiene and safety. They enjoy sociable meal

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the early years provision

and snack times, sitting at the table and chatting about their activities. Children benefit from healthy foods and regular drinks which meet their dietary requirements.

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the early years provision

Long standing arrangements are in place as the childminder has cared for children since they were babies. Parents provide positive feedback on all aspects of the care given and value the childminder. They comment on her kind, caring and flexible approach to childminding. The childminder is described as very supportive to parents in children's development at all stages. For example, with weaning, potty training and transitions to school. Regular discussions help parents to know about their children's welfare and general progress. Suitable settling-in procedures are in place, including introductory visits. The childminder talks to parents about her general childcare policies and what she does with the children.

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the early years provision

Since the last inspection the childminder has fully addressed most of the recommendations. She has made improvements to records to include pre-existing injuries, which protects children’s welfare. Fire drills are practised and emergency contact numbers are now accessible. The childminder has improved the provision of resources that reflect cultural and social diversity, however, a further This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 recommendation is made as they do not include disability. The childminder sought appropriate information at that time with regard to the framework for children under the age of three years. Since then the EYFS framework has been implemented and the childminder now has information on the welfare, learning and development requirements. However, she is not confident or secure in her awareness of the requirements. The childminder has used a self-evaluation form to

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the early years provision

reflect on her practice and in discussion identifies appropriate aspects to develop. She continues to purchase and replace resources, which contributes to improvement and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children form close attachments and good relationships in the care of the childminder. They develop positive social skills and are encouraged to become confident and independent. Children benefit from suitable play opportunities which meet their needs in the time that they attend. For example, after school children can choose what they would like to do. They enjoy relaxing and watching children’s television programmes, playing with construction toys and using creative materials in the kitchen. Children are familiar with the setting and are happy to be there. The childminder encourages outdoor play as often as possible and makes good use of local amenities and surroundings. Children are taken on the bus to the library and also visit parks, where they have fun and develop physical skills and coordination. They often visit a farm and explore the hedgerows along the way. The childminder encourages their learning with the provision of additional

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and outcomes for children

resources. For instance, they take a ‘bug finder’ and picture cards so that they can identify different flowers and butterflies. This contributes towards children’s awareness of the local community and the natural world around them. The childminder teaches children to be aware of safety in the home and on outings. She explains potential hazards to them in everyday routines, such as, when using hot water taps. They learn how to be safe near the roads, and the difference between safe and hazardous berries in the countryside.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy decorating the Christmas tree and willingly help the childminder in her preparations. They also help to tidy up and show a good understanding of what is expected of them. Children are proud of their achievements and are pleased to show what they have been making. Their pictures are displayed in the kitchen, which promotes their self-esteem. Children concentrate well and play cooperatively together, for example, they patiently take turns during a game of matching pairs. If younger children attend the childminder visits toddler groups to help children’s social development. Older children sometimes bring their bikes and scooters, which they can use when they go out with the childminder. This adds to children’s physical play experiences and opportunities. Children are inquisitive and show interest in information, communication and technology equipment. For instance, they talk about the laptop, wireless mouse and examine how things

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has links with staff where children attend school and relevant messages are passed on to promote children’s care and welfare. She made This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 tentative observations of children when they attended full time. The childminder takes photographs of children at different times, which contribute towards evidence of their consistent progress and development. However, clear systems to observe, assess and plan for children’s progress are not securely in place. The childminder aims for children to have fun and to learn as they play. She understands and meets the individual needs of children in her care. 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 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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