Skelmanthorpe First and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 107652 Inspection date 02/02/2010 Inspector Susan Mary Deadman

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and their three children who are 10, 13 and 15 years of age. The family lives in a bungalow in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. The ground floor areas of the home are available for childminding and the converted upstairs bedroom is used for children's sleep times. There is a secure rear garden outdoor play. The family have one pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and her conditions of registration allow her to work with her husband as an assistant. The childminder is currently caring for seven children of whom four are in the early years age group. The childminder is able to take children to and collect them from Waterside and Our Ladys Schools.

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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 has a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS). As a result, she provides a stimulating range of activities in a generally safe and secure environment. The effective partnership with parents enables the childminder to meet children's individual needs to a good level. The childminder monitors the effectiveness of the service she provides and is committed to developing her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues through further training. She demonstrates a strong capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 review medication procedures to ensure that full details are recorded for each medication administered  ensure that there is a smoke alarm situated on each floor level, which is maintained in working order  develop further the use of observations which help identify the next steps for children's learning and inform planning.

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the early years provision

The childminder promotes children's safety to a generally good level. She safeguards children through her secure understanding of child protection issues. The childminder is confident in recognizing possible indicators of abuse and the written procedure informs parents of her duty to refer any concerns. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Written risk assessments contain much of the required detail, although have not highlighted the fact that the upstairs smoke alarm has recently been removed, which compromises the safety of children sleeping in this area. The outings children participate in are included within the record of assessment, which promotes children's safety during these periods. The childminder gains full details relating to required medication and parents prior written permission for each medication. She records the fact that she has administered the medicines in

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the early years provision

children's daily diaries although this record does not always contain information relating to the exact dose given.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established strong links with parents and consults with them regularly to ensure consistency of care. Parents are extremely happy and confident with her care of the children and highly praise the support she provides to each family. The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure she meets children's individual needs and adheres to their specific routines, enabling children to settle well in her home. The childminder promotes an inclusive practice which strongly values the uniqueness of each child. The childminder has developed a good partnership with other professionals who also care for the children and this promotes continuity of care and supports their general development.

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the early years provision

The effective organisation of the toys and play equipment works well and enables children's independence of choice. Children play happily surrounded by age- appropriate toys and are confident to explore the ground floor bedroom for further play items of interest. Children benefit from the childminder's evaluation of the effectiveness of her setting as she identifies areas for improvement and seeks further training to develop her practice.

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and outcomes for children

Children receive a high level of warm and affectionate care. The childminder knows each child's individual needs very well and makes sure she gives each one personal, focused time which ensures they feel valued and secure. For example, babies and toddlers beam with delight as they enjoy watching the childminder in physical interactive play with slightly older toddlers who enjoy this experience. The younger children also receive much care and attention as the childminder sits with babies on her lap during bottle feeding and rocks then gently to sleep when they are tired. Toddlers have much attention as they snuggle up for stories and one-to- one playtimes.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder observes children's activities and records the information, using photographs to depict the scene. Although planning is basic, the childminder promotes children's next steps of learning and development to a good level. Recording systems are in their infancy, however, children make very good progress due to the childminder's high level of interaction and extension of children's play and her understanding of how children learn through play provision. The childminder talks to children about colour, shape and number as they play with equipment, such as posting boxes and abacus. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The strong partnership with parents provides the childminder with much information relating to children's individual requirements. She promotes children's communication skills to a good level through appropriate use of children's first

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and outcomes for children

language and continually supports their understanding of the English language through general discussion, repetition of words and nursery rhymes and story time. All children show much enjoyment when looking at books and listening to stories. The childminder further promotes children's language through imaginative play such as by chatting to them on the toy telephone.

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and outcomes for children

Children are independent learners who confidently self select from a good range of interesting play equipment. Babies and toddlers are surrounded by good quality age-appropriate toys, which are stimulating and sustain their interest. Older toddlers are also interested in these items but also confidently stroll across the hall to the bedroom where they choose to play with small play figures. Children have good imaginations and chatter on about how 'I must tidy up' as they pull some toys over to the side of the carpet. They delight in looking at themselves in the mirror as they pretend to wash their face.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from regular access to a large garden which provides them with a good range of physical play activities. For example, they have use of a large secure trampoline, large climbing frame and slide, and several bikes and scooters. The childminder also supports children's physical development through the provision outings to local parks and indoor activity centres.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's safety during outings as she reinforces safety issues with them. Children are gaining an understanding of the dangers of traffic and how to minimise the possibility of accidents. Children are familiar with good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands after using the bathroom and prior to meals. The childminder promotes children's general health through the provision of nutritious snacks and ensures children remain hydrated as they have independent access to drinks throughout the day. 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 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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