The Leys Primary and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 117364 Inspection date 10/12/2009 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

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 1989. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, in the St Budeaux area of Plymouth, close to a variety of local amenities. The lounge, dining room and conservatory are used for childminding. The bathroom is on the first floor and the childminder's bedroom is available for children who need to sleep during the day. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. There are steps to the front of the house and from the patio door to the garden. The family have three cats.

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Description of the childminding

When working alone the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age group. When working together the childminders may care for a maximum of nine children aged under eight years, six of whom may be in the early years age group, three of whom may be under one year at any one time. An assistant is also employed to maintain ratio requirements for specific variation agreements. There are currently 12 children on roll, nine of whom are in the early years age group. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends toddler group on a regular basis. Children are regularly taken out on trips during the week. She is a member of the Devon Childminding Association and the National Childminding Association. The childminder is accredited to receive funding to provide nursery education.

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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 child orientated and stimulating environment for children. She has very good organisational skills and works effectively with her co- minder and assistant to meet children’s individual needs. Ratios are maintained at all times and close supervision ensures that children are safe. A wealth of information is displayed for parents and positive working relationships are promoted. This contributes to consistent care for children, who make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder reflects on her childcare provision and identifies aspects for future improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 update and improve the details on the child protection policy in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures  develop opportunities for parents to contribute towards the children's records of development. 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 ensures safety for children with thorough risk assessments to minimise hazards on the premises and outings. Policies and procedures to promote children’s welfare are in place, although the child protection policy requires updating. The childminder has a clear understanding of action to take with concerns about children and who to inform to safeguard them. The premises are secure and the childminder has good systems to ensure that children are collected by known persons. Written consents from parents are sought in respect of children’s safety, such as, to use large play equipment and to go on various trips. The childminder demonstrates good hygiene practice which reduces the risk of cross infection for children. Effective procedures are in place to promote children’s health. Records and documentation are maintained in good order and contribute to the effective organisation of childcare arrangements.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for in warm and welcoming areas, each of which are very well resourced. For example, the lounge is set up with accessible baby and toddler toys, including treasure baskets to explore. The conservatory has soft flooring, ensuring comfort for children as they kneel and crawl. The dining kitchen provides space for creative activities, with age-appropriate furniture and equipment for children. This means that they are comfortable and can easily reach the play materials. Children enjoy sociable mealtimes as they sit together and eat their meals. The childminder provides food or children may bring packed lunches. Children’s individual dietary requirements are met by the agreed arrangements. The childminder organises her co-minder and assistant well to ensure good support to children. For example, children can be cared for in small groups to suit their ages and abilities.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the areas of learning and plans a wide range of activities for children. She is developing suitable systems to observe, assess and plan for children’s individual progress. Planning is displayed and parents are kept well informed of their children’s activities and welfare. They have access to the children’s records of development but do not actively contribute to these. The childminder seeks parents' views on the provision and they give positive feedback at inspection. Parents comment on the ‘fun, kindness and patience’ and are very pleased with the care that their children receive. Partnerships with others are also good to promote inclusion and complementary care. For example, the childminder has positive relationships with staff where children attend other settings. She knows how to access additional support for children if required to meet specific needs.

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the early years provision

Since the last inspection the childminder has addressed the recommendation making an improvement to information availability. She has attended training, including part one of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, and courses in relation to different aspects of children’s development. She has completed a self-evaluation form and successfully identifies further training to ensure up to date knowledge. For example, the childminder plans to go on child This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 protection and behaviour management courses. She is also taking part in a local authority Quality Assurance scheme, commencing January 2010. These actions show that the childminder has a good capacity to continue to develop and improve her childcare practice.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time in the childminder’s home and have close relationships with her, family members and each other. They show confidence as they play, taking interest in their surroundings and activities. Children feel secure and are familiar with the daily routines, which are carefully planned to accommodate children’s individual needs. They are cooperative and follow simple instructions well, for instance, they readily offer to help with ‘jobs’ when it is time to put things away. Children are kind and show a developing understanding that they each have different needs. The childminder provides resources and activities which also help children to learn about similarities and differences in society. The childminder makes good use of the local community to help children become familiar with the wider world around them. For example, children speak to the local police officers on patrol and learn that they help to keep them safe. Learning opportunities are

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and outcomes for children

extended as children return to the house to dress up as police and talk about ‘emergencies’. They learn about being safe near the road during trips out and take part in fire drills.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a good understanding of being healthy and hygienic within the daily routines. For example, they enjoy regular outdoor play opportunities and develop physical skills and coordination. They confidently select their individually named water bottles and have drinks whenever they want them. Children have fun as they help to prepare their lunch, mixing and making pasta. They compare different consistencies as water and eggs are added to the mixture before rolling it flat. Children also use mathematical language for weighing and measuring, for instance, when they play with wet and dry sand. They pick daisies, sow seeds and grow sunflowers, which promotes their interest in nature. The childminder plans outings to promote all areas of children’s development. When they go to a park they talk about ‘exercise’ as they run, skip or chase. They use their senses to consider the sights, sounds and smells that they encounter. Later they make a

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and outcomes for children

collage tree picture, using their collection of stones, leaves, twigs and bark.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy singing familiar nursery rhymes and learning new songs in preparation for Christmas. They laugh and correct the childminder when she purposely changes the words, which shows their understanding and listening skills. The role play resources are popular and often link to a current theme. Children play imaginatively together in the hospital, post office or house area, using various resources that reflect everyday technology. They are able to make independent choices and decisions about what they would like to do. Toys are accessible and the childminder also displays photographs of equipment and activities to help the youngest children choose. Social opportunities are extended as children regularly go to toddler and childminder groups. Children gradually begin to negotiate and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understand that they must share toys and take turns, which contributes to them

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and outcomes for children

developing positive attitudes. 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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