Halstow Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 143597 Inspection date 07/12/2009 Inspector Martha Naa Ahimah Darkwah

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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 was registered in October 1992. She lives with her husband and three adult children. They live in a five bed roomed maisonette within a converted four storey Victorian house which is set in a residential area of Hammersmith in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The living room, kitchen and two bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a secure outdoor area to the rear of the property for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years, of these, not more than three may be in the early years age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently two children on roll in the early years age range. She supports children who have English as an additional language.

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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

Children are making steady progress in all areas of their learning and development, as the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children have a strong sense of belonging in the childminder's home as they are cared for in a manner that enables them to develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem. The childminder values the uniqueness of each child, promoting inclusive practice. She has built good relationships with parents and carers, ensuring they are kept fully informed. This childminder is keen to make continuous improvement and is able to recognise her strengths and areas she wishes to develop further.

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further?

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

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further?

 undertake an appropriate first aid training course and maintain a current paediatric first aid certificate (Suitable people) (also applies to the both parts of the Childcare Register) 04/02/2010

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further?

 carry out a risk assessments for each and every outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 04/02/2010

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to plan and provide experiences which are appropriate for each child's stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals  further develop the emergency action plan to include details of persons who This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are vetted

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the early years provision

Children are fully safeguarded in the childminder's care. She has sound working knowledge and understanding on safeguarding issues which helps her in identifying any signs and symptoms of possible abuse. There is a suitable child protection policy in place, which is in sufficient detail. The childminder carries out risk assessments for indoor and outdoor areas of the premises. This helps her to identify and minimise potential hazards. A fire drill has been carried out to help children learn how to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency. Although the childminder is practical and hands-on in considering risks for children when on outings, she is yet to record this in depth for each and every outing, in line with regulations.

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the early years provision

Children are well supervised as they explore the environment. They are able to access a good range of toys and resources with ease, many of these positively reflect diversity within the community. The childminder provides suitable furniture, allowing children to eat and sleep comfortably. The childminder has developed written policies and procedures that keep parents informed of her methods. All the required documentation is in place and well maintained, for example, accident and emergency procedures. However, the emergency action plan needs further development to ensure children's welfare needs are fully met.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from the good relationships the childminder has developed with parents. Daily verbal exchanges help ensure children receive continuity of care. In addition, the childminder also provides communication diaries. The childminder values parents' comments. She has regular dialogue with parents and older children to give them opportunities to contribute their ideas and suggestions. Parents are provided with lots of relevant information, which is on display positively throughout the setting. They are able to see pictures of their children involved in various activities, as these are on show on the ground floor hallway and in all the play rooms. The childminder has established links with any others who are involved in the child's care. Written feedback from parents suggests they are happy with the care their children receive and the progress they are making. Parents write letters of thanks to the childminder expressing their satisfaction with

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates her ability to make continuous improvements. She has carried out a written self-evaluation, which she uses to help identify her strengths and any areas for development in the service she provides. She has satisfactorily addressed all previous recommendations. She has attended a number of training courses such as active play, basic food hygiene self evaluation and the Early Years Foundation Stage to update and enhance her knowledge of requirements. However, she does not currently hold a valid first aid certificate, which is a breach of requirements. She reports that due to administration error, she missed a first aid course booked in October and is the process of booking on in January 2010. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children form good relationships with the childminder. They are very settled with the childminder because she has sound strategies in place to ensure their smooth transition into her routines. They enjoy a good range of activities that support them on their journey towards the early learning goals. Children have ample opportunities to undertake activities at their own pace; in addition routines such as hand washing are recognised as a learning opportunity. Children's developing language skills are supported as the childminder commentates throughout the day and readily responds to babies’ babbles. Children are taking great pleasure in building towers with mega blocks they are putting together. They are learning how to organise themselves as the childminder encourages them to set out all the pieces and how to link them in place to create a structure.

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and outcomes for children

Children are gaining increasingly in their confidence and self-esteem as they are successful in their play. They clearly enjoy making choices and exploring the accessible range of resources, which promotes their development. The childminder is attentive to the children at all times, engaging with them at their level. She skilfully asks children questions to extend their thinking and learning. For example, when using an easy lift puzzle on means of transport with children, the childminder introduced related key words with pictures such as boat, car, train and plane.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of where children are within their learning journeys, which she has gained through taking part in their play and activities. There are individual plans and written observations that link to the six areas of learning. The childminder demonstrates understanding of appropriate activities to help children attain future goals. She recognises the need to plan activities around individual children's capabilities and interests so that all have their learning and development needs catered for, including the youngest. She understands that children learn through play and the need to promote the six areas of learning and early learning goals, through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. This includes a balance of indoor and outdoor learning. She recognises the value in continuing to plan and provide experiences which are appropriate for each child's stage of development as they progress towards the

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and outcomes for children

The promotion of an all-inclusive environment ensures children are involved with activities and play opportunities. Children have the opportunity to explore different media as they mark make and paint which encourages creativity. Children have opportunities to explore the world around them through outings to local parks and press buttons on electronic toys then dancing to the music.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's good health through understanding what constitutes a healthy diet and shares her Healthy Eating Policy with parents. She plans her day so that children have a balance of energetic and quieter activities. She shares her sickness policy with parents, so they are clear about when to keep their children at home, so helping to prevent the spread of cross-infection. Good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 daily routines promote children’s health and well-being and reduce the spread of germs and infections. For example, the childminder ensures children regularly wash their hands and use individual towels for hand drying. 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Welfare of the children being cared for 04/02/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Welfare of the children being cared for) 04/02/2010

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