Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 149288 Inspection date 19/10/2009 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. All areas of the premises are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have three pet cats. 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 years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age range on a part-time basis. She is also registered to care for 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.

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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 good levels of knowledge and understanding of each child's individual needs, abilities and interests, which ensures that she promotes each area of children's welfare, learning and development successfully. The children have developed a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe in the premises and on outings. This enables them to freely explore the environment and wider world with developing confidence and growing curiosity. The childminder is effective in enabling all children to make good progress towards the early learning goals given their age, ability and starting points. Regular detailed information sharing and comprehensive policies and procedures ensure that she is successful in maintaining the good levels of learning and care for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the organisation of the provision  develop a written form of self-evaluation in order to assess the effectiveness of the provision.

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the early years provision

The childminder has robust safeguarding procedures and written policies which ensure the safety of all children. She uses effective methods to teach the children how to use a selection of tools and to explore the environment safely. Children learn why they need to wash their hands after stroking the cats and before eating. She is currently completing a NVQ Level 3 qualification and ensures that she updates her knowledge of providing good welfare and learning for the children, with regular training. However, she has yet to effectively evaluate her provision to highlight the strengths and areas for improvement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has an extensive range of written policies and procedures covering all aspects of childminding, however, not all of these reflect her actual practice. She is very knowledgeable about each child. She observes and interacts

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the early years provision

with the children and confidentially discusses the children’s welfare and achievements with parents and carers. The children attending do not yet attend any other settings providing the Early Years Foundation Stage, although the childminder is aware of the need to form effective links with other providers to ensure that the children get consistent teaching and care. The childminder effectively uses available resources which help promote children’s learning, development and self-esteem. For example children regularly attend local childminding groups, parks and play areas which are appropriate for their age and abilities. These activities are enjoyed by the children and promote their physical and social skills. The childminder uses her garden to enable the children to experience sowing seeds, watering and caring for the plants. The children then are excited to harvest and eat the vegetables. This encourages the children to adopt

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures that, through observation, regular assessments and a good partnership with parents and carers, she effectively meets the needs of the children, promoting equality and diversity. All activities, outings and resources are well-planned to include all children, meet their individual needs and to ensure that all children receive the support they need to enable them to make good progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time at this setting. They have new learning experiences and challenges every day which are fun and exciting. They feel safe in this environment, where they are learning independence and confidence. They learn how to cross roads safely and comment on any cars that are parked on the pavement. The children are learning, through first-hand experiences about the world around them. They learn about nature through growing their own plants and fruit such as strawberries. They are developing their skills in using tools safely and understand good hygiene procedures as they wash their hands after stroking the cats and before snacks. They are also learning how to brush their teeth effectively. Children’s interests and abilities are well supported, and the childminder praises each child’s skills and achievements. The children display good levels of confidence and self-esteem as a result of this

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and outcomes for children

provision and the good partnerships with parents and other professionals. They display good levels of behaviour, attitudes and dispositions which support their learning and development. Children are involved in the planning of the activities and photographs are used well to record children's achievements. For example, showing a child climbing a few rungs on a small slide to climbing a large staircase. Children are able to choose activities and tools for themselves, and can access toys, books and games easily. Children express themselves freely using various media and materials. Children have a healthy interest in books, reading stories and making their own marks. Children mix with all members of the childminders family This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and display a sense of belonging. They are developing appropriate social skills and are beginning to negotiate with each other to share and take turns. Children are

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and outcomes for children

adopting healthy lifestyles and attitudes which support their development of the skills that they will need in the future. 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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