Sacred Heart Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 147290 Inspection date 18/01/2010 Inspector Anneliese Fox-Jones

p.1

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.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and two adult sons. They live in a house located in a residential area of Mill Hill, in the London borough of Barnet. The areas of the home that are used for childminding purposes are the dining room, kitchen, front room, bathroom and a fully enclosed rear garden.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more that three many be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in the early years age group and three children in the older age group. The children attend at varying times throughout the week. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are settled, happy and making progress in their learning and development because they are cared for within a welcoming and inclusive environment. Secure policies and procedures are in place to promote children's welfare. The childminder has a close working partnership with parents, she provides them with clear information about the setting. The childminder's partnerships with other providers are effective in order to promote a consistent approach to children's care and education. The childminder demonstrates an enthusiastic approach to developing her knowledge within the early years field, and is committed to attending relevant training courses to update and enhance her skills. The childminder is aware of developing appropriate self-evaluation systems in order to monitor her practice and has made a positive start in reviewing and evaluating the quality of the setting.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further the system of observational assesment in order to match observations to the expectations of the early learning goals and to plan for the children's next steps in learning  extend ways in which enable parents to frequently share and update information, to become fully involved and contribute to their child's continuous learning and development records. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder continues to make improvements to her practice in order to provide good quality care for all children. She ensures that children receive care which is safe and reliable. She maintains appropriate records, policies and procedures that are required for the safe and efficient management of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is vigilant with regards to children's safety, conducting regular risk assessments of all areas used by the children, including each specific outing. The childminder has effective safeguarding knowledge that contributes to children's health, safety and well-being and has recently refreshed her understanding about safeguarding issues. The environment is safe, child- friendly and supportive and gives children opportunities to become independent and develop a sense of security. The childminder uses self-evaluation to reflect on her practice and to decide which aspects of her practice need further development.

p.5

the early years provision

She attends regular training and has addressed the recommendation made at her last inspection. Subsequently, she is positive about making future improvements.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder offers an appropriate range of resources and activities to meet the needs of the range of children currently in her care. Children show an interest in a variety of resources and take responsibility for choosing what they do. The childminder promotes equality and diversity effectively to help increase children's awareness of the society that they live in. Children's individual home backgrounds and cultures are valued within the provision, as resources and activities help to promote a positive approach towards inclusion. Flexible routines accommodate individual children's needs. For example, young children follow their own routines and can rest when they are tired. The childminder builds close relationships with parents and keeps them well informed about her setting, the children's well-being and what they have been doing. Daily diaries and discussions are welcomed to maintain a two-way flow of information. However, parents have yet to become

p.5

the early years provision

fully involved in their child's assessment records. For example, through established ways of updating relevant information that would effectively contribute to their child's continuous learning. Nonetheless, the childminder has also established valuable links with other providers that children attend and demonstrates a positive approach to working in partnership with outside agencies, which enable her to provide continuous and secure care for the children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The environment is comfortable and reassuring. Children have access to a variety of age-appropriate resources from which to choose. They benefit from the freedom to explore independently and with the support of the childminder. She develops close relationships with children and they therefore gain much self-confidence. She enhances their play by talking with them and increases their awareness of ideas and concepts through her conversation. For example, it is evident that they are supported to become independent and active learners, as the childminder follows their interests. Consequently children develop basic skills for the future, such as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 literacy and numeracy through their play and daily routines. The childminder gathers relevant information about the children before they start in order to plan for their needs, although updating this information to contribute to children's

p.5

and outcomes for children

assessment records is not yet fully established. Nevertheless, well-presented observation records are being developed in order to identify what children do. However, these are not yet matched to the expectations of the early learning goals and consistently evaluated to plan for children's next steps in their learning and development.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children can easily access most resources that broadly cover all six areas of learning. In addition there are many resources to promote diversity in a positive way and to help children to develop respect for others. Children have many experiences to be creative as art and craft materials are available. They are exposed to a good range of books to further support their communication, language and literacy skills and also enhances their imagination. Children enjoy role-playing with the play kitchen and other small world toys and are very enthusiastic to make dens with pop up tents and various blankets. Children also have opportunities to experience simple technology around the house as well as making cause and effect toys and digital cameras work. There are good opportunities for children to take part in physical activities inside and out within the garden. Children's learning is further supported through attending various groups

p.6

and outcomes for children

and trips into the local community, where they can access a wider range of resources and activities.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Outcomes for children are successfully promoted through their everyday routines. Children have an increasing awareness of how to keep themselves safe and are developing an appropriate awareness of effective hygiene practices. For example, each child has their own wash bag with a towel, toothbrush and comb and older children are able to suggest that it is time to wash their hands before lunch. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding in the importance of providing children with nutritious and healthy food options. They eat balanced meals and are able to access drinks as they require. The childminder's house is clean and tidy, offering an attractive play environment for children. Children are encouraged to develop confident physical skills. For instance, encouraging children to walk and visit parks and other local amenities on a regular basis. They learn to behave responsibly as she has appropriate strategies in place, which are suitable for the

p.6

and outcomes for children

age and understanding of the children. Thus opportunities for children to make a positive contribution are appropriate. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8