Blaengwawr Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 401146 Inspection date 25/02/2010 Inspector Linda Cook

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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 has been registered since 1994. She is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, for a maximum of six children under eight years old. She lives with her family in a semi-detached house in a cul-de-sac, in a northern suburb of Scarborough. The childminder uses only the ground floor of the property for childminding and minded children do not have access to the family lounge. There is a rear enclosed garden used by minded children for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The property is close to a range of facilities, and the childminder takes children to and from various childcare groups and primary schools. There are currently four children in the early years age range on roll, who attend on a part time basis. Older children are also cared for before and after school and during school holidays.

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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

Children enjoy their time at the setting and effective systems are in place to ensure they are safeguarded, healthy and their welfare promoted. The childminder provides children with a stimulating learning environment, where their individual needs and interests are well supported. As a result, children make good progress in their learning and development. Partnerships with parents are positive. Although the childminder has not yet introduced a formal system of self-assessment, she has accessed training opportunities and uses these to reflect on her practice and make improvements to her service.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop systems of observation, and assessment to monitor the effectiveness of the learning programme and evidence parents on-going contribution to it  continue to develop partnerships with other providers that children attend, who deliver Early Years Foundation Stage, to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care  introduce a more structured approach to self-evaluation to identify and prioritise areas for develoment.

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the early years provision

The childminder fully understands her responsibilities in protecting children, and this is clearly reflected in her safeguarding policy. She attends safeguarding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 training to ensure her knowledge is kept up-to-date. Children's safety and security on site is assured through good supervision and the effective use of safety equipment; children are closely supervised when out and about. Written risk assessments are completed on all areas of the home and include outings. This ensures any risks to children are recognised and minimised. Records for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place and effectively maintained. There are clear procedures for the emergency evacuation of the premises, which children regularly practise and a record is kept.

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the early years provision

The childminder is motivated and committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment for all children. She has a dedicated play room where educational posters and children's work decorate the walls. She is pro-active in keeping her skills and knowledge up-to-date and is about to start a level 3 child care qualification. Most recommendations raised at the last inspection have been addressed successfully, which further ensures children's welfare. For example, there is now a clear complaints policy in place which meets requirements, and an accurate record is kept of children's attendance. Children's access to natural materials and household items continues to be developed. Parents views are sought through a basic questionnaire. However, while discussion revealed the childminder is aware of areas for development, there is no formal system in place that enables the childminder to evaluate her practice or prioritise future

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed very positive working relationships with parents. A high level of communication with parents, both written and verbal, means that children's individual needs are fully promoted. There is an effective two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents, both at the outset of care arrangements and as children grow and develop. This ensures that children are valued as individuals and are therefore settled and make good progress. However, while parents contribute to their children's on going learning, their contributions are not evidenced in their children's learning record. Partnerships with other settings continue to be developed. The childminder has a good relationship with the local school where she takes and collects children. However, there is currently no system in place for exchanging information with other settings children attend that the childminder does not have direct contact with.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has attended specific training regarding the Early Years Foundation Stage, to develop her knowledge so that she can effectively support children's development. The childminder knows the individual children well, and is very aware of their likes and interests. She has recently introduced learning records for each child, which include observations about children's play and learning and to identify possible next steps. These individual records are beginning to show children's progress within each of the six areas of learning, and photographs show children's involvement and enjoyment of the activities provided. However, they are not yet sufficiently developed to assess the effectiveness of what is provided and to evidence parental contributions. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are confident, happy and settled in the childminder's care. They relate

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and outcomes for children

well to the childminder, as she joins in with their play and they develop their communication skills as they constantly chat to her. They spend time together completing jigsaws, playing matching and sorting games to develop problem solving skills. They learn to identify colours as they talk about the colour of the clothes they are wearing and the colour of the fruit they are eating. They listen to music and enjoy completing action rhymes. They develop their imagination as the pretend to prepare meals for the childminder to eat. They are eager to learn and interested in in all that is provided and particularly enjoy baking. The childminder takes the children to other childcare groups where they enjoy a wide range of activities and the company of their peers. Outings to local parks and in the better weather trips to the beach provide opportunities for children to enjoy physical play and to explore. Children develop their awareness to diversity and equality through

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and outcomes for children

discussions with the childminder and the range of activities and resources provided.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a good understanding of the importance of following good personal hygiene routines. For example, as the childminder discusses with them the importance of washing their hands before they enjoy a baking activity. Children show a strong sense of security and feel safe within the childminder's care. The childminder carefully explains why they must not climb on furniture and they take part in regular fire drills, which helps to develop their awareness of safe practices. Children learn how to stay safe when out in the local community as the childminder talks to them about road safety and how to keep themselves safe. While parents provide all snacks a meals, posters displayed on healthy eating and discussions with the childminder increases children's understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet in maintaining their good health. The childminder has clear expectations of children's behaviour and as a result children are well behaved and

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and outcomes for children

feel secure in her care. 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 3 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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