Cross-in-Hand Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 114496 Inspection date 12/05/2010 Inspector Teresa Elkington

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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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and adult son in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, which is situated within walking distance of shops, parks and a leisure centre. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, of these, not more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for three children in the early years age group. The registration also includes children on the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder is a member of a local childminder support group.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a highly inclusive environment where the uniqueness of each child is highlighted and expertly met. Exceptional knowledge of each child's individual needs ensures that the childminder promotes all aspects of the children's welfare and learning with success. She forges exceptionally close partnerships with parents to ensure children receive consistent, high quality care. She makes very good use of local training opportunities to develop her skills. As a result, she is able to critically evaluate and continuously improve her professional practice.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 developing the partnerships with others providing the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a thorough knowledge of child protection issues, which is well supported by detailed written information, enhancing her ability to safeguard children. She promotes children's safety to a very high standard by regularly assessing and minimising potential hazards on her premises and for all outings. All regulatory requirements are in place and followed meticulously. The childminder has a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that underpin her outstanding practice. The childminder actively promotes children's understanding of developing a healthy lifestyle.

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the early years provision

The childminder is well established, conscientious and strives to continually improve and aspires to provide an outstanding, inclusive practice. She undertakes This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 rigorous self-evaluation, including seeking regular feedback from both parents and children. She undertakes substantial and relevant training to enhance her skills in support of her work with young children. Her dedicated professionalism results in excellent outcomes for children across all areas of their learning and development. The home environment and outdoor play area is extremely well organised, therefore ensuring children have ample opportunity to freely select resources and make independent choices. In addition, the childminder has devised an informative photograph album of all resources to ensure that children have variety in their play. Children's understanding of sustainability is being developed through their

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the early years provision

involvement in household recycling and as they use the toy and book libraries. The childminder is fully aware of the importance of meeting children's individual needs. The childminder selects toys and play resources that present non-stereotypical images and positive role models to all children as well as being supportive of children’s individual ethnicity. Children have good opportunities to celebrate and share aspects of their own cultures and those of other people.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from the highly successful partnerships established with parents. The childminder provides an extensive range of information for parents which provides a clear reflection of the provision and the service that is provided. Clear discussions take place with parents before children start to ascertain milestones already achieved, which allows the childminder to plan accordingly for their individual learning. Parents are encouraged to get actively involved in their child's learning. For example, learning journals of individual children are taken home on a regular basis, so that parents can see at first hand as to how their child is progressing. This forms a basis of discussions with the childminder, which allows them to plan together for children's next steps in their future learning. The childminder strives to work in partnership with other providers to ensure that children's skills are enhanced and developed.

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and outcomes for children

Children are extremely comfortable and settled in their surroundings and move freely around all areas of the home identified for their use. Children are sociable and develop strong relationships with the childminder who is constantly on hand to support and guide children in their play. They are eager to explore new experiences and demonstrate high levels of interest and involvement, focusing for sustained periods of times in activities that inspire them. For example; as one plays with dolls and the other explores the different sounds that the musical instruments make. Children feel a true sense of belonging as they see displays of their work within the home and resources in support of their own ethnicity. For example, story books in different languages. Children behave very well, they respond to the childminder in a positive manner and show good cooperation and are respectful of each other's needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is of paramount importance to the childminder, which helps children to follow a healthy lifestyle. Children follow good personal hygiene routines and understand the need to wash hands, for example, they actively remind the childminder that they need gel to wash their hands before the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 preparation of their snacks. Children are well nourished and receive meals which are reflective of their dietary needs and preferences. They enjoy healthy snacks of fresh fruit which they skilfully peel and cut and often engage in cooking activities which further develops their understanding of healthy food options. Children engage in daily outdoor activities, both in the garden and away from the home. This allows them to experience a range of outdoor pursuits to help them learn about their immediate environment and encourage their physical development. For

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and outcomes for children

example, participation in the annual 'Toddler Toddle', encourages children to walk and adopt a healthy lifestyle in aid of good causes.

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and outcomes for children

A particular strength of the setting is the childminder's exceptional knowledge of children's ability and progression, which means the learning and development programme is tailored to meet their individual needs. Her systems for observation, planning and assessment are excellent. The observations clearly identify each child's individual next steps and the planning details stimulating activities to enable the child to progress at their own pace and abilities. Overall, children thrive in a setting where they are free to learn, explore, experiment and have fun within the care of a childminder, who values the children as individuals and provides many opportunities for them to grow and flourish. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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