Shalbourne CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 126354 Inspection date 26/04/2010 Inspector Mary Van De Peer

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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 1994. The childminder lives with her husband and family in Ashford, Kent. The whole ground floor area of the house are used for minding children. A bathroom is located downstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, three of whom can be in the early years age group. The childminder is currently minding five children, part time, in the early years age group. The childminder is also able to support children with special educational needs and disabilities. The childminder drives and walks to local schools to take and collect children and also attends the local toddler groups. The family has a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority. The childminder is 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 outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is a very experienced child carer. She has created a very friendly, secure and welcoming environment for children. The childminder values their individuality highly and ensures they have access to a wide range of play opportunities, both inside and outdoors. This enables them to learn and develop valuable skills. Children benefit from the childminder’s caring approach and they are happy and confident. The childminder gives great importance to her partnership with parents and is pro-active in ensuring she involves them fully in meeting their children’s care and learning needs. The childminder demonstrates a high commitment to maintaining continuous improvement in her service.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the partnerships with other carers, using any information to continue to promote the consistency in children's learning and development

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded very effectively through clear procedures that ensure their welfare is promoted at all times. The childminder has attended many child protection training courses since her registration over 15 years ago. This has resulted in her having a considerable knowledge base on how she would proceed if she had any concerns about a child in her care. A detailed and informative written policy is in place. The childminder also keeps an excellent range of additional safeguarding information to refer to and share with parents. An easy to use but This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 highly effective risk assessment process ensures any environment children use is extremely safe and secure. The childminder is accurate in her written records and they are regularly reviewed. She carries out daily checks to maximise children's safety. The emergency evacuation drill is practised regularly with all children, any

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the early years provision

problems arising from a risk assessment are addressed swiftly. Fire prevention equipment includes a fire blanket and smoke alarms, one of which is connected to the local fire station.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very committed towards striving for improvement in all areas of her practice, to benefit the children she cares for. She attends local childminding group meetings and local authority training courses and workshops, to keep her child care knowledge up to date. She has also attained a first aid certificate by accessing the relevant training course. The childminder's Ofsted registration certificate is displayed for parents and visitors to view.

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the early years provision

The childminder promotes the current skills and abilities of the children in partnership with their parents, carers and other settings. She has developed verbal links with the pre-schools the children she minds, attend. She is currently assessing how best to incorporate the feedback from them into what she already successfully provides for those individuals. The childminder is able to take a critical look at her practice, so that she can make any improvements needed. Resources are well used to maximise children's learning potential. For example, an extensive range of toys and resources are freely available both indoors and out. The furniture and equipment is suitable for children of all ages and stages of development.

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the early years provision

Equality and diversity is promoted exceptionally well within the childminder's practice. She has an excellent range of guidance and information, which is embedded into everyday practice. The childminder values every child as a unique individual. All children and their families are supported according to their specific needs and circumstances. This means that no child is disadvantaged and that all children are treated with equal regard. Systems for self-evaluation are extremely organised and effective. The childminder is forward thinking and clear about the strengths of her provision. She sets realistic and meaningful targets for improvement to her practice wherever possible. The childminder ensures that parents and children have an input into the running of her service and their needs and wishes are gainfully acted upon. Previous recommendations have been addressed to a high standard, helping to move the childminder's practice forward

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the early years provision

purposefully and effectively. The childminder welcomes all children and provides them with challenging and stimulating opportunities to play and learn.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children's welfare and learning highly effectively. The resourceful provision of toys, activities and experiences cover all areas of learning. This means children are achieving and progressing really well in the Early Years Foundation Stage. For example, the childminder provides stimulating interactive toys and resources, to promote the sensory needs of young children and babies. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 She talks and plays with children, asking open-ended questions, enabling them to develop early communication and problem-solving skills. Children love discovering how different toys work. Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and physical exercise daily, through adaptable and well resourced outdoor play opportunities. The childminder also plans regular outings to local parks, shops, toddler groups and walks in natural environments, such as wooded areas. The children are able to

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and outcomes for children

explore their local community, using these experiences to extend their play.

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and outcomes for children

There is a considerable range of stimulating and interesting toys available for children to learn and play with. The childminder rotates some of the resources as there are too many to be out at any one time. She has laminated photographs of most of the activities, enabling children to show if they are interested in something that isn't available. The children are able to develop skills in making choices and are building a confident knowledge of what activities they are interested in and enjoy doing. Their self esteem is promoted well. Sensory play is always included in the childminder's planning. Children are able to experience different textures such as sand and oats, adding water to get a more interesting result. The older child present extends this and mixes these up to provide 'food' for a picnic he has decided to hold. The children play purposefully together, riding trikes and cars, learning to negotiate and manoeuvre around the pathway. Other activities

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and outcomes for children

constantly available include small world figures, cars, dolls and construction resources. Programmable toys and access to a computer allow children to develop their information communication and technology skills. Many resources reflect positive images of the wider world and these help children to learn to respect differences. The childminder has an open attitude to play materials being available to all children, promoting equality of opportunity.

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and outcomes for children

Excellent health and hygiene routines are encouraged by the childminder and even young toddlers are learning to wash their hands. They are beginning to develop an early understanding of good personal care. Children who are unwell are not cared for by the childminder. These very effective procedures also help to prevent the spread of infection. Main meals are currently provided by the children's parents, although healthy drinks and snacks are also offered. Drinks of water are always available for children to keep themselves hydrated.

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and outcomes for children

Purposeful and informative observations are carried out on every child. These are recorded in children's individual development books. The childminder is very accomplished in linking her observations and assessments to the learning goals. A chart she uses shows, at-a-glance, where a child is in their development. Any creations made by children and photographs relevant to the activity, provide significant evidence for parents so they can see exactly how well their child is progressing and their achievements. The childminder systematically evaluates the outcomes for children and consistently identifies their next steps, using this information in her future planning. She continually builds on children's current interests, abilities and needs in conjunction with parental input, which enables them to move forward effectively in their learning. Children clearly enjoy being with the childminder and show they feel safe and secure with her. They

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and outcomes for children

demonstrate this as they arrive and separate from their parent confidently and immediately become engrossed in an activity. The childminder regularly praises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children, for instance, affirming their achievements as they explore and play. This helps to develop their sense of belonging and self-assurance. 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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