Thames Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 138927 Inspection date 05/07/2010 Inspector Kim Mundy

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and four teenage and adult children in Eastcote in the London borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two dogs and goldfish as pets. She walks/drives to local schools to take and collect children and she attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and of these, three may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding six children in this age group; they attend on a variety of days and at different times. She also cares for older children before/after school.

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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 having a wonderful time because the childminder values and respects them as individuals. There is an excellent range of resources, which the childminder uses to plan a very rich learning environment. Excellent partnerships with parents and carers ensure that each child is fully included in what is offered. The childminder successfully creates a welcoming, safe and secure environment where children's welfare is paramount. Her drive and enthusiasm for her role as a child carer means that she is extremely able to maintain a continuously outstanding service for children and their families.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend children's exploration and questioning of differences in gender, ethnicity, religion, culture and disability.

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the early years provision

The childminder is extremely well organised and she is very clear about her role and responsibilities as a registered childminder. She has an excellent awareness of safety issues and is vigilant in her supervision of the children. Thorough risk assessments are carried out for both the premises and outings. All adults living in the household have been suitably vetted as they have an enhanced criminal record check. As a result, children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment. Children are safeguarded as the childminder updates her knowledge and keeps abreast of current child protection procedures. The childminder has a clear policy that is shared with parents and reflects current local guidance. There is ample This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 space for children to move around comfortably as they help themselves to very good quality toys and resources. Their needs are exceptionally well met because all

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the early years provision

the documentation and records required for the safe and effective care of children are in place. The childminder completes a self-evaluation form to help her to make accurate judgements about her childminding service. Current successes, excellent organisational skills and the desire to do better, confirm this childminder's outstanding capacity to improve.

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the early years provision

The childminder values children's home backgrounds and works closely with parents to meet their individual requirements. Boys and girls achieve equally well because activities are designed to appeal to their different interests. When caring for children with English as an additional language, the childminder asks parents for words in their child's first language.

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the early years provision

The childminder works in a very positive and productive manner with parents, maintaining long term and consistent relationships. Children's emotional well-being is nurtured as the childminder gathers detailed information about their development when they first start, as well as any specific requirements to support their welfare and routines. Parents' receive copies of the childminder's comprehensive policies that underpin her excellent provision. The childminder operates an 'open door' policy and parents' receive photos on their mobile phones of their child at play, which is very reassuring for them. The childminder provides beautifully presented progress reports for parents that are significantly linked to the early learning goals outcomes and include children's photos and samples of their art work. Thank you letters show that parents are very happy with this childminding service and they hold the childminder in high regard. The childminder

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the early years provision

has formed very positive links with the local primary school and nursery, and information is shared with regards to topics followed by both the childminder and the school. These strong partnerships contribute towards children receiving consistent care and continuity in learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children’s health and well-being are very positively promoted. Personal hygiene routines are well established to support children in becoming independent. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has effective systems in place to administer and record any medication and first aid. Children enjoy fresh air and exercise; they have many opportunities to develop their physical skills as they ride tricycles, climb, slide, crawl and balance. They are learning to keep safe as they discuss road safety and put on their sun hats and cream. They know what to do in the event of a fire because they participate in fire drills on a monthly basis. The childminder has an excellent understanding of food and nutrition through attending food and hygiene training and children's individual dietary requirements are followed. Children receive lots of attention and have a strong bond with the childminder, which increases their sense of well-being. They learn to play

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and outcomes for children

cooperatively where they share and take turns, and learn to be kind and helpful to others. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder’s enthusiastic commitment to children means that they are exceptionally well cared for and are making excellent progress in their development. The childminder has extensive knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which enables her to effectively assess children's progress towards the early learning goal outcomes and to plan their next steps for learning. Based on thorough and accurate observations, the childminder sets up a full range of interesting and thought-provoking activities. The childminder encourages children's early communication skills by providing an environment rich in conversation. She helps them to develop their listening skills and stimulates their thinking by encouraging two-way discussions and an interest in books.

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and outcomes for children

Children are highly valued as individuals and they are developing a positive self- image, confidence and esteem. They are very proud of their drawings and are able to explain what they have drawn, for example, a fish, as they show them to visitors. The celebration of festivals, such as Diwali and Christmas successfully promotes children's appreciation of the different cultures within the local community. There is a good range of toys and resources which help children to learn about multicultural Britain. The childminder is keen to extend the activities she offers to help children to develop an even broader knowledge and understanding of other people's beliefs.

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and outcomes for children

Children show obvious enjoyment in learning whether indoors or outdoors. The childminder enables children to learn through investigation, play, discussion and first-hand sensory experiences, for example, as they explore play dough, sand and water, and listen to musical instruments. Children are learning to care for living things as they make food for the birds and recycle cardboard rolls to make binoculars to observe them coming in to the garden. In addition, children grow beans, cress, tomato plants and sunflowers. Children are developing their skills for the future in information and communication technology; they enjoy creating pictures on the computer, playing with the many interactive and remote control toys. Chalks, crayons and pencils are available to enable children to practise their early mark-making skills. Children have excellent opportunities to recognise colours, shapes, size and numbers as they build towers with bricks, stack rings,

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and outcomes for children

post shapes and fit puzzles together. They thoroughly enjoy outings out and about in the local community, which further enhances their learning experiences. Due to the childminder's commitment the children are having a fantastic time as they learn through play and develop positive attitudes to learning. As a result, this prepares them well for 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 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 1 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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