Coates Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 110631 Inspection date 06/07/2010 Inspector Lynn Amelia Hartigan

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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 two children aged 16 and 12 years in Colchester, Essex. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the childminder's home is via a low-step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are currently five children attending three of which are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on both 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children's individual needs are promoted well as the childminder has very good policies and procedures that underpin her practice enabling her to care for children in an inclusive environment. The childminder is able to demonstrate that information regarding the children's individual routines and development is available and assists her planning. Good observations of the children enables the childminder to effectively plan for the children's next steps in learning. The childminder is now developing systems which enable her to identify areas for improvement and to raise standards. The childminder's attitude toward self-evaluation demonstrates a commitment to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop opportunities for babies and younger children to explore and experiment with natural materials  develop the use of self-evaluation to identify the areas of strength and priorities for improvement that will improve the quality of the provision for children.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for by a childminder who has a good understanding and knowledge to effectively promote their development and welfare. The childminder has embraced the Early Years Foundation Stage and has a good understanding of how children learn and develop. The childminder is able to plan effectively for children individually and makes good use of detailed observations to ensure their next steps are identified and supported. The childminder is organised and all paperwork is efficient and well maintained. The childminder positively encourages This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good working practices with the parents and endeavours to inform them verbally on a daily basis of their child's learning achievements and also offers the written observations and photographic evidence to the parents. Daily diaries are also used for the younger child. This is an effective way to document and share the

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the early years provision

children's developmental achievements. Written references from parents express their complete satisfaction with every aspect of the childminder's service. Children receive good attention as the childminder works with an appropriate number of children at any one time, enabling her to give good supervision and care.

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the early years provision

Children are effectively protected from harm as the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding with regard to child protection and safeguarding children. The childminder is vigilant within the home and when outdoors with regard to the children's safety and outstanding policies, procedures and risk assessments are in place that underpin her practices. A visitors book is used and a small induction offered to any one visiting the home. Children appear comfortable in the presence of strangers as the childminder introduces them and explains the purpose of the visit. The childminder is comfortable and secure with the procedure to follow, should she have concerns regarding a child's well-being. Thorough vetting procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for by suitable people. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards continuous improvement and has made some attempts to reflect on her practice and self-evaluate, however this

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to promoting inclusive practice. Some good resources that promote positive images are available to the children. The childminder is committed to ensure that children learn about equality and diversity and ensures that traditional days and festivals are reflected within the planning. The childminder is forming good links with the local pre-school and schools that minded children attend to ensure the children's learning is supported and consistent.

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and outcomes for children

Children's learning, development and welfare is promoted by the childminder, enabling them to make good progress in their learning whilst having fun. The childminder has a flexible weekly plan which may include visits to the local toddler group, 'Crafty Kids' sessions at the children's centre where the children thoroughly enjoy many messy activities. These include shaving foam play which is popular with the younger children. Children are able to initiate their own play and can easily access toys and equipment within the home as these are easily accessible. Children giggle with delight when they play with the hand puppets and the childminder makes up stories. they happily play and concentrate for some time on their construction and small world people. the childminder is always close by to support their play, but is skilful in allowing the children to play alone. Some opportunities are available for children to use natural materials, however these are

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and outcomes for children

limited as most resources have a purpose.

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and outcomes for children

Children's art work and photos are displayed within the home which creates a real This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sense of belonging. As a result they are confident and happy in the childminder's care and have clearly formed a good relationship with her and enjoy lots of cuddles. They have a good play space indoors and outdoors and are able to use the garden whenever they choose. Young babies enjoy cuddles and saying goodnight to the children before being tucked up for a nap. The childminder uses a baby listener and regularly checks on the sleeping child. The childminder ensures that children receive fresh air and exercise daily throughout the year as they walk to school and children are beginning to learn about road safety as this is discussed on their outings. very young children are able to discuss the fire evacuation as the childminder has a thorough and robust procedure in place. Children receive a

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and outcomes for children

certificate and colouring sheets of firemen to complete following a drill. Excellent written risk assessments are in place.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to have a basic understanding of diversity as the childminder encourages simple conversations regarding everyone's individuality and some good resources are in place. The childminder encourages healthy choices when choosing a snack as this is promoted. The childminder encourages and provides parents with many opportunities to be involved with regard to the children's learning and development. Good information regarding the Early Years Foundation Stage is readily available to the parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a fully inclusive environment where every child is valued and respected. They are confident and secure within the setting and they have a good understanding of the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management. The childminder works closely with parents with regard to managing behaviour to ensure consistency. Children are congratulated and praised for their efforts. The childminder understands that some children may require additional support and would actively seek information and advice to ensure they are fully involved in the activities provided. It is evident from parents feedback that they are extremely happy with every aspect of care offered to their children and speak highly of the childminder. 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 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 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 1 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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