Singlegate Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 102647 Inspection date 27/01/2011 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 assesses 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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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 1997. She lives with her husband, two adult children and 14-year-old daughter, in Bodmin, Cornwall. The whole of the ground floor and two designated rooms on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two dogs and a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age range, at any one time. When an assistant is present, a maximum of nine children may be cared for, six of whom may be in the early years age group, at any one time. There are currently 30 children on roll aged from birth to 11 years, 15 of whom are in the early years age group. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She also takes children to the local library and park. The childminder and her assistant have appropriate insurance to use their cars for childminding purposes. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Bodmin Childminding 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

The childminder provides a highly effective and enabling environment in which children learn through play. Premises are child-focussed, warm and welcoming, with some examples of children's creativity displayed. Children are very happy and thrive in the care of the childminder and her assistant. Partnerships with parents are excellent, which contributes significantly to children's individual needs being met. The childminder is thorough in her planning and provision, resulting in fully inclusive care. Rigorous self-evaluation procedures demonstrate a commitment to further enhancements to 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?

 extend the opportunities for children to display their emergent writing skills, to further enhance their self-esteem. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder is meticulous in her organisation, preparation and provision of childcare. She has a professional approach, implementing robust policies and procedures to successfully promote children's health, safety and welfare. Records and documentation required for effective, efficient childcare arrangements are in excellent order. The childminder and her assistant have very secure knowledge and awareness of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. They attend child protection training and provide parents with relevant information. Supervision and support for children is highly effective. The childminder is thorough in her assessment of risks and ensures that children are safe at all times. She is highly conscientious, for example, frequent checks are made on sleeping children. The garden has a safe surface under the swings and there is an all weather canopy to protect children.

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the early years provision

Resources are in excellent condition, readily accessible and reflect diversity exceptionally well. The childminder is thorough in her consideration of children's backgrounds and individual needs. She is highly effective in promoting children's early understanding and respect for others. For example, keen attention is given to the content of books. This ensures that they reflect children's cultures, language and lifestyles. The childminder is very sensitive to children's needs and ensures a nurturing environment. Children feel valued and develop high levels of self-esteem in her care. The childminder has very good partnerships with others to meet the needs of children. Effective transitional arrangements are also in place to ensure that children are prepared well for change. Meticulous attention is given to all activities and routines, which thoroughly promotes children's well-being. The childminder and assistant demonstrate exemplary hygiene practice, with an

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the early years provision

excellent understanding of children's health.

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the early years provision

Comprehensive systems to observe, assess and plan for children's progress are in place. The childminder is very attentive to children's interests and provides an excellent range of activities. She constantly strives to enhance play, for instance, in seeking further information to extend and challenge children's learning. Each area of learning is carefully considered and planned to thoroughly promote children's individual progress. Parents contribute to the records of development and have excellent relationships with the childminder. Feedback from parents is extensive and exceptionally positive. They describe children's confidence as 'sensational' and comment on the 'wonderful support and encouragement' to children. Parents and children see the provision as an 'extended family' and are extremely happy with the care. Since the last inspection the childminder has continued to make improvements to enhance her provision. She has achieved a recognised childcare

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the early years provision

qualification and is committed to ongoing training. Access to the side of the property has been improved and the family also now has an allotment. The childminder constantly evaluates and considers what can be further developed. For example, she is currently collecting boxes so that children can make a model ambulance for their role play. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are exceptionally happy in the care of the childminder and her assistant. They show a keen sense of belonging, settling quickly and joining in with their friends. Younger children have very secure attachments, enjoying cuddles and close attention. Children are pleased to be there and take great interest in the resources and activities. They focus exceptionally well as they play at the table with dough. They use a good variety of tools and equipment, discovering different effects that they can achieve. The activity is extended as children talk about the colours of the dough and the scents, for example, vanilla and chocolate. Children make marks or letter shapes, depending on age and ability. They notice each other's creations and are warmly praised for their achievements. After one activity children readily help to prepare for another, tidying up and selecting resources.

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and outcomes for children

Children make excellent progress in their personal, social and emotional development. They become confident communicators, expressing their needs well. The childminder is highly responsive to their ideas or requests. Children react with great enthusiasm when the dressing-up clothes are brought downstairs. They select clothes, beads and other accessories, brushing their hair and proudly showing off their outfits. Children are observant and make interesting comparisons. For example, young children notice that the Halloween costume is 'like a tiger', because it has orange and black stripes. A favourite story is enacted together, with excellent involvement from the children. They listen intently, chant and move around at exactly the right time. Children delight in holding the giant bear and using resources related to the story. Attractive books are readily accessible and include different languages and scripts, reflecting difference for

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and outcomes for children

children. Signs and labels are all around the setting to effectively promote children's understanding that print has meaning. However, these do not readily reflect children's contributions. Children take part in many creative activities and use an extensive range of materials. Examples are put into their individual folders, taken home and some displayed, which children are proud of.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from frequent outdoor play experiences. They have 'all weather' suits so that they can play out at any time. The garden canopy provides shelter in poor and hot weather. Children learn about 'sun safety' and many other safety aspects with the childminder. For example, they have a height chart in the hall which shows them what type of car seat they need to use. They learn about nature, such as animals and growing things. Children show care and concern as they help to look after the guinea pig. Their learning is enhanced as the childminder teaches them which 'healthy' food to put in the hutch. Children are excited to hear that guinea pigs make unique squeaks, and eagerly listen to anticipate what they mean. Further understanding of 'good food' is developed through activities at the allotment. The role play area is carefully resourced and changed to reflect children's ideas and contributions. For example, for inspection

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and outcomes for children

they help to set up the 'Doctors Surgery', which has clearly labelled shelves with first aid equipment and a reception desk. Children play exceptionally well and very imaginatively together. The childminder and assistant are very warm and caring, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 interacting skilfully with children throughout activities. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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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