Orrets Meadow School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 105140 Inspection date 03/02/2011 Inspector Jacqueline Nation

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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. The childminder lives with her husband, three adult children, and her son aged 13 years in Luton, Bedfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and includes access to bathroom facilities. First floor rooms and the garden are not used.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time. Currently there are five children on roll, all of whom are within the early years age range. All children attend on various days.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has systems in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

Children are lively, confident and well cared for by this dedicated and experienced childminder. Children learn through play and make good progress towards the early learning goals. Inclusive practice is assured, every child is welcomed, respected and treated with equal concern. Effective partnerships with parents and carers ensure children's needs are met and information is exchanged. All the required documentation is in place to ensure children's overall well-being is supported. The childminder demonstrates a good capacity to maintain ongoing continuous improvement through the use of reflective practice and training, although the procedures for self-evaluation are in the early stages.

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further?

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

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further?

 review assessment systems to ensure all areas of learning are incorporated in planning documents  develop further the quality improvement system to monitor and evaluate the strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Safeguarding is given good attention as the childminder is fully aware of her duty to protect children in her care. She has a good knowledge and understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and demonstrates a commitment to promoting children's safety. Children play safely in this welcoming environment because the childminder is vigilant and supervises the children well. All adults in the household undergo Criminal Bureau Checks to confirm their suitability. The premises are safe and secure and detailed risk assessment covers all aspects of the premises and outings. Records relating to children's attendance, medication and accidents are maintained accurately and documents are stored to ensure confidentiality. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are in place, they underpin the childminder's practice and are shared with parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to inclusion and welcomes the diversity and individuality of all children. Children's needs are well met because the childminder has a good understanding of the care that they require. The childminder has effective systems in place to support children with English as an additional language, and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She works closely with parents to ensure each child get the support they need to help them reach their full potential. The childminder values linguistic diversity and provides resources to support children's learning, for example, an Arabic alphabet book. The childminder recognises the importance of working with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to support children's continuity of care and learning. She is well-organised and makes good use of the space within the home. A good range of resources and equipment are accessible enabling children to

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents and carers is good. The childminder works closely with parents from the outset gathering key information about children's individual needs and parents' preferences. Daily exchanges of information ensure that parents are kept well informed about all aspects of their child's daily routine, progress and achievement. Parent's and children's views are sought on the quality of the provision through the use of a questionnaire, and comments made by both parties are very positive.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to ongoing improvement and has implemented the recommendations from the last inspection effectively. This improves outcomes relating to children's understanding of the wider society, their well-being and safety. The childminder has started to reflect on her practice using the Ofsted self-evaluation form. She is beginning to identify her strengths and areas for development. The childminder is fully committed to her own professional development and attends a range of training to develop her practice, skills and knowledge. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children achieve well and make good progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Caring relationships are evident as children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. Children are able to play at their own pace and freely access a range of toys and equipment which they explore and investigate with enjoyment. The childminder has introduced a system to observe and assess children's progress. Children's starting points are discussed with parents and information is recorded on an 'All about me' form. Children's progress and achievement is reflected in individual observation folders which are regularly shared with parents. Planning is flexible and develops through observations of each child's interests and preferences. There is scope for improving the assessment system to ensure all areas of learning are covered and planned for.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and recognises the learning opportunities in everyday activities. Children's personal, social and emotional development is fostered well. Children display good levels of confidence and settle quickly into the childminder's home and the daily routine. Children's communication skills are developing well through good interactions. Younger children enjoy looking at picture books and older children are keen to listen to stories. Children enjoy singing nursery rhymes, they like to practise their mark making skills, and some older children attempt to write their name. Children are provided with frequent opportunities and resources to develop their creative skills, for example, they enjoy painting, cutting and sticking, and dressing up. They use their imagination as they manipulate playdough and talk about making a 'rocket' and an 'ice cream'. Children are supported in developing their understanding of

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and outcomes for children

problem solving, reasoning and numeracy in a broad range of contexts. They weigh ingredients during cooking activities, talk about their favourite colour as they play, and use the abacus to practice their counting skills. All children are encouraged to be active and improve their skills of co-ordination, control and movement. Children benefit from visits to local toddler groups and parks which help to enhance their social skills and physical development. The childminder encourages children's interest in technology as they learn to operate a wide range of electronic resources; children talk about the sounds they recognise as they press the buttons, for example, the sound of a harp. Children are developing a sense of awareness of other cultures, the local community and the wider world through a range of outings, planned activities and the use of resources that represent a diverse society. As a result of these experiences children make good

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and outcomes for children

progress in developing skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled and comfortable in their environment and confidently seek the support of the childminder for comfort and cuddles. Children's health and well- being is promoted because the childminder holds an up-to-date first aid certificate and has good procedures in place if a child has an accident or becomes ill whilst at the setting. Children adopt good personal hygiene routines and know they have to wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. They use individual hand towels to dry their hands and this helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Children eat well and healthily. The childminder provides a range of home cooked This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 nutritious meals and fresh fruit snacks which children enjoy. Children's individual dietary and cultural requirements are respected. The childminder supports children in learning good behaviours and develops their understanding of right and wrong.

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and outcomes for children

She has a calm, consistent approach and encourages children to share, take turns and develop positive relationships. Good emphasis is placed on developing children's understanding of dangers and staying safe. The childminder talks to them about road safety and children know how to evacuate the premises in an emergency. 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 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 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 2 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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