Bolham First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 128690 Inspection date 26/01/2011 Inspector Pamela Paisley

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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 1990. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder lives with her husband and two adult children in Brockley within the London borough of Lewisham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding three children on a part-time basis in the early years age range. She also cares for children aged over five years to eight years. 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's individual needs are met well and the childminder organises her home to ensure that all children can take part in the activities she provides. Most resources and play materials supports children in their development. Children are making good progress in their learning, although the childminder has not yet fully developed systems for identifying and planning for children's next steps of learning. There are effective links with parents to help them be involved in their child's care and education. The childminder has maintained continuous improvement by addressing the actions and recommendations from her previous inspection. The childminder is committed to monitoring and evaluating the service she provides to improve outcomes for children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for observations and assessments in order to clearly identify and plan for children's next steps of learning  improve the range of programmable toys to support children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of how to protect children. She has attended relevant training courses to ensure that her practice is underpinned with good and up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding procedures. There is a good range of policies and procedures in place which are required to promote the welfare and care of children, which are share and discussed with parents. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to ensure children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safety within her home and on outings to protect them from possible hazards. The childminder has addressed all actions and recommendations from her last inspection to improve the outcomes for children. She has taken steps to evaluate the service she provides and is currently on a training course to enhance her childcare knowledge. The childminder makes good use of the space and resources

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the early years provision

in her home. Children are well cared for and supported during their time with her. Her home is organised so children feel comfortable and confident in accessing a wide range of stimulating play materials and equipment. The childminder has a good knowledge of each child's background and children are able to participate fully because activities are thoughtfully adapted to meet their individual needs. Partnerships with parents are well established and parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child, particularly when children first start attending. The childminder gives parents detailed information about their child's achievements and progress and keeps records that are shared with them. Parents are encouraged to give their views about the provision and have recently given positive feedback about the service the childminder provides. They are very happy with the care and education their children receive. The childminder works closely

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the early years provision

with other early years provisions where her minded children attend to ensure that information is regularly shared and used to promote children's achievements and well-being.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of child development and uses her knowledge to ensure that children achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and capabilities. The childminder provides worthwhile play and learning experiences. Activities are planned in advance and used to support children in their development and overall learning, although the childminder has not yet fully developed observations and assessments to clearly identity and plan children's next steps of learning. The childminder's home is organised well, creating a child-friendly environment which enables children to explore and take risks and children practise regular drills to help them become familiar with emergency evacuation procedures. Children have good opportunities to socialise with other children through regular trips to a number of different groups such as baby gyms, children's centres for stay and play sessions and the library to borrow

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and outcomes for children

books and CDs. Children's self-help skills and independence are developing well as they feed themselves at mealtimes and wash their hands at appropriate times. They concentrate well as they attempt to put on their own clothes and shoes. The childminder uses books and discussions to help children learn about different cultures and beliefs. The children enjoy listening to a wide variety of music and enjoy dressing up in clothes from different countries. Play materials reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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and outcomes for children

Children build models with a broad range of construction materials. They are learning how to use computers, although there is les access to programmable toys to support their learning. Children's knowledge of the natural world is increasing as they plant tomatoes, courgettes, broccoli, strawberries, aubergines, corn and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 chives in the childminder's garden. Children visit the local pet shop and help to look after the childminder's tropical fish. Children are gaining good communication skills as they learn new words to songs and everyday objects. Children show a great interest in books and listen intently to stories told by the childminder. Crayons and chalk are readily accessible for children to enjoy mark making. Children are beginning to use mathematical language as they sing number songs and count how many fingers, ears and toes they have. Their problem solving and

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and outcomes for children

reasoning skills are being developed through good access to puzzles, shape sorters and the use of sand and water. Children's physical development is enhanced as they go to parks and baby gyms where they can use slides, swings, climbing frames and trampolines. The childminder makes good use of her garden so that children use pedal cars, swings and play a variety of ball games. Children are building positive relationships as they learn to share and take turns when playing. The childminder is aware of each child's individual dietary needs and ensures these are met. Children enjoy a wide variety of healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. Meals are freshly prepared and the childminder often uses home-grown produce. Menus are shared with parents so that they are aware of meal choices. 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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