Brentwood County High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 145474 Inspection date 25/01/2011 Inspector Charlotte Jenkin

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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 registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and grown up children on the outskirts of Trowbridge. The whole of the ground floor is used for children's play and bedrooms are available for sleep and rest. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, of whom three may be in the early years age range. When working with her assistant she is able to care for four children in the early years age range. She is registered on the early years register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She currently cares for three children in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from Oakfield Nursery and Walwayne Court School, Trowbridge. She holds a relevant level 3 qualification in childcare and education.

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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 extremely well met by the childminder. Her good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage means she fully promotes children's welfare and helps them make sound progress in their learning and development. Partnerships with parents are well established and information is regularly shared to support children's development. The childminder has reflected on her practice and identified clear areas for improvements. She has acted upon recommendations from the last inspection and this demonstrates she has the capacity to enhance outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 encourage parents to contribute to the assessment process regarding their child's achievements outside of the provision  develop further the programme for knowledge and understanding of the world by increasing opportunities for children to explore information communication technology and the cultures and beliefs of others  improve opportunities for children to see print in their daily environment through labelling toys and resources, both in English and the languages the children who attend are familiar with in their home lives. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children play in safe premises as the childminder prioritises their safety on a daily basis. She has carried out regular checks of the premises, and reviews her records of risk assessments monthly. This ensures any potential hazards to children are promptly identified and removed. All adults in the house have undergone suitable vetting checks, and consents from parents are in place for leaving children for short periods with the childminder's assistants. The childminder has a sound knowledge of safeguarding issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns about a child in her care. This promotes children's welfare and safety in the provision.

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the early years provision

All required documentation is in place to ensure the childminder has the necessary information regarding the children she cares for. This promotes their well-being fully. All policies and procedures are shared with parents, and consents gained in order that they know and agree the activities and routines their child participates in. Children benefit from the solid partnership with parents as they have their care needs respected and are cared for in line with parents' wishes. The childminder discusses children's daily routines, as well as their ongoing development with parents. This helps them work together to consistently support the children's development. However, although parents are invited to contribute to the assessment process regarding their child's achievements outside of the provision, this is not yet fully established. The childminder is aware of the importance of developing partnerships with other providers caring for the children. She is

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the early years provision

proactive in establishing these in order to further support children's all round development.

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the early years provision

Children play in a child-friendly and welcoming environment where they have access to a good range of toys that are stored at low level. They confidently select those they wish to play with and initiate their own play. This is further encouraged through a pictorial guide of additional toys the childminder has that they are able to choose from. However, few resources are labelled to provide children with an environment that is rich in print, both in English and other languages children are familiar with. Children have some opportunities to learn about the festivals of other cultures although resources that promote positive images of diversity are not regularly available in their daily play. This limits their opportunities to develop respect for the lives of others. The childminder offers good support for children with English as an additional language. She liaises with parents and has gained resources such as books and games in dual languages. This helps foster children's

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the early years provision

The childminder has reflected on her practice and has identified areas for future improvement. She has put in place a clear action plan that details her plans for the future, including developing her garden to offer more planting and growing experiences for the children. She has attended training to update her knowledge and skills and acted upon recommendations from the last inspection. This demonstrates her commitment to improving outcomes for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children appear extremely happy and confident in the childminder's care. They readily approach her for comfort, which she responds to and this helps develop their sense of belonging in the provision. Children sit with the childminder and look at books together and she encourages their counting skills as they count the eggs together in the picture. The childminder helps develop children's language skills as she says the words in the pictures correctly, and encourages the children to do so. Her frequent praising of their attempts helps build their confidence and in doing so they continue to say more words. Children enjoy looking at books independently. They sit and hold them correctly, turn the pages and talk about the pictures. The childminder responds to children's questions when they ask about the noise. They all look in the sky together and talk about the helicopter they can see going behind the clouds and this helps them develop an understanding of the outdoor

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and outcomes for children

environment. The childminder gets down to the children's levels to play and interact with them. Children enjoy sticking various materials on to paper. They spread the glue and pick up the pieces and put them on the glue. They demonstrate a sense of achievement as they call the childminder to look at what they have done. Children have frequent trips out to local groups, parks and other childminders houses when they socialise with others and become familiar with their local community. These experiences, combined with the support they have for their problem solving and language development, help them develop good skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder makes clear observations of children at play and these detail what children know and can do. These are supported with photographs of children engaged in activities and examples of their work. Evaluations of activities enable the childminder to see what skills children are developing and what experiences they will benefit from to further promote their learning and development. Children have access to a good balance of adult led and child initiated activities that help them make good progress towards the early learning goals in most areas of learning. However, experiences for exploring a range of information, communication technology and developing an awareness of the lives of others are limited.

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and outcomes for children

Children's good health is promoted in the provision through the healthy snacks they enjoy, encouraging a positive attitude towards making healthy choices. They are encouraged to learn about hygienic routines and the childminder role models these effectively. Children have regular access to fresh air and exercise, both in the garden and on visits in the locality. Children demonstrate a sense of security in the childminder's care. They are confident, behave well and share and take turns in their play. The childminder is an excellent role model to them, which reinforces the importance of being kind to one another. 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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