Castle View School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 147031 Inspection date 24/03/2011 Inspector ISP Inspection

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and 15 year old daughter in Edgware in the London borough of Barnet. The back part of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, of these three may be in the early years age range. She works with two assistants at one time and is registered to care for nine children. There are currently 12 children on roll. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and 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 outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are motivated to learn through the excellent range of stimulating play activities and experiences provided and consequently make very good progress in their learning and development. The childminder is extremely well organised and demonstrates an absolute commitment to her work. Every part of her working day is dedicated to creating the best possible outcomes for the children. The information she gathers from and shares with parents is extensive and means that she is very well prepared to meet individual needs. The childminder is highly self- motivated and demonstrates a strong capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continue to develop the skills and knowledge of the adults caring for the children

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the early years provision

The childminder has a thorough understanding of safeguarding children and has in place a clear child protection policy, consistently implemented by herself and her assistants. Furthermore, she has received training to support her in her role in protecting children. The childminder is extremely well organised and offers an inclusive environment for children. All the necessary records are accurately maintained and regularly updated to support children's safety and welfare. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Detailed polices and procedures are shared with parents to keep them well informed of her practice. Robust risk assessments are completed for all areas that children use, including the garden area, to ensure all risks to children are identified and minimised. This means that children can move around freely and safely in the stimulating and supportive environment.

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the early years provision

Optimum use of both the indoor and outdoor play environment maximises opportunities for children's progress and enjoyment. Children are provided with an excellent range of good quality, age appropriate resources, which are well positioned to enable children to make choices about their play. Children are helped to learn about diversity and to show respect for the needs of others, through ongoing discussions and access to resources reflecting diversity. For example, books, figures and many different activities. Visits from parents to talk about their different professions helps children learn about the wider community. They join in songs with a parent Rabbi and listen to their heart beats through a stethoscope with a parent doctor. They gain superb insights into their own religion, celebrating and learning all about the different festivals and their meaning. Children also learn about other major celebrations such Chinese New Year and Diwali. This allows

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the early years provision

children to gain insights into the wider world. The childminder has a strong commitment to the development of her provision and continues to strive for further improvements in the outcomes for children. For example, regular training for herself and her assistants which is then discussed, so all adults benefit from the new knowledge and skills each have gained.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed very effective partnerships with parents, liaising closely with them to help her support children's developing needs. Children's starting points and capabilities are fully discussed with parents and the childminder undertakes home visits, which means children are extremely settled and secure in the childminder's care. There is a high-quality exchange of information through newsletters, notice boards, information sheets and daily feedback, to keep parents well informed about their child's care and achievements. Parents receive detailed information about the childcare practice, the Early Years Foundation Stage and how the childminder and assistants meet the framework requirements. Their views are sought via the comments book and many parents have left notes speaking passionately about the level of care and education their children receive whilst with the childminder and her assistants. Parents acknowledge the support offered by

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the early years provision

the childminder in promoting their child's development, and the children also comment on the things they have enjoyed during the day. The childminder is committed to developing links with local schools to promote continuity of care and learning for children. They are well prepared for the transition to school as they talk about what happens at school and engage in activities to help extend their concentration skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, content and show high levels of confidence. Learning is enhanced due to the enthusiasm and positive interaction by the childminder and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assistants. They have an excellent understanding of children's individual needs, using what they know to support them in making progress in their learning. The childminder regularly observes and assesses what children can do, which she uses effectively to tailor future activities to help children move onto the next step in their learning. Planning is spontaneous and follows children's interests, for example, children's requests to repeat an activity are valued and facilitated. Children develop good self-esteem through receiving regular encouragement and praise, the adults caring for the children provide positive role models which fosters consideration for each other.

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and outcomes for children

Children's curiosity is fostered through the provision of fun and interesting play experiences, and consequently children thrive. The childminder and assistants actively get involved in children's play, maximising spontaneous opportunities to extend children's learning so they achieve well. Children enjoy building a house with the childminder from bricks, they talk about the different parts of a house and that each of them would have their own door number. The childminder then tells them what door numbers they live at and tells them to look out for it when they get home. Children's language is actively promoted through lots of conversation and joining in rhymes. Younger children's emerging vocabulary is supported well as their grunts and pointing towards objects they want is challenged with repeating the name of the toys. Children are introduced to mathematical thinking as they discuss things that are light, heavy, and which has more or less. Children of all

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and outcomes for children

ages enjoy wide ranging creative activities providing excellent opportunities for them to use their senses to explore and experiment. For example, they enjoy making collages, sticker mosaics and using their imagination as they dress up or become hair dressers. Children learn about nature as they get involved in planting and growing seeds and use magnifying glasses to explore in the garden.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is given high priority. They are learning how to keep themselves safe through gentle reminders from the adults caring for them, and taking part in regular emergency evacuation practices. Children are taught about safety in the car, effectively reinforced through role play activities and stories. They learn how to handle tools such as scissors and dough cutting equipment, safely. Children's health is promoted well as they take part in lots of physical activities through regular garden play, where they explore the broad range of play apparatus available. When in the garden children say, 'it's a bit cold', to which they are told to do some running to warm up. This helps children learn about the importance and benefits of physical play. Children enjoy healthy snacks and talk about the difference between healthy options and treats. Furthermore they learn why water and milk is good for us and how it helps us grow strong bones. High standards of

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and outcomes for children

hygiene are maintained through the effective daily routines implemented by the childminder. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene and follow the steps on the poster displayed in the toilet showing how to wash our hands thoroughly. Children's behaviour is exemplary. They play very well together, forming friendships as they laugh and giggle at one another. They display wonderful manners and listen to instructions from the childminder and assistants. 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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