Ickleford Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 117401 Inspection date 22/03/2011 Inspector Anne-Marie Moyse

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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 1993. She lives with her adult son in Stoke area Plymouth, Devon. The whole of the flat is used for childminding, including use of sitting room, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms. The childminder makes use of the local facilities within the town and surrounding areas, including toddler groups, the library and parks, beach - children cnetres.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for no more than 6 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 3 may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time. She is currently minding 4 children under eight, all of whom attend on a part-time basis, and 6 over eights after school and in th holidays . She holds a level 3 qualification in early years child care and education. She is registered on theEarly Years, Compulsory & Voluntary Childcare Register and collects children from t he Stoke Damerrel Primary school.

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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

Overall, the childminder demonstrates a good ability to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Generally, she is confident in delivering the learning and development programme to the children through a balance of indoor and outside activities. She organises her home well to provide a secure and safe environment for children. The childminder has established strong links with the parents, and as a result knows the children's interests and abilities, and enables her to meet their different needs effectively. The childminder keeps up-to-date with changes by attending training. She has recognises the importance of developing a reflective approach for self-evaluation, and identifies appropriate areas in order to maintain continuous improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve children's educational programme by adapting activities and setting appropriate challenges for each child according to their individual stage of learning and development  review all the policies and procedures to be inline with the latest statutory framework and reflect the provisions own practice  improve the systems for self-evaluation to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of 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

The childminder is well organised and has carefully considered the arrangements for her business. Children's safety is a high priority and the home is a safe and secure area where potential risks have been accurately indentified and minimised. Robust risk assessments for all areas, and when on outings contributes to safeguarding children's wellbeing. The childminder has a various policies and procedures in place, but not all of these have been updated or adapted to reflect the specific practice of the childminder and the current terminology of the Early years Foundation Stage framework. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of child protection procedures, if she should have any concerns over the welfare of any child. The childminder has a vast range of toys and resources which as re safe and suitable for the ages of the children attending. Children are able to freely access these resources, which promotes their independence. The

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the early years provision

resources cover all areas of learning and reflect positive images of the diverse society in which children live, promoting an inclusive environment.

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the early years provision

Strong links with parents have been established, with good methods of communication employed to ensure children's needs are well met. The childminder regularly observes and assesses children's progress and learning, and records the details in learning journals. She identifies clearly children's next steps, but at times, when children are at play, she does not always set realistic targets according to each child's individual stage of development. The comprehensive learning records are well annotated and enhanced with photographs of the children at play. These records are frequently shared with parents and other settings that children attend, promoting a consistent approach to each child's development. The childminder is confident to seek support from children from other agencies if there are any concerns. The childminder has started to make realistic assessments of her own practice and identifies areas for enhancement, such as reviewing her

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the early years provision

documentation systems. She can see the benefit of this in order to continually drive improvement for her provision, and this is an area for further development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very confident and happy in the childminders care. They are forming good relationships with the childminder and others who attend. Children are beginning to develop their skills in negotiation and cooperation, with clear guidance from the childminder. The childminder encourages children to develop a respect for their environment and take responsibility for tidying up after play. Children enjoy socialising with others when they visit various places of interest, such as toddler groups and libraries. They enjoy the outdoor learning environment and the childminder makes good use of the local area to promote children's understanding of the community and society. A nearby building site provides great interest as the children watch the construction workers, taking note of their safety This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 helmets and high visibility jackets. Children talk animatedly of their recent visit to

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and outcomes for children

see the fire engine, and how they had opportunity to use the water hoses, promoting their understanding of keeping themselves safe.

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and outcomes for children

Children excitedly explore the vast range of dressing up clothes, trying on various outfits and commenting on the colours and textures of the materials. They develop their imagination as they play with the prams and dolls, dressing the dolls in warm clothes. They count and start to recognise numbers as they play board games with the childminder, understanding the need to take turns and share fairly. Children develop their manipulation skills as they thread the buttons, and sort them into various colours and shapes. Whistles and instruments are on offer, and children relish the opportunity to make noises and control their blowing skills. They enjoy sitting to look at books, and throughout the day they are talkative and constantly seeking answers, developing their communication skills. At groups they access a wide variety of messy play opportunities, developing their senses as they explore the shaving foam, paint and malleable materials.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder ensures that children get daily fresh air and exercise as they visit the local parks and recreation grounds. This provides an opportunity for children to run and develop their coordination, climbing and balancing skills. Their health is further promoted as they are reminded to wash their hands hygienically before eating and after toileting. They are offered healthy snacks and lunches brought from home are stored appropriately. They sit in social groups and eat their meals, learning good table manners and politeness. Drinks are readily offered to keep children well hydrated. Children are well cared for if they are ill or in the event of an injury, as appropriate system are in place. 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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