Lancasterian County Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 129788 Inspection date 23/03/2011 Inspector Sally Smith

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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 1994. She lives with her partner, adult child,and twins aged seven years in Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire. The whole of the house is registered for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs, who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage to support children's welfare and development. She works closely with parents, forming effective partnerships to ensure the needs of all children are met. Most of the necessary documentation, policies and procedures are in place for the safe and efficient management of the service. The childminder attends training courses to improve her knowledge and uses self-evaluation as a means of reflecting on her practice.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that information is obtained from parents as to who has legal contact with the child; and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 28/04/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 review assessment systems so that parents have regular opportunities to add to the records  develop the safeguarding policy further so that it clarifies the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder. 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 aware of safeguarding procedures and her responsibilities to report any concerns. She demonstrates a clear understanding of whom to contact so that children are protected from harm. A written child protection policy is shared with parents clearly informing them both of their own, and the childminder's responsibility in this process. However, it does not outline clearly what would happen should an allegation be made against the childminder. She and her partner have undertaken appropriate vetting procedures ensuring they are suitable to work with children. A risk assessment is conducted for all areas of the house, both inside and outside, to minimise hazards. Risk assessments are also carried out for each and every outing undertaken by the children. Fire drills are practised and recorded, ensuring that children can evacuate the house quickly and safely. Children play in a well organised, spacious environment environment where resources are easily

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the early years provision

accessible to meet the age range of children attending.

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the early years provision

Effective partnerships are established with parents and carers so that information is shared regularly. The childminder seeks parents support and information about children's play preferences so that this can influence the activities provided for children. Parents have access to their children's individual learning journeys and although they are invited to comment on children's progress, this is not done consistently. A range of policies and procedures regarding the childminding service are shared with parents. However, whilst most of the necessary consents are in place, parents have not been consulted to establish who has legal and parental responsibility for their child. The childminder is keen to gage the response of parents regarding the service she provides and responds positively to any suggestions for improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder evaluates her practice and demonstrates an awareness of where her strengths lie and areas for further improvement. The childminder responds positively to any advice and support in order to enhnace her childminding service, accessing training when possible.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and understanding in the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage, particularly with regard to the learning and development requirements. She ensures that all six areas of learning are covered in equal measure so that children's learning and development is effectively promoted. The childminder encourages children to follow their interests and make choices about their play, whilst intervening appropriately with questions and discussion to challenge their thinking. Lots of cuddles and being close to children helps to develop their confidence and feel reassured. Children are encouraged to socialise as they attend various community groups whilst also This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 broadening their range of experiences. They enjoy walks in their local area or visit the shops. Good use is made of the outdoor environment and children wander

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and outcomes for children

inside and outside freely. They like making dens or playing with the pop-up tent and learn to play collaboratively as they decide what should and shouldn't be taken inside the tent. Children's artistic and creative talents are encouraged as they use a range of different materials. They are proud of their drawings which are displayed or taken home.

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and outcomes for children

A range of resources, festivals and celebrations reflect the cultural diversity of children attending the setting and raise all children's awareness of each other's differences. Children explore Chinese New Year and Hanukkah and access books to further develop their knowledge. Through discussion, they learn the significance of these events. Dressing up clothes include different traditional attire such as saris. The childminder ensures that all children are valued and respected. Observations and monitoring of individual children's progress enables the childminder to identify and respond to any specific needs early. Where necessary and with parental consent, the childminder instigates additional support and as a result of this will work with other professionals and attend relevant meetings. Learning journeys record children's learning and development, links being made to the 'Development matters' prompts to show children's progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Mealtimes are promoted as positive times where children develop social skills and sit at the table together. They understand the importance of making healthy choices as meals and snacks include plenty of fresh fruit, salad and vegetables. Drinks are readily accessible and children particularly enjoy helping themselves to cold water from the dispenser in the fridge. They follow good hygiene practices, washing their hands before eating and helping themselves to tissues when required. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. 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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