Whytemead Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 125861 Inspection date 06/06/2011 Inspector Mary vandePeer

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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. The childminder lives with her husband and daughter in Ramsgate, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet cat. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, at any one time, of whom three can be in the early years age group. The childminder is currently minding six children under eight on a part-time basis, four of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder also minds older children. The childminder also co-minds with one of her daughters two days a week. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and also attends the local toddler groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority. The childminder is on the Early Years Register and both the

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Description of the childminding

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

The childminder provides outstanding care for every minded child. The play environment promotes self selection in children's play and is extremely well resourced. Children are able to make excellent progress in their learning and development. The informative range of policies and procedures in place ensure the provision operates to a consistently high standard. Children's individual needs are being met in an exemplary manner The childminder is dedicated to constantly evaluating and improving her service, promoting highly effective outcomes for the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the involvement of parents in their children's learning and development, recording this information to enhance future planning

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the early years provision

The childminder operates an extremely organised, safe and secure childcare setting. The steps the childminder takes to safeguard children are exemplary in all respects. She has attended safeguarding and child protection training regularly since registration over 15 years ago. Highly effective procedures mean the childminder and her co-childminder can respond quickly and appropriately to any This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 concerns they may have. Risk assessments are carried out with each individual child's needs in mind. This means that the environment in which children are cared for is consistently safe and supportive. All children are involved in regular practises of the emergency evacuation procedures. These are recorded clearly, with daily checks made as necessary. All the required documentation and records are meticulously kept and easy to read and refer to. Children's safety and well-being

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the early years provision

The numerous comprehensive policies and procedures are implemented consistently. This ensures a continued and smooth operation of the setting. The childminder has high expectations of the children and of her own professional development. The childminder achieves the outstanding level of care through the use of in-depth self evaluation, feedback from parents, children and other professionals. She also makes good use of the internet and childcare publications. The childminder has attended regular training sessions and workshops, as has her co-workers. She involves the children in any ideas for change, monitoring the impact of these on the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder's in-depth knowledge of the children and their individual needs enables her to successfully promote their welfare and learning. Activities planned within the Early Years Foundation Stage help children to explore, investigate and make excellent progress. The childminder provides an excellent range of toys, resources and activities which occupy the children and challenge them daily. They all enjoy trips in the local community and some further afield, enabling children to experience variety in their play and knowledge of their world. The childminder promotes equality of opportunity to a high level. All children are well integrated and their development in relation to their starting points is extremely good. The childminder knows each child's personality and background very well indeed. Flexible routines mean that each child's sleeping and eating patterns can be catered for. Parental requests are also respected, meaning each child's individual

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the early years provision

The childminder's positive and inclusive procedures allow her to work productively with other services and carers. The childminder has experience of working with other agencies and her procedures are immediately implemented when required. Effective partnership working ensures that children are supported very well. The childminder is also outstanding in her engagement with parents. Parents and carers are kept well informed about all aspects of their own children's achievements, development and well-being. Although, the involvement parents have in their children's learning has not been clearly documented. The childminder provides all the children's meals, snacks and drinks when they are with her and promotes healthy eating and living extremely positively. There is an informative notice board located in the hallway, displaying relevant childcare news and details regarding trips made or planned for, menus and important dates. There are many

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the early years provision

letters and cards stating parents' appreciation and thanks to the childminder. For example, 'he has learnt so much since starting with you' and 'you simply are irreplaceable'. The childminder ensures she regularly reviews children and their needs, this results in them receiving excellent and consistent care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children show they are relaxed and feel safe and settled in the comfortable atmosphere of the childminder's home. They are extremely well cared for, secure and confident to make choices from the activities and resources provided. A play castle for small figures and colourful miniature ponies is a very popular activity for a child and they use their imagination to create various scenarios, for example when a daring rescue is called for and the right figures have to be in the correct place.

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and outcomes for children

Children have opportunities to look at books, factual and picture. They clearly love getting involved with stories read to them that they know off by heart. There are plenty of mark making resources and creative play materials that can be used by all the children including the younger ones. The childminder ensures the children are provided with the materials the children can use to create faces. The childminder plans and provides adult-led activities such as the indoor planting of cress seeds, enabling even the youngest children to participate. Children create their own very individual labels to identify which is theirs. Children extend and develop language skills because the childminder uses repetition together with open ended questions to encourage their participation. Children find out about equality and diversity via books, action and play figures, games and activities that celebrate festivals throughout the year. They explore and develop their physical skills every

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and outcomes for children

day, by using the garden to run, balance, play ball games, ride bikes and pedal cars. Local parks are also visited to help children extend their physical skills and benefit from the fresh air as they take walks together. Children are actively encouraged to be independent in personal care, as they are encouraged to do things for themselves wherever possible, getting dressed and putting boots on to go outdoors. Activities are planned according to children's next steps, their needs and individual interests. The childminder spends time talking and listening with the children, giving them opportunities to extend their skills and understanding. The interaction between the childminder and the children is close, caring and affectionate

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and outcomes for children

Children are actively encouraged to be independent in personal care, as they are encouraged to do things for themselves wherever possible, getting dressed and putting boots on to go outdoors. Children choose their snacks and drinks at the table. They learn about healthy food choices because the childminder offers a range of balanced meals, such as pasta, vegetables, meat and fruit. There are also games and posters to reinforce this message. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met.

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and outcomes for children

Children know how to keep themselves safe. Children practise the evacuation procedure so they know what to do in an emergency. They become aware of road safety as they go to and from local schools and parks. Older children learn how to think of others, especially those younger than themselves, they know to keep very small toys and objects away from the babies. Children develop social skills, to share and to negotiate with others as they play together and attend local toddler groups. They are polite and very well behaved because the childminder reinforces This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the behaviour she expects from them. She encourages children to feel pride in what they can do and achieve through positive reinforcement and praise. Children are provided with varied, interesting and highly effective learning opportunities in a safe and caring environment.

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and outcomes for children

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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