St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Rickmansworth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 117447 Inspection date 16/06/2011 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives in a three bedroomed terraced house on the outskirts of Plymouth in the Eggbuckland area. She lives with her husband, adult son and a pet dog. Minded children access the whole of the ground floor of the house and the upstairs is used for sleeping and toileting only. There is an enclosed decking area suitable for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for up to six children under the age of eight years and there are currently 11 children aged from two years to 11 years, on roll, with six of these children in the early years age range. The childminder is able to receive funding for nursery education. Occasionally, she works with an assistant.

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Description of the childminding

The house is within walking distance of schools, pre-schools and parks. The childminder visits local toddler groups, children's centres and local parks and attractions.

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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 are very happy and secure in the childminder's welcoming home. The childminder works closely in partnership with parents to provide consistent care and meet each unique child's individual needs. Children are offered a good range of purposeful and enjoyable activities, both within the home and in the wider community, helping them to make good progress in their learning. The childminder continues to develop her systems to reflect on her practice and provision to maintain continuous improvements generally very well.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further confidence in being able to implement the safeguarding children policy and procedure appropriately  develop further systems of self evaluation to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development, to include making use of knowledge obtained by attending training, 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 has a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements and places a high priority on safety. Detailed, on going, risk assessments on the premises and resources are conducted and the childminder continually promotes safe practice to every child. For example, reminding children to be attentive when using the scissors and tidying up the toys so they are not a hazard. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are available and shared with parents, to provide guidance and support. The childminder frequently attends training courses to keep up-to-date with changes, although she does not always use the information gained effectively to further develop her practice. She has a clear understanding of safeguarding procedures and what to do if she is concerned about children in her care, but lacks confidence in this area. All persons living in the home have undergone appropriate vetting checks to ensure they are

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the early years provision

suitable. All required documentation is in place and accurately maintained to support the welfare and safety of the children.

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the early years provision

Strong partnerships with parents are in place, with the parents expressing their enthusiastic support for the childminder and the interesting range of activities provided for the children. Links with other setting children attend have been formed by the childminder to share development records. Information and polices are available on the internet or provided to parents on request. They are kept well informed on their child's time at the setting through daily verbal and written accounts. Highly attractive learning journals are maintained on each child showing parents a comprehensive report of the children's achievements and progress. The childminder uses the information gained from observing children to plan future activities and how each child can be supported in their learning and development. She makes good use of the resources in her home and takes children out in the local community to extend their understanding of diversity and to socialise with

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the early years provision

other children. Activities provided at the local children's centres provide variety and interest and the children benefit from regular visits to the park, aquarium and trips on the train. Through resources and activities the childminder promotes children's respect for each other and helps to extend their understanding of differences and similarities of others in society.

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the early years provision

The childminder is keen and enthusiastic to provide high quality care for children. She responds positively to any suggestions or areas identified for improvement by the local authority advisor. She is continuing to develop her reflective approach to evaluating her own practice in order to drive improvements.

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and outcomes for children

Children play very harmoniously together in the childminder's home, independently and confidently self selecting what to play with. They have access to a wide and varied range of toys which promote all areas of learning and positive images of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 diversity. Children are very well behaved and are developing a respect for each other's needs. They take turns and share toys exceedingly well for their age and stage of development. They communicate with assurance, expressing their ideas and needs very clearly, supporting their skills for the future. The childminder is very skilful at interacting with the children, to extend their conversations and learning during their play. Children sing songs and rhymes spontaneously, confidently putting actions to their chosen tune. They concentrate very well as they sit and listen attentively to the story tape, turning the pages of the book in-

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and outcomes for children

time with the story. Children are encouraged to use electronic toys responsibly and are shown how to fit new batteries into the car to make it go.

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and outcomes for children

Imaginary play is well supported as children have an extensive range of role play clothes to try on. They develop their independence and manipulative skills as they learn how to use various different fastening as they dress up, persevering and struggling until they successfully achieve. Small world resources encourage children to think what will happen when the cars do not travel in the same direction. Children's understanding of size and shape is extended as they organise the big and small dinosaurs. Children construct towers and buildings, balancing and carefully controlling the wooden blocks on top of each other, comparing the height of the towers. The childminder takes children to various toddler groups and children's centres where they have access to a range of messy activities and opportunities to explore their senses. The childminder ensures that the children all get a balanced range of activities to support all areas of learning. They benefit

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and outcomes for children

from daily outings for fresh air and exercise, using the park to climb and practise their physical skills. Children are reminded about 'stranger danger' whilst they are out and are encouraged to confide any concerns to the childminder. Drinks are on offer to children, especially when they are thirsty. Food provided from home is healthy, hygienically stored and well presented to the children. All children's dietary and medical needs are well attended to so they are cared for effectively. Children's good health and personal hygiene routines are very well supported, with young children understanding why they need to wash their hands before eating. 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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