Ashmount School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 120352 Inspection date 20/06/2011 Inspector Alison Kaplonek

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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 to care for children since 1997.

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Description of the childminding

She lives with her husband in a house in the Sunbury-on-Thames area of Middlesex, close to local schools and shops. Children have access to the downstairs rooms with toilet facilities available on this floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children from birth to eight years; of these, three may be in the early year's age group. There are currently four children on roll, who attend on a full or part-time basis. Two of these children are in the early year's age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has a relevant childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

This very experienced childminder makes good provision for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She provides children with a welcoming, safe and stimulating environment and ensures they are all equally valued and included. Children are able to easily access an excellent and varied range of resources and enjoyable activities linked to all areas of learning. The childminder has fully implemented the recommendation from her last inspection, which has ensured continuous improvement has been made.

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further?

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

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further?

 use the information gathered about individual children to clearly inform their next steps in learning across all areas of the Early Years Foundation stage curriculum  ensure effective continuity and progression by sharing relevant information with other settings or schools which children may attend.

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the early years provision

The childminder is suitably vetted and has many years experience of caring for children. She has a secure understanding of child protection procedures and a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 written safeguarding policy and procedure, which she shares with parents. She understands her duty to make referrals if she has any concerns and knows how to contact her Local Safeguarding Children Board. The childminder completes contracts and children's detail forms with parents. She records children's times of arrival and departure and obtains a wide range of permission agreements from parents to ensure children's safety. The childminder keeps her first aid qualification up to date. She regularly carries out risk assessments on the premises, equipment and outings.

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the early years provision

The childminder works well with parents. She shares her policies and procedures and keeps parents informed about children's routines and the activities they have enjoyed. Parents state that they are very pleased with the way their children have settled, the range of activities their children take part in and the caring environment provided by the childminder. The childminder often takes or collects children from school or pre-school. However, she has yet to start sharing relevant information about children's learning and development with these other settings to ensure effective continuity and progression for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder welcomes all children into the setting and ensures that their health, safety and wellbeing are of a good standard. She provides children with a warm and comfortable environment, where they feel safe and secure and their emotional needs are well met. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of inclusive practice and encourages children to be fully involved in all aspects of their play and learning. As a result, children are well motivated and are gaining in self-esteem. They learn about differences and valuing others as they take part in the range of activities provided.

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the early years provision

She deploys her resources extremely well and children take part in a very wide range of stimulating activities.

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the early years provision

Good self-evaluation takes place, which enables the childminder to recognise her strengths and most of the areas for further development.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in their learning. They are able to make choices from the extremely well resourced and exciting indoor and outdoor environments. They confidently self-select equipment and enjoy exploring and investigating the wide range of learning experiences on offer. They enjoy washing the dolls clothes and hanging them on the line, learning how to use the pegs effectively to ensure that the clothes are secure. They run or kick balls in the garden and develop a sense of balance as they use ride on toys or jump down the steps. Younger children develop a good sense of belonging and move around freely with increasing confidence. They look at photos of their friends and talk with the childminder about experiences they have all shared.

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and outcomes for children

There is a good balance of child-initiated and adult-initiated activities, which help This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children become active learners. The childminder makes good use of the local area and children regularly visit the library or local parks. The childminder makes observations and assessments of children's progress, to plan for their future learning needs. Children make good progress in all areas of learning. However, the information gathered about individual children does not always clearly inform their next steps in learning across all areas of the Early Years Foundation stage curriculum.

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and outcomes for children

Children play and learn in a well organised, safe and secure environment. Their health and safety is assured. They talk about being careful while they play in the garden, learning to jump slowly down the steps and not to run too fast in case they fall over. They discuss evacuating the premises in an emergency, learn about road safety and follow good hygiene routines. Healthy meals and snacks are provided according to parents wishes. The childminder encourages healthy eating and ensures that children can always access their drinks. Children enjoy cooking sessions and talking about the ingredients they are using. They know to wash and dry their hands before eating and are supplied with individual hand towels. All children are welcomed into the setting and provided with resources to help them talk about different cultures and disability. Children behave well and are polite, saying please and thank you if they want something.

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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 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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