St Breock Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 137142 Inspection date 28/06/2011 Inspector Jenny Kane

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and teenage son in Bromley South. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with access to upstairs for sleeping. Children have access to a secure enclosed rear garden for outside play. Schools, pre-schools, toddler groups, shops and parks are within walking distance. The family has a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the Early Years age range. She is currently minding four children between one and four years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a level three qualification in childcare. She attends the local childminder support group 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

The children enjoy a good relationship with the childminder who has a clear understanding about their individual backgrounds. She knows the children well and recognises their individuality which ensures she provides an inclusive service for children and their families. She is qualified, experienced and has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how children learn through play. Safeguarding of the children is high priority and partnerships with parents are a main strength of her service. She is establishing sharing of information with other providers. The childminder is continuously seeking ways to develop and improve her service showing a good capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the observation and assessment system to show more clearly children's next steps in their learning  develop further systems for maintaining links and sharing information with other providers to help transition. 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 demonstrates an excellent understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection, is confident about raising concerns and has attended recent training. Her safeguarding policy is fully explained and shared with parents so they are fully aware of her role. All adults who come into contact with the children are suitably vetted; she keeps a record of visitors and has effective collecting children procedure in place. The childminder gives top priority to children's safety and welfare. Risk assessments and actions taken to eliminate risks are highly effective and this ensures children are cared for in an environment which is safe, secure and welcoming.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very well organised and takes a professional approach to her role. She makes very good use of the available space, the good quality toys and play equipment are well maintained and many of the resources reflect diversity and positive images. The children freely choose what they do, confidently select from the toys, explore their environment and clearly enjoy their play and learning. The childminder is working towards being as sustainable as possible by encouraging recycling and growing vegetables in the garden. The childminder has a good awareness and strong commitment to promoting equality and inclusion. Although she does not currently care for children who have disabilities she has experience of caring for children who need additional support and is confident in offering this if necessary. She has a professional attitude to working with others and understands the benefits to the children. She is establishing links with schools

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the early years provision

and pre-schools to help children's smooth transitions.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents and carers are outstanding. The childminder has established excellent relationships with all parents. Her clear daily communication, both verbal and in writing, ensure parents are fully involved in their children's care. When children first start, the childminder finds out as much as possible about what children can already do through discussion with parents. This means she is well informed about children's capabilities and individual needs and from this she can establish their starting points. Her good quality policies and procedures are shared with parents ensuring they are well informed about her childminding service. Contact books, which hold information about daily activities and progress, are in use and these back up the verbal discussions. All mandatory documentation is in place. Children's records are confidential, shared appropriately with parents and contain relevant and useful information. The childminder is very keen to establish

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the early years provision

parent's views and opinions. This is achieved through regular feedback, the contact books and letters of reference. These have established that parents are very happy with her childminding service. Parents provide very positive feedback commenting particularly on the consistent routines, good sharing of information and the contact books. They also state they are aware of their children's development and that the childminder 'does a fantastic job'.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a positive approach to her self-development and training. Although qualified, she is keen to extend her knowledge and does this by attending childminding meetings and accessing short workshops and courses. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Along with other local childminders she has established a good support network which includes cover for emergencies and joint outings. The childminder uses self- evaluation to help identify her strengths and weaknesses. Since the last inspection she has addressed the previous recommendations has made several further improvements which helps to improve the outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a very good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and understanding of the six areas of learning. Her planning is clear and based on children's interests and abilities. The activities support children's development and are planned around the observations which she carries out daily. These observations are noted in the children's individual development folders which also hold photographs and samples of work. Parents look at these records which help them be involved in their learning. However the next steps in children's learning is not always clearly identified. Overall records show children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their starting points. Children play and cooperate well during play. They benefit from the childminder's positive and calm approach and her use of explanation and some rewards to manage unwanted behaviour. She includes children in decision making and

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and outcomes for children

planning activities and consequently children's behaviour is good.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, attached to the childminder and clearly enjoy their time in her care. Consequently they are achieving well and developing their skills for the future. Children are developing good communication skills. The childminder encourages speech by talking clearly and listens well. There are lots of posters and work on display, toys are labelled and there is a good supply of books. Children's love of books is encouraged by regular visits to the library. They enjoy stories, sitting close to the childminder and choosing books. One they choose is musical and they have fun dancing about to the tunes. Children use mathematics during everyday activities. For example, they count how many bricks in the tower and at lunch they count the tomatoes. Children gain an understanding of the wider world through discussion, topics and celebrations. They use information technology and digital cameras. Children's creative development is promoted through many art

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and outcomes for children

and craft activities, painting and collage. They also attend a local music group weekly and one child discusses the instruments they use, saying 'I like the drums best'.

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and outcomes for children

There are good opportunities for children to develop healthy lifestyles. They enjoy using the garden and usually walk on all local outings in the community. On these trips the childminder is very well organised carrying good supplies, first aid kit and emergency cards for all the children. In addition all trips are covered by her clear outings policy and risk assessment. They learn about keeping safe while out on walks and practice crossing roads safely. They also practice fire evacuation drills and know the house rules which contributes to their safety. Children are developing independence and good self-care skills. They understand why they wash their hands on the paper towel and when they use the hand gel before This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 lunch, they comment on the 'nice smell'. Children receive a good choice of nutritious, freshly prepared meals and snacks provided by the childminder. Menus

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and outcomes for children

are displayed and she records food intake in the contact books keeping parents informed. At mealtimes children sit together at a low table, their manners are good and this is a lovely social time. They enjoy a healthy meal and discuss which of the fruit they like the best from the grapes, strawberries and pineapple. Children like to help prepare the food, enjoy shopping and cooking activities and help to grow vegetables in the garden, which helps them understand where food comes from. 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 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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