Hodgson School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 119713 Inspection date 04/07/2011 Inspector Shaheen Belai

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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 husband and their two daughters, one of whom is of adult age and one is aged 13 years of age. The childminder's home is situated in Bow, within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The children have access to the whole of the ground floor. There is an enclosed outdoor play area for children's use. The premises are situated within the school site of Marner Primary School.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age; of these three may be in the early years age range. The childminder currently has two children in the early years age range on roll attending on a full- time basis, term-time only. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding network group.

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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 settled in the care of the childminder and benefit from a warm and welcoming environment. Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals and their welfare is promoted well. Systems to observe and assess children's progress towards the early learning goals are suitable. The childminder is able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the service she provides, and has a positive attitude to improvement. All documentation for the safe and efficient management of the welfare of children is in place. The childminder has a good partnership with parents, and is aware of the positives with developing and maintaining links with other agencies.

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further?

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

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further?

 include all children in regular evacuation drills  explore further training and/or knowledge to develop sound skills for monitoring ongoing observational assessments.

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the early years provision

There are good safeguarding procedures that promote children's welfare which the childminder knows and would follow if she has any concerns about a child in her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 care. Children are supervised and a record of visitors maintained. Risk assessments are carried out in all areas with daily checks undertaken to detailed checks carried out periodically. All adults living on the premises have been appropriately vetted to contribute to children's safety. All required records, policies and procedures are in place and are carefully maintained. An emergency fire evacuation procedure is in place, with regular fire drills carried out. However not all children are included and therefore children's safety is compromised. Parent's provide written consent for a range of practical issues to support children's safety, such as for being transported

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the early years provision

in the childminder's car and seeking emergency medical treatment should the need arise.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good relationship with parents and shares information daily which supports the consistency of care and interests of children. Regular planned meetings with parents further enhance the sharing of information about their child's learning and allow for them to contribute. The parental comment book has positive feedback recorded on a regular basis, such as the specific activities undertaken by children and how positive the relationship is between the children and the childminder. Parents receive a copy of the childminders full range of policies and procedures; this includes the complaints policy for example. The childminder is aware of developing and maintaining partnerships with other agencies to promote continuity of care of care for children, such as with other settings that children may attend in addition to hers.

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the early years provision

Children access a good range of quality resources, which are carefully selected to reflect the individual learning needs of children. The premises are organised well, allowing children to use the indoor and outdoor area together. Resources are mainly organised at low level to allow children to engage freely and make choices in their play. The use of the local toy libraries also allows the childminder to extend the range of her existing resources. As part of the resources on offer, there is a good range that reflects diversity positively. This supports children developing a positive view of acceptance of themselves and others in the community.

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the early years provision

The childminder has regular contact with coordinator both in her home and when she attends network groups. Interaction with her coordinator allow the childminder to explore further training, identify weaknesses in her service and develop on her existing strengths. The childminder is committed to attending ongoing training. In the past year she has attended training in health and safety, equality and diversity and child protection. Systems for self-evaluation have been addressed well, such as the completion of the Ofsted self-evaluation form. The childminder demonstrates a strong sense of continuous improvement, as she has met previous recommendations very well. Consequently this has contributed positively to children's safety and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are offered a good range of activities and resources. The childminder supervises the children well and is caring and very attentive to their welfare needs. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has an organised planned week, whereby children spend time in the home and in the community. This includes visiting a range of under fives community groups, visits to local venues, such as a farm or park. Inclusion is recognised, whereby children receive positive and equal attention, and with the childminder having a good awareness of children's individual needs. The childminder has attended training in the Early Years Foundation Stage and has begun to use systems for observation, assessment and planning. Through discussion and some written observations the childminder does demonstrate an awareness of children's individual learning progress. However, the records

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and outcomes for children

maintained are not robust to reflect on identifying how children's learning journey's towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is promoted through daily opportunities to play in the fresh air and engaging in physical activities, such as learning to throw balls, digging compost or space organised to allow young infants to crawl freely. Children have water accessible at all times, with reminders from the childminder to drink frequently especially in the hot water. Furthermore the childminder supports good health by keeping young infants in the shade to play or ensures they keep a hat on to keep the sun out of their faces. The childminder welcomes parents wishing to provide their own food for their children, she serves according to parents wishes and makes meal and snack times a sociable event. She supports good eating habits and feeds young babies in a safe and comfortable manner. Children begin to learn about keeping themselves safe when they are out in the community, through practical exercises such as road safety. Older children are aware of traffic signals

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and outcomes for children

and confidently explain what they mean. Older children also receive reminders about how to play safely and carefully when young babies are present, consequently children are presenting good nurturing skills with their friends. Their behaviour is very good and this is supported by children being provided with interesting activities that the childminder knows they enjoy and being attentive to them at all times. Young babies have developed strong relationships with the childminder; she settles them in gradually and ensures she follows their individual routine initially. Babies are held warmly; they are talked to at their own level, the childminder uses lots of facial expressions to communicate, they smile broadly when the childminder talks to them or come into their sight. These actions demonstrate how quickly babies settle into the care of the childminder and have developed trusting relationships with her.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing a range of skills for the future as they explore grading toys, complete puzzles, are using vocabulary to describe size and order and are able to count confidently. All ages enjoy looking at books, either independently or with the childminder. Children snuggle up with the childminder at the bottom of the stairs to be read to and share books together. Young infants also look at soft material books or take an interest as the childminder reads to older children and crawl over to join in. Music and movement is enjoyed greatly by all children, they love action songs, exploring making music with a range of instrument. The childminder skilfully uses the drum to sound out words supporting vocabulary which also makes the young infants practice their babbling skills. Children are given a sense of choice and self-help skills, such as setting up games for themselves to play. Children are encouraged to develop skills in using different

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and outcomes for children

tools and resources as they engage in a wide range of creative and messy This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activities at the settings they attend. Children play in harmony and are developing friendships with other children the childminder cares for as well as with children they meet at other settings. Children are becoming aware of the wildlife in the garden; they take an interest in the movements of the large moth, the dead spider and the flies. Children have opportunities to explore technology resources, such as the computer in the setting they attend and play with old phones. Children are taken on regular outings to farms and parks, allowing them explore further learning experiences. 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 3 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 3 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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