St Richard's VC Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 141649 Inspection date 16/08/2011 Inspector Lynne Lewington

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 1981. She lives with her partner and their adult son in central Milton Keynes. The home is within walking distance of local shops, pre- school and primary schools.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The whole of the house is used for childminding. There are two secure gardens available for outside play. The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends a toddler group and other local children's activities on a regular basis.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for no more than six children under eight years; of these, no more than three may be within the early years age group at any one time. She is also registered to provide overnight care for no more than two children aged under eight years at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She currently has two early years children on roll. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is outstanding. Children thrive in this happy, child-centred environment where they have excellent opportunities to develop their skills and confidence. Excellent relationships develop with parents, enabling information to be shared regularly and the children's individual needs to be fully understood and met. Partnerships with others involved in children's care are not currently promoted or developed. However, a proactive attitude to developing knowledge and skills and continuously developing the quality of the service offered, ensures the childminder will continue to provide an excellent service for young children and their families..

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop links with pre-schools and any other childcare settings children may attend.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates an excellent awareness of child protection issues and fully understands the procedure to follow should she have a concern about the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 welfare of a child in her care. She ensures parents are aware of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children. The childminder promotes the children's safety at all times. For example, when on outings children wear bright yellow t- shirts with the name of her childcare service on, enabling them to be spotted easily when they are playing with a group of other children. A comprehensive risk assessment is in place identifying the sensible steps taken throughout the premises and on outings to ensure any identified potential risks are managed very effectively. The attractive well maintained premises provide a safe environment for the children's play. Excellent use is made of the available space both indoors and

p.4

the early years provision

out. Children use the back and front gardens for supervised play, the spacious lounge with low level storage and ample floor space, and the kitchen for mealtimes and more messy activities.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has established excellent relationships with parents, enabling them to feel confident in the care their children receive. Daily face to face communication is supplemented by a comprehensive wealth of written information provided through the childminder's internet site. This enables parents to see photographs of their children at play, look at written observations and development records, and view daily menus. Parents comment on the childminder's excellent reliability, how children try new healthy foods that they would not try at home and how supportive the childminder is in helping with any behavioural or development issues their children may have. Partnerships with others in the community are good. The childminder attends activities and uses local resources for young children, and she makes good use of local training opportunities. However, information sharing with other childcare settings that the

p.5

the early years provision

children attend is not currently well established, thereby missing opportunities for continuity in learning.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder shows a strong commitment to promoting the children's understanding of difference and diversity, and to providing a fully inclusive servicve where all children are valued regardless of background or ability. She has an appropriate range of books, toys and resources that promote a positive image of different cultures and faiths.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder's clear passion and enthusiasm for her role is evident in the wonderful interactions with children and the attractive environment she has created for them. Self evaluation indicates clearly the childminder's clear understanding of her role and her commitment to the children and their families. She undertakes short training courses and workshops where she gains new insight and ideas for encouraging children's development. This enthusiasm indicates she will continue to develop the high quality service she offers and maintain a solid commitment to continuous improvement.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make excellent progress in this warm and nurturing home environment. They show curiosity and confidence in exploring and talking about their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 experiences with the childminder and with visitors. Children enjoy the outdoor environment where they have access to water and sand play, and a full range of play resources. They grow vegetables, pick them and enjoy them with their meals. This simple activity helps to increase their awareness of the natural world. The childminder provides the children with wet weather gear, enabling them to still enjoy outdoor play whatever the weather. Opportunities to develop balance and physical coordination are encouraged at the parks and activities they attend on outings. They recently enjoyed building shelters on the local field with branches and other natural material, thereby enjoying a creative way to explore their local

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate excellent knowledge of shapes, size and position as they create collage pictures and use the playdough. Fine motor skills are encouraged when they use the tools to cut the dough, and use scissors in the collage activity. Books are readily available and are used to support other activities. For example, the children look at the pictures of fish in a book before creating their own fish. The childminder listens attentively and responds appropriately to the children, always encouraging them to express their views, ideas and interests by using lots of open questions. Consequently the children demonstrate good use of language and a high level of understanding.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The many activities and outings within the local community enable children to develop their social skills as they learn to share, take turns and understand the diversity of people within the community. The childminder observes and reflects on the children's progress and shares this information with parents. This enables their development to be monitored and tracked, and any concerns highlighted swiftly.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Excellent care is taken to develop children's awareness of a healthy lifestyle. For example, the routine of the day enables the children to feel exceptionally confident and secure. They are aware of the need to have fresh air, regular meals and drinks, and to enjoy both busy and restful times. This helps them to feel happy and enjoy the activities available to them. They enjoy freshly prepared meals which ensure they have a variety of vegetables, fruit, meat or fish. The childminder is fully aware of any likes, dislikes and special dietary needs and respects them appropriately. Knowledge of good hygiene routines is demonstrated as older children independently wash their hands after toileting and before eating, and younger children are helped by the childminder.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder takes note of children's interests and develops this opportunity. For example, one young child currently has an interest in balls and so she has collected a variety of balls of different sizes and textures. The child is fascinated by them and can now roll and throw very skilfully. Children demonstrate an increasing awareness of safe behaviour as they move carefully around the premises. The childminder practices the fire drill with the children regularly and some of the children can confidently explain what happens and what they have to do. Children show an excellent understanding of what standards of behaviour are expected by the childminder and apply these in order to keep themselves and others safe. For example, a child helps to clear away collage from the floor to prevent tripping and stop the papers getting spoiled. They safely use a range of tools and equipment This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

and outcomes for children

within the setting and know how to handle these in order to keep safe. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.8

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

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9