Fountain Head House School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 148497 Inspection date 31/08/2011 Inspector Susan May

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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 registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Lower Earley, Reading, Berkshire. The ground floor of her house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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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 may care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. The childminder is currently minding two children in the early years age group and also cares for older children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is prepared to take and collect children from local schools and preschools.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children thrive in the childminder's care and establish a safe and secure relationship with her. The childminder has an extremely good knowledge of each child's individual requirements and needs. She builds excellent relationships with parents, carers and other early years practitioners. Her extensive knowledge of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage allows her to plan an interesting and stimulating range of activities, outings and resources; these enable all children to make very good progress in their learning. The childminder evaluates her provision and is proactive in seeking improvement in order to move children's learning forward. The childminder has regard for the views of parents who use her provision. She builds on her existing strengths to the benefit of all children in her care

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further?

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

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further?

 continuing to further develop children's numeracy skills through introducing activities such as more complex board games

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the early years provision

Children's safety is given high priority. They are exceptionally well safeguarded by the childminder, who has a very clear understanding of her role and responsibilities This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to protect children in her care. She provides children with a safe and secure environment. They can move freely and safely between areas of her home as rigorous daily safety checks support risk assessments. Risk assessments are completed on outings, to ensure the ongoing safety of children when away from home. Children are never left with unvetted persons. The childminder demonstrates excellent organisational skills. She has a comprehensive range of highly relevant policies and procedures in place, which relate to all aspects of children's welfare and are shared with parents. Detailed children's documentation and required parental consents are maintained and stored securely; confidentiality

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the early years provision

Child orientated play areas enable children to independently choose from an interesting and stimulating range of toys and resources. These are rotated on a regular basis, with requests from the children taken into account. Inclusion is threaded throughout the childminder's practice, for example, activities are adapted and strategies devised to ensure all children are able to take part in all activities. Children clearly feel comfortable and settled in the childminder's home. Their sense of belonging is fostered as the childminder involves them in all aspects of the childminding day.

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the early years provision

The partnership with parents is outstanding. The childminder recognises the importance of working with parents, to ensure children's interests and development needs are addressed and their welfare fully promoted. Parents receive regular information through verbal communication, a daily diary and regular access to their child's individual file. Parents make many positive comments in their feedback information and thank you letters. They talk about the complete confidence they have in the childminder's care; how their children are helped to develop as individuals because the childminder encourages their interests; how she is always open to suggestions and the excellent relationships and communication links they have with her. They describe the setting as exceptional, happy, caring and stimulating. The childminder is proactive in developing excellent links with other settings the children attend. She regularly shares information with others

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the early years provision

involved in the children's care and learning, such as staff at the preschool, helping ensure continuity in children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear vision for her service and is highly motivated and committed to improving her knowledge and practice. She attends regular training courses offered by the local authority and regularly meets up with other childminders in the area to share ideas and best practice. The childminder is highly motivated and committed to improving her provision, regularly identifying areas for further development and putting steps in place to address them. This positive reflection of her practice enables the childminder to continue to maintain the very best opportunities for children in her care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are very confident and secure in their surroundings and have ample space to move around. They play in a safe and clean environment, selecting from an excellent range of well-maintained resources and activities. Children thrive as the childminder is enthusiastic and clearly enjoys her work. She is passionate about providing high quality care and learning opportunities, based on children's individual needs. There is an excellent balance of adult-led and child-initiated experiences based around play. Activities are fun,flexible and reflect the interests and spontaneity of the children, helping them develop positive attitudes towards learning. The childminder observes children during activities in order to assess and record their progress. Each child has a development plan that is reviewed with parents regularly. The childminder includes parents and other carers in the learning process, requesting their input; for example, sharing information from

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and outcomes for children

home or pre-school about achievements or concerns that may help plan for next steps. This effective monitoring of children's development, across the six areas of learning, helps ensure children make very good progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children happily participate in activities and outings, which cover all areas of learning and help develop future life-skills. For example, they visit the herb farm and touch, smell and talk about how the herbs are used. This helps them begin to be aware of where food comes from and how it is grown. Sustainability is also considered, as the children and the childminder discuss recycling and play a recycling board game. Children readily access everyday technology, for example, using mobile phones in their role play. Children thoroughly enjoy being creative and using their imagination. Examples of their work is pasted into scrapbooks and given to parents. A number of photographs shows them participating in a range of activities that helps promote and develop their creativity. Children's understanding of number is developing very well; for example, they talk about size, colour and shape in their everyday play. Ways to advance children's numeracy skills is

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and outcomes for children

constantly sought. The childminder seeks to introduce further resources, such as more complex board games. Children identify letters and, with support from the childminder, sound out words recognising their own and others names. Outings to local attractions and farms or meeting with other childminders at a toddler group help children to be aware of the local area, enjoy new experiences and to socialise with others. Children begin to be aware of the wider world and their own heritage. The childminder values children and their families. She celebrates festivals and events that are important to them, helping develop a sense of belonging and raising children's understanding of the diverse society in which we live.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They learn about acceptable behaviour as the childminder provides a calm role model, who is committed to promoting good behaviour and manners. The childminder uses positive strategies, such as clear explanation and distraction, to help children learn to share and take turns. Children have established excellent caring and trusting relationships with the childminder, they are highly valued and readily receive lots of hugs and cuddles. Praise and encouragement is continually given and the childminder listens and respects what This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children have to say. Books are easily accessible. Regular visits to the library promote their enjoyment of stories and understanding that books are a source of pleasure and information. Children have ample opportunities to mark make. They develop control while using crayons, pens and pencils to draw or make lists; for

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and outcomes for children

example, they write down what they want to collect on a nature walk.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing an excellent understanding of keeping healthy. They can access their drinks as they wish and meals provided by parents are stored appropriately to ensure they remain fresh. Children have access to fresh air and exercise. They regularly play in the garden and visit local parks where they play on a range of outdoor equipment. They are beginning to understand how their bodies work. They talk about a cut that is healing and are aware of hygiene issues, such as washing their hands before eating; children have their own towel to prevent cross infection. Children are beginning to be aware of their own safety; for example, through a planned visit from the fire brigade, regularly practising fire evacuation, and an awareness of road safety procedures when on outings. 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 1 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 1

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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

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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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