Featherstone North Featherstone Junior and Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 108206 Inspection date 08/09/2011 Inspector Anne Faithfull

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 1995. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three children of whom two are adults in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The childminder makes use of local facilities, such as parks and childminding groups. The childminder can take children to and from local schools. The childminder uses the ground floor of her home for childminding, with provision for children to sleep in a first floor bedroom. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside play. The family have fish, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, two dogs and horses.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder's registration permits her to care for six children under eight years at any one time; of these, three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children within the early years age group, on a full and part time basis. The childminder may work with an assistant who, at times agreed and confirmed in writing by parents, may be left in sole charge of the children. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care for one child under the age of eight years. The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network.

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

The childminder offers a warm, welcoming and homely environment to all children and their families. The childminder clearly understands that children learn through play. She provides them with an exceptional range of stimulating fun activities, resources and outings. As a result, children are making very good progress in their early learning and development. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child. She provides a fully inclusive service where each child is respected, valued and included. The childminder successfully maintains high standards, as she is committed to attending training to extend her childcare knowledge. Her excellent self-evaluations ensure she can readily identify areas for improvement, such as, providing different ways to help children develop their early writing skills. All these measures ensure she remains focused on achieving and sustaining high quality outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 providing more opportunities for children to begin to recognise and write their name in everyday activities This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Children are exceptionally well safeguarded. The childminder has a very clear understanding of her role and responsibilities to protect children in her care. She ensures the safeguarding cue card is readily accessible for her to use as reference, if required. All adults on the premises have completed appropriate checks to confirm they are suitable to be in contact with young children. Children move freely and safely between areas of the childminder's home. She conducts comprehensive risk assessments for her home, the animals kept on the premises and outings. Daily visual safety checks are completed each day to further ensure all hazards are identified and minimised. The childminder ensures all children learn about keeping themselves safe; for example, she regularly completes fire evacuation procedures on different days with the children to ensure they all have the opportunity to participate. The childminder demonstrates excellent

p.5

the early years provision

organisational skills. She has a range of highly relevant policies and procedures in place , which relate to all aspects of children's welfare.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is very passionate about her work. She ensures all children receive a play based environment and approach, which relates to their interests and spontaneity. She uses her many years of experience to provide children with a superb range of learning opportunities, both inside and out. Excellent systems are in place for children to independently access a wide range of toys and resources. The childminder also borrows toys from local childminders and the local authority, so children do not become bored. The childminder is deeply committed to providing an inclusive environment and all children become part of her extended family. Owing to this commitment many children still keep in touch with the childminder, including those who have moved away. Equality and diversity is promoted very well by the childminder in a variety of ways. She encourages the children to respect and value each others differences and to recognise other

p.5

the early years provision

children's achievements. Children can readily access a range of books and resources that help them to become aware of the different lives and cultures of others.

p.5

the early years provision

Outstanding partnerships are developed with parents. 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 a copy of her policies and procedures before their child starts and sign to say they have received and read them. Parents are kept fully informed of their child's day through verbal discussion and a daily dairy. Parents make many positive comments in their reference letters and e-mails. These include how extremely happy they are with the childminder, the stimulating home environment provided and the fun activities offered. All parents comment on the childminder's flexibility, how amazing she is and they would highly recommend her to others. The childminder has developed secure links with other settings the children attend. She passes information on to parents and ensures continuity of care and education.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is highly motivated and committed to improving her knowledge This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and practice. She attends relevant training courses and regularly liaises and meets with other childminders to share best practice ideas and suggestions. The childminder rigorously evaluates her provision, through daily reflective practice and completing her own self-evaluation document. This helps her to identify areas to develop further, such as, providing different opportunities for children to develop their early writing skills. This accurate reflection enables her to promote very positive outcomes for children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make excellent progress in this stimulating learning and caring environment. They are confident, settled, extremely happy and secure. They thrive in the childminder's care. She clearly enjoys her work and all children benefit from the individual time and attention they receive from her. There is an excellent balance of adult led and child led activities, experiences and outings that are all based around play and enjoyment. Children develop positive attitudes towards learning. All activities are fun and based on children's own ideas, interests and abilities. Flexible planning is in place and totally reflects the interests and spontaneity of the children. The childminder regularly gets together with other childminders to plan a range of activities and experiences they can all share together with the children. They hire halls and sports venues so they can create and offer children a range of inspirational learning environments in the local

p.6

and outcomes for children

community. Children have their own file where the childminder records her observations, examples of children's work and lots of photographs. The childminder uses her observations effectively to help identify and plan for the children's next steps in their learning. Children's early communication skills are developing extremely well. The childminder continually talks to them and asks questions about their play. All children enjoy listening to stories read by the childminder, sitting together on the sofa. The childminder uses this time to encourage children to contribute to the story by predicating the next rhyming words.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children happily participate in activities that cover all areas of learning and help develop their future life-skills. For example, growing a range of fruit and vegetables or pressing buttons for lifts and traffic lights when they are out. The childminder helps children develop their number skills in appealing and interesting ways. For example, children thoroughly enjoy helping the childminder feed her horses and count the number of scoops of horse food they put into the bucket. Children also talk about the size, colour and shape of the pumpkins they are making out of tissue paper. Children use their imagination well. They dress up and play together in role play situations, such as, dressing up as a fireman or vet. The childminder readily joins in children's imaginary games, as they pretend to be doctors and look in her mouth and ears. The childminder effectively extends play by asking relevant questions, for instance, what happens if they do not brush their

p.6

and outcomes for children

teeth. Children have opportunities to mark make in their play and are beginning to recognise their name, which is displayed on their table mat and coat pegs. However, currently the childminder does not readily encourage children to begin to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 make attempts at writing their name.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have amazing opportunities to be involved in the local community; for example, they participated in the annual carnival by being on a float dressed as ladybirds and older children took part in a charity swim. Regular meetings with other childminders enable children to experience a range of activities, such as, parachute day and celebrating a range of festivals together. These meetings enable the children to mix and socialise with others and to get to know other childminders who may look after them when their childminder is on holiday. Outings to local farms and wildlife centres enable children to begin to be aware of different animals and nature.

p.7

and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They have established excellent caring and trusting relationships with the childminder and each other. Children learn about acceptable behaviour; the childminder is a calm role model who is very committed to promoting good behaviour and manners. Children are gently reminded to say please and thank you when appropriate. They readily help the childminder with everyday routines, such as, putting chairs and plates out for snack time. Children are highly valued and readily receive lots of hugs and cuddles from the childminder. Praise and encouragement is continually given and the childminder listens and respects what children have to say. Children readily approach visitors to the home; they show them their new wellington boots, say how much they enjoy coming to the childminder's and about their favourite activities, such as dressing up and drawing.

p.7

and outcomes for children

Children are developing an excellent understanding of keeping healthy. They can access their drink when required and the childminder provides them with a range of healthy home cooked meals and snacks each day. The childminder works with parents to help children try new foods and she is aware of any specific allergies they children have. Children are aware of the routines in place, such as, putting their wellington boots on before they go out to play in the garden. They readily explain to visitors why they have to wash their hands before snack time. Children have many exceptional opportunities to develop their physical skills; for example, participating in action kids physical play sessions, going on walks and playing outside on a range of outdoor equipment. Children are able to rest and relax when they require. The childminder provides a range of large cushions and books in a quiet area of her home. Children are beginning to be aware of their own safety

p.7

and outcomes for children

through gentle reminders from the childminder; for example, asking them to pick up the bricks they have been playing with as they may trip over them. 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 1 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