SHC School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 141679 Inspection date 26/09/2011 Inspector Aileen Finan

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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 1997. He lives with his wife and adult daughter in Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with bathroom and sleeping facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside 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. He works alongside his wife who is also a registered childminder. The childminder also works with an assistant at times. The childminder and his wife have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. When working with his wife or assistant they may care for a maximum of 12 children under eight years of age; six may be in the early years age group at any one time. There are currently 22 children under eight years on roll, on a full or part-time basis. Of these, 11 children are in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder supports children who have English as an additional language. The family has a pet cat.

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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

The childminder has successfully acted upon the recommendation set at his last inspection and is thoroughly aware of the strengths of his practice. He has identified and implemented some exemplary changes to his provision including enhancing the outdoor environment. Children are making exceptional progress overall in relation to their starting points. There are highly effective partnerships with other agencies and parents which further complements children's development.

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further?

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

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further?

 Extending further the learning opportunities for children to learn and understand about the world and explore their surroundings.

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the early years provision

The childminder has recently updated his safeguarding training and attended a course on conducting risk assessments. He understands his responsibilities in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relation to safeguarding issues. The childminder effectively maintains and updates the procedures to follow should he have any concerns about a child in his care. Comprehensive policies and procedures ensure the welfare of children and these are shared with parents. The childminder conducts extensive risk assessments and robust daily checks of the home, garden and for outings, eliminating any hazards appropriately. Consequently, children are kept safe. Children display an excellent understanding of how to keep safe, as the childminder explains safety in an appropriate way.

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the early years provision

The childminder actively promotes equality and diversity. Children are well integrated and form warm relationships with one another. The childminder is a strong role model and children respond to him fondly. He is exceptionally clear about children's starting points, individual needs and routines. Children learn about similarities and differences through everyday conversation and this helps children understand the diverse world they live in. Daily evaluation is conducted at the end of the day, when he shares children's progress and any concerns with his co- childminder.

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the early years provision

The childminder regularly attends training and keeps himself informed about changes to legislation. With his co-childminder he has recently completed inclusion and food hygiene courses. The childminder is committed to his role and enjoys the day-to-day interaction with the children. The childminder uses his time effectively. The high quality furniture, equipment, toys and resources are suitable for the ages of the children attending and support their learning and development. The childminder's home is highly conducive to children's learning and safety.

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the early years provision

Parents are highly positive about the care their children receive. Feedback is clear and concise. Children's routines are understood and followed exceptionally well. The childminder and his co-childminder are highly organised. Parents are included in decision making and their views and suggestions are always taken into account. Excellent partnerships are in place with schools, nurseries and other professionals, which enhances outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled. There are excellent relationships in place with the childminder, his co-childminder and all children attending. Children have lots of fun. They are highly motivated and interested in a wide range of play. They happily invite the childminder to play, as they run around outside or draw pictures indoors. They eagerly call out the childminder's name and ask him questions, which he happily responds to. Resources are appropriate to children's age and stage of development, these are easily accessible.

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and outcomes for children

Children use the outdoors most of the day. The safety surface 'grassed' area provided for them is highly effective. It enhances their time outside and can be used all year round. Children have fun growing the fruit they eat for snack and the vegetables they enjoy at lunch time. As a trained chef the childminder has an This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 exceptional understanding of healthy eating. Children learn about foods and enjoy a wide variety. They try out new tastes and make healthy and informed choices at meal times. They happily choose between home made jelly or yogurt and most are confident at feeding themselves. Children are provided with excellent meals and snacks that are thoroughly enjoyed by all and are freshly prepared daily. Children's dietary needs are met to an exceptional standard. Children engage in a range of physical activities outdoors and consequently receive plenty of fresh air and

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and outcomes for children

exercise. Children understand about hand washing and other hygiene routines. Sleep routines are adhered to at all times, in line with parent's wishes.

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and outcomes for children

Children are provided with a range of planned for and child-initiated play. These cover all areas of learning. Photographs of previous activities enjoyed by the children are displayed around the room. Children recall these activities and talk about them with the childminder remember when Father Christmas walked through the garden setting footprints in the snow, with a sack of toys on his back for example. Activities and toys encompass all areas of learning, however; opportunities for children to explore their community, use simple tools and materials and find out about the past and present are more limited.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a stimulating and welcoming environment for children and their parents. Consequently, children are very settled. Children have a development book that contains highly effective observations, supported by photographs and quotes from children. These are linked to the areas of learning and enable the childminder and his co-childminder to identify any developmental gaps in children's learning and to plan for their next steps.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a strong sense of security at the childminder's home. They learn about road safety and fire evacuation. Specially adapted policies are written for the older children. Children are extremely confident in asking for help when needed. The high quality interaction between the children and childminder is exemplary, building children's confidence and self-esteem.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They are aware of their responsibilities, such as putting on bibs before eating and tidying up toys. Children are effectively developing essential skills for their future. Their progress in relation to communication and numeracy is strong. Lots of communication takes place. The childminder is very effective at asking open-ended questions, which boosts children language skills and curiosity. 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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