St Francis of Assisi Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 147275 Inspection date 10/11/2011 Inspector Samantha Smith

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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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her two daughters aged 18 and 20 years in ground floor flat in New Barnet in the London Borough of Barnet. The whole of the flat is used for childminding, with the exception of the childminder's daughters' bedroom and there is a communal outdoor play area.

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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 four children under eight years at any one time, of whom three may be in the early years age group. There are currently three children on roll, of whom all are in the early years age range and attend part-time during the school term.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes children to local groups and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 happy, well settled and making good progress in their learning. The childminder has a wealth of experience and good knowledge of child development, which she uses effectively to support positive outcomes for children. She provides an inclusive learning environment and plans according to children's individual interests and learning needs. The childminder has developed close and trusting partnerships with parents, which contribute towards the consistent care that children receive. However, further development is required in order to make the partnerships with others involved in the children's care more effective. The childminder's capacity to improve is good. The recommendations from the last inspection have been completed and the childminder continually maintains positive outcomes for children. However, self-evaluation systems need to be developed further in order to target areas for future improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop partnerships with other practitioners involved with the children at other settings to ensure practice is consistent and learning is maximised  develop the use of monitoring systems to evaluate the provision and identify areas for future improvement to further promote positive outcomes for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder manages her setting well. She has the required documentation, policies and procedures in place to support the safe and efficient running of her setting. Safeguarding arrangements are robust and contribute towards the safety and well-being of children. The childminder demonstrates that she has a sound understanding of her responsibility in safeguarding children. She has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and she knows who to report to should she have any concerns about the welfare of children. She maintains an accurate record of children's hours of attendance. The premises are secure and suitable steps have been taken to reduce potential hazards in the home. This is illustrated through the detailed risk assessments, which cover all areas of the childminder's home. The childminder is equally vigilant in promoting children's safety on outings and she demonstrates this through her risk assessments for

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the early years provision

The indoor space is small but effectively used, providing children with ample space to move around and pursue their interests. The childminder makes good use of the communal play area and local parks, which she uses to support children's physical development. Toys and resources provided are well maintained and stored, enabling children safe and easy access to them. The childminder demonstrates a secure awareness of her role in supporting children's learning. Observation and assessments systems are in place and used effectively to support children in making progress. Individual portfolios are used to highlight their achievements. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards promoting inclusive practice and reflecting diversity in her provision. Children's individual needs are well known, fully considered and effectively supported. Various activities and resources that reflect diversity are readily available as part of the daily provision

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the early years provision

The childminder has established positive partnerships with parents, ensuring each child's needs are met. The effective liaison with parents contributes towards the good two way exchange of information. This ensures that both parties are fully updated, and contributes towards improvements in children's achievement, well- being and development. The childminder regularly seeks parents' views and observations on their children, which she uses to extend the learning opportunities provided. Parents express their compliments and appreciation of the service provided. They speak highly of the childminder's professional but caring nature, which they feel has had a positive impact on their children.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates an awareness of the benefits of developing effective partnerships with other early years settings that children attend, although she has yet to establish this. She has a positive attitude towards continually improving her practice and recognises that there is always room for growth. The childminder has begun to evaluate her practice. However, this is still in the early stages, and needs further development to identify areas of improvement in order to support future improvement. 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 happy and well settled in the childminder's care. They benefit from and enjoy the close and caring relationships that they share with her. They confidently approach her to express their needs and wants, to which she responds appropriately. It is evident through their body language, facial expressions and gestures that they clearly enjoy their time with her as they engage in a range of play experiences. Younger children smile and laugh to show her that they are happy and the older children talk about the fun they have at the childminder's.

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and outcomes for children

They are beginning to develop an understanding of the emotional needs of others through the positive interaction that they share with the childminder. They act out this out through their role play. While playing with the dolls the child pretends to feed them and change their nappies. Children are well behaved and there are sound and consistent systems in place for managing their behaviour. This includes highlighting positive aspects of children behaviour. Consequently children are gaining a sound understanding of right and wrong.

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and outcomes for children

Children are well supported in developing early social skills. They enjoy regular visits to parent and toddler groups and other places of interest, where they enjoy opportunities to mix and play with other children in a wider context. They have opportunities to be creative as they take part in painting, play with dough and engage in role play. Further resources, including small world construction toys and dressing up clothes, are made available. Children are beginning to develop an appreciation of books. They independently select books of their choice and they enjoy listening to stories read by the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder makes good use of visual aides. She has created a number of photo boards to illustrate children's experiences, which she uses well to support children's knowledge and understanding. Children show great pride as they spend time looking at photographs of themselves engaged in various activities. Children's interest in the natural world is fostered well through regular visits to outdoor areas and places of interest, giving children opportunities to explore nature and interact with animals and other living creatures. Children have many opportunities to learn about diversity through daily experiences and everyday play resources. They take part in cultural celebrations such as Black History Month and engage in activities that support and raise their awareness of their own cultural backgrounds.

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and outcomes for children

The daily routines in place support children's understanding of good hygiene routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands regularly throughout the day, including before eating their meals. They enjoy healthy meals and snacks, which consist of sandwiches and a selection of fruit and vegetables. Their individual routines from home are accommodated, as children rest and sleep according to their needs. They are learning to keep themselves safe through the gentle reminders that they receive from the childminder while they are engaged in play. 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 2 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 2 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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