Hartford Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 143849 Inspection date 23/11/2011 Inspector Beryl Witheridge

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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 was registered in 1996. She lives in a first floor flat with her adult family in the London Borough of Lambeth. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is access to a garden but the childminder does not use it, she makes use of the local parks and open areas. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time of whom three may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding two children part time one of whom is in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a cat. The childminder can support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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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

The childminder effectively promotes the unique welfare and learning needs of each child she cares for. The partnerships with other settings are established but the childminder has not shared her written developmental records with them. The partnership with parents is good and they are fully included in their children's development and learning. The childminder is very pro-active about her training and her capacity for maintaining ongoing improvement is positive. She uses reflective practice to identify the strengths and weaknesses of her setting and is clear about the areas that need to be addressed to continue to promote effective outcomes for the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 use systematic observations and assessments of children's achievements, interests and learning styles to plan relevant and motivating play experiences for each child  develop the arrangements for sharing relevant information with practitioners in other early years settings children attend in order to ensure effective continuity and progression. 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 knows her role and responsibility towards safeguarding the children in her care. She is clear about the signs and symptoms of abuse, and knows what to do in the event of a concern. She has undertaken recent safeguarding training to ensure her knowledge is up to date. This means that the children's welfare remains her priority. Risk assessment is thorough both inside the home and on outings. Children take part in regular emergency evacuation procedures; they practise road safety at all times on their many outings ensuring they know how to keep themselves safe in an emergency. The childminder maintains the required records, documentation, policies and procedures to promote children's welfare.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from the childminder's positive and pro-active attitude towards training and meeting with other childminders to discuss best practice. This enables her to meet the welfare and learning needs of each child. She keeps up-to-date with current requirements well and follows parents' wishes to ensure their children's needs are met. Previous recommendations from the last inspection have been met. Overall, the childminder's commitment towards improving her practice helps to promote good outcomes for the children attending.

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the early years provision

Children have free access to the toys and resources; the range available covers all areas of learning and is appropriate to the age and stage of development of the children attending. Equality and diversity are an every day part of the service provided. The individual needs of every child and their family are very well addressed and the childminder promotes the specific needs of children very effectively. All children have equal access to the play and learning opportunities helping them reach their full potential. These include positive images of diversity and the opportunity to discuss their similarities and differences; this encourages all children to value themselves and people in the wider world.

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the early years provision

The childminder is reflective and has identified the strengths and weaknesses of the setting. Future improvements highlighted include undertaking more training to keep up-to-date with the changes in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She talks to parents about her setting and includes their views and ideas in the evaluation process. This self-evaluation helps to promote effective outcomes for the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established links with other settings involved in the care of the children but is aware that they are not fully exchanging information about the children's learning and development to ensure continuity of care. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are kept informed about their children's progress and are involved in their learning and development. All information is shared verbally, with a daily diary and through the written developmental observations and assessments in the children's learning journey. Parents greatly value the service provided by the childminder and praise the care she provides in glowing terms. This means that children feel safe and secure, and very well supported between the home and childminding environments. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from the childminder's committed approach to their welfare, play and learning. She works with them at their level and shows great interest in their activities and asks meaningful questions to help them communicate and move their ideas forward. Children enjoy the good range of toys and resources on offer, which promote all areas of learning. Activities are sometimes led by children and at other times the childminder offers support. Observations and assessments are well recorded and next steps clearly identified. The future planning is informal; the childminder plans in her head taking into account the current interests and next steps of the children.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy taking part in a wide variety of activities. They show good skills at doing jigsaws, carefully using the pictures on the box to work out where each piece needs to go. Their imaginations are extended through the dressing up and the tools available to work with. Singing and dancing are a part of each day; they love using the microphone while singing. Children show a great love of books and know the stories well being able to tell their favourite ones easily. Trips to the local parks and gardens encourage children's physical development and an interest in the world around them; they take a great interest in nature, looking at the trees, feeding the ducks, collecting leaves and floating their sticks in the stream. Children also take part in regular trips to the library and regularly meet with other childminders and their children.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and well-being are well promoted. They enjoy healthy snacks and meals which include fresh vegetables and fruit. The childminder works well with parents to meet children's specific dietary needs. Good hygiene procedures are in place and children understand the importance of these by following the good example set by the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very well behaved and respond well to the childminder's input. She is very loving and caring towards them and praises their achievements and good behaviour. She is very calm when dealing with unwanted behaviour and clearly explains why some behaviour is not acceptable. Children learn how to share and take turns and receive plenty of praise and encouragement. The behaviour management strategies in place clearly promote children's welfare and self- esteem. Overall, an inclusive and welcoming service is provided. 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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