Montem Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 131218 Inspection date 02/02/2012 Inspector Tom Radcliffe

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and four children in the village of Marsh Gibbon, Bicester, Oxfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and of these, no more than three may be in the early years age group. There are currently 11 children on roll, eight of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She walks to local schools to collect children and attends a local carer and toddler group/childminder support group. The family has a pet dog, cat and a terrapin. They also keep chickens. The childminder works with two part-time assistants. At which time she may care for a maximum of eight children under

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Description of the childminding

eight years at any one time; and of these, no more than five may be in the early years age group.

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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 committed childminder works with a good understanding of children's uniqueness, which enables her to meet their needs well. Children are stimulated to play and learn in a high quality environment as they make choices and show independence. Children are well safeguarded and effective partnerships support the progress that most of them make. The childminder is very reflective about her work and her use of self-evaluation gives her a good capacity to improve and enhance outcomes for children. Overall, the childminder uses resources and her knowledge of children's progress to support their all round development.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop opportunities for children to use information and communication technology (ICT) to support their learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder values good communication with parents. She uses concise and informative newsletters to provide parents with important information about how she works. This helps the childminder manage her provision safely and efficiently. The childminder has a good understanding of effective working practices. This results in children being well safeguarded as she works with a thorough and up-to- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 date knowledge of how to protect children from harm. The childminder and her assistants are all fully aware of the robust procedures they need to follow to protect children's interests and promote their safety and well-being. The childminder also values exploration and outdoor play. This has a very positive impact on children's learning as they play in areas made safe through a good use of risk assessments. Outdoor areas are used to full effect in all weather conditions

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the early years provision

as there are various surfaces for the children to play on. Children thrive as they play, particularly when outdoors, which boosts their confidence and ability to make decisions. Children's good health and well-being is promoted at all times by the childminder. She implements hygienic daily routines and manages minor injuries or illness well.

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the early years provision

The childminder is focused on providing children with high standards of care and learning. She reflects on all aspects of what she does by observing children and building a working relationship with parents. She also monitors how children interact with other adults and children. In addition she uses her experience and training to alter her practice and make sure children's needs are met well. The childminder has made good progress since the last inspection. The childminder leads staff who share her vision for ongoing improvements. The childminder has good partnerships with parents. Parents value highly the childminder's work and this partnership supports children's progress. The childminder also has good wider partnerships, for example, with other providers which has a positive impact on children's ongoing learning and development.

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the early years provision

Children play in spacious accommodation which is of high quality and well suited to its purpose. Furniture, equipment and resources are highly suitable for the ages of children to support their learning and development. The childminder also takes steps to ensure that resources are sustainable. Children have access to a range of ICT to support their learning, although this variety is not fully developed. Children have the opportunity to play freely and direct their own learning. At these times the childminder holds back to allow space for the children but she always offers good advice and guidance. This enhances children's enjoyment and learning and helps to make it fun. On other occasions the childminder takes a more direct approach which children also respond very well to. The childminder supports inclusive practice at all times. She is extremely keen to ensure that all children build on skills that they have already acquired. Children also have a good range of

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the early years provision

opportunities to learn about their diverse world in an age-appropriate way.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress as they have a wide range of learning experiences which are mainly child-led. The childminder has a good understanding of children's starting points and interests. She also is able to motivate different individuals to learn in a way that best suits their preferred learning styles. The childminder observes children well and has a good sense of the progress that they make. Assessment information is collated to share with parents and supported with photographs and examples of children's work. The childminder takes great care to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provide children with a rich learning environment which is very well resourced overall. She also ensures that children's wishes and interests are fully used when planning for future learning. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She also knows that children learn most effectively

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and outcomes for children

through play and direct experiences. This can be seen in the way that the play environment is organised.

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and outcomes for children

Children love to explore and make decisions for themselves. They like to listen to music as they create imaginary scenes with small world equipment. Children select construction sets and role play equipment as they include others in their play experiences. When using modelling clay children talk about shapes, texture and colour. Children also use dressing up resources independently and enjoy sensory equipment in one of the play areas. Children enjoy working with adults, for example, during cooking. They also are very interested in sharing stories as children of all ages answer questions and predict what will happen next. However it is outside play that provides children with significant learning opportunities. Children can hardly wait to be outside as they park cars, look at road signs and count out eggs laid by the chickens. They also investigate the properties of ice and try to work out why sand also appears to be frozen. In addition even young

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and outcomes for children

children study their home made rain gauges to see which has collected the most rain.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is promoted consistently well by the childminder. Children have many opportunities to learn about their own safety and that of others and demonstrate excellent standards of behaviour. The atmosphere in the provision is friendly and relaxed as children play together, share and listen to each other. Children show a good understanding that harmonious play depends on their own behaviour and attitudes. In addition they are able to understand that all children in some way are different to each other. This takes place as children of all ages mix together in a very purposeful play environment. Children have the ability to concentrate and take on new learning as they build on things that they can already do.

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and outcomes for children

Outcomes for children are promoted consistently well by the childminder. Children are very happy and settled as they make choices, use their imaginations and talk about themselves. They are very enthusiastic about what they do. Children also show a strong sense of security and feel safe when in the childminder's care. Children show an excellent understanding of expected behaviour and apply these in order to keep themselves and others safe. Children show a good understanding of healthy lifestyles and choices. They are very positive about exercise and see the value of personal hygiene. Children respond very well to the expectations that are placed on them as young learners. Children acquire age-appropriate skills and abilities as they play. Their progress ensures that children are well prepared for their future learning needs. 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 1 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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