St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Oswaldtwistle

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 119660 Inspection date 24/05/2012 Inspector Jill Nugent

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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 1994. She lives with her two adult sons in a ground floor maisonette in Mile End in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The whole of the premises is used for childminding, although children only have access to the downstairs rooms. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. The childminder has a pet parrot.

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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 is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, of whom three may be in the early years age group, at any one time. Currently, there are two children in the early years age group on roll.

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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 offers a welcoming provision where children enjoy a relaxed play environment. She promotes children's learning effectively so that children make good progress towards the early learning goals. She prioritises children's well-being and encourages them to keep themselves safe and healthy. The childminder liaises closely with parents in order to meet children's needs effectively. She is inclusive in her approach and consequently children develop a real sense of belonging. The childminder has a good capacity to maintain continuous improvement and she uses self-evaluation well overall.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop increasingly rigorous use of self-evaluation in order to prioritise clearly aspects for further improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder has recently returned to childminding after a break. Her documentation provides a good framework for her practice. She has effective procedures in place to promote the safeguarding of all children in her care. She is vigilant about safety and supervises children closely at all times. She has carried out a risk assessment of her home and updates it as the need arises. Her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures is up to date. She knows what to do if she has any concerns about children. All records relating to health and safety are well maintained. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder makes very good use of the available play space in her home to offer children a wide choice of play activities. Children especially enjoy the free- choice creative table and use a variety of materials as they create pictures. The

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the early years provision

childminder also organises interesting activities in the garden so that children can move freely between the indoor and outdoor play areas. She has several resources that reflect different cultures and enjoys celebrating special festivals with children. The childminder spends her time with the children, supporting them in their play and helping them to make choices. She quickly responds to their interests and needs, and consequently children feel happy in her care.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good working partnership with parents. She provides clear information about her setting, including a set of written policies and procedures. She exchanges information with parents on a daily basis and shares her observations of children's progress. She is in the process of creating learning journals so that parents have a documented record of their children's progress to take with them when they leave. The childminder has established strong links with other professionals, which enable her to provide continuity of care, when needed, for children with special educational needs. Parents' written feedback about the childminder's provision is very positive. They especially appreciate her attention to detail and her cheerful disposition.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended several training courses since her previous inspection in order to keep up to date with developments in childcare practice. She is proactive in seeking support from her coordinator and is interested in attending further training to improve her practice. The childminder reflects on her practice well overall using self-evaluation and implements new ideas. For example, she is developing a more effective way of recording children's learning and development. However, she does not always clearly prioritise areas for development so that she can show how outcomes for children are continually improving.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very well settled and enjoy the company of the childminder as they play and explore. They often benefit from one-to-one attention and this helps them to feel valued as individuals. They are very well behaved and aware of their boundaries within the setting. The childminder supports children well, engaging them in lively conversation and thereby enhancing their learning experiences. Children are encouraged to develop their use of language as they respond to her comments and questions. They especially enjoy singing nursery rhymes and sharing picture books. Children's self-esteem is boosted through the childminder's praise for their efforts and achievements. In this way, they are encouraged to be active and creative learners.

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and outcomes for children

Children show much interest in the resources and activities on offer. The childminder maintains children's interest effectively by suggesting new activities or introducing different resources. Children are enthused by her ideas and explore This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 excitedly, for example, when she brings out a toy model of Noah's ark. There are good opportunities for children to explore creatively. There is an ongoing attractive display of children's artwork for parents and visitors to view. The childminder is aware of the different stages of child development. She makes the most of opportunities to move children on in their learning. For instance, she is helping children to learn more about sounds and letters using alphabet stickers. She has introduced an effective system of observational assessment, which enables her to plan around children's learning needs and support their acquisition of skills for the

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and outcomes for children

Children feel very safe and secure in the setting. The childminder talks with children about safety issues and about how to keep safe in different situations. Children develop close relationships with the childminder. They gain self- confidence as they seek reassurance from her when making decisions. The childminder is attentive to good hygiene and encourages children to adopt good hygiene practices. She provides a variety of healthy snacks and meals, carefully taking into account children's individual dietary needs. Children have good opportunities for outdoor play, including visits to nearby parks and farms. They learn about cultural differences in the local community and enjoy visits to play groups where they participate in a range of alternative play activities. 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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