Homelands School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 128651 Inspection date 17/07/2012 Inspector Rebecca Hurst

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 1987. She lives with her family in a three bedroom house in Lewisham. Minded children have access to the ground floor of the premises and there is a fully enclosed garden. The family has a cat. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for six children aged under eight years. There are two children currently on roll on a part-time basis in the early years age group.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to drop and collect children from local schools and regularly takes children to toddler groups and other local facilities. The childminder runs a childminding support group and toddler group. The childminder has completed an NVQ level 2 and supports children with special educational needs.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder creates a safe and secure environment, where children are valued and supported to make the most of their abilities. They make significant progress in their learning. Consequently, children are very happy, settled and thriving. Warm, positive and trusting relationships enable children to feel safe and secure. The childminder continually evaluates the activities and experiences that she offers to the children. She continually seeks to improve their learning opportunities and works towards the best possible outcomes for children. The childminder has a high capacity to maintain continuous improvement and seeks to improve her knowledge and understanding of early years through training opportunities.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 building on the outstanding practice by continuing to make effective use of training opportunities.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are thoroughly protected from harm because the childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and how to safeguard children. Children are kept safe and secure due to clear, concise and comprehensive risk assessments for both the home and for outings. Accurate records are kept to support children's welfare. The childminder's comprehensive This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 policies enable parents to be fully informed about all aspects of the provision.

p.4

the early years provision

Resources are effectively organised, creating an enabling environment for children to play and learn. Children are confident and independent learners. They have easy access to a wide variety of exciting play materials, strongly supporting their enjoyment and achievement. These include a broad range of books and toys that provide positive images of diversity to help children learn about the wider world. The childminder plans for children's individual needs, and is effective in identifying and closing any achievement gaps.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder constantly seeks to improve her childcare practice so that children have enjoyable and challenging play and learning experiences. The childminder has a natural affinity with the children, responding well to their welfare and development needs. The childminder works closely with the children to evaluate the activities that are on offer to make sure they are fun and that they enjoy participating with them. Parents are fully involved with the process sharing their views on the childminders practice. This makes sure she gets a clear picture from all users as to what they like and what needs to be improved. The childminder has evaluated her setting extremely well and she has clear priorities and targets to drive improvement. Overall, the childminder uses training opportunities well to improve her practise and improve outcomes for children. Recent training has included health and safety.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has excellent communications with both parents and others involved in the children's development. The childminder sends parents regular text messages with photos so they can see what their children have been doing during the day. They share regular emails and the children's observations. The childminder works closely with the parents to work on any concerns they have with their child and any areas where they need additional support. The childminder works closely with the local schools and nurseries the children attend. She works closely with teaching staff to use the same phonics system to ensure consistency. The teachers share information with the childminder on what she can do to enhance the children's learning and development while they are in her care. This provides excellent continuity of care for the children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children happily explore and experiment, using an excellent range of different materials and resources, in a safe, supportive and caring environment. This helps them to confidently practise and acquire new skills. Children receive plenty of attention, through the childminder listening and responding to them throughout their activities. Children show they feel very safe and emotionally secure through confident and independent learning and making choices. For example, they help themselves to toys and readily approach the childminder if they need help or a cuddle. Written observations of the children's attainments, interests and learning styles are supported well with photographic evidence. This enables parents and carers to enjoy very clear, visual images of their children's experiences. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are clearly making significant progress from their starting points. All planning is

p.5

and outcomes for children

adapted to suit the individual needs of each child. The childminder is highly skilled in adapting each activity to enable the more and less able children to progress well with their learning and development. The childminder uses open-ended questions very effectively to get the children to think about what they are doing. She clearly assesses children's understanding of numbers and letters. This effectively supports her in planning their next steps of learning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are developing excellent skills for the future through support in using a wide range of learning resources. Children continue their understanding of phonics. The childminder mixes up the letters of the alphabet so the children learn the letters and the sounds in a variety of ways. Children confidently use the computer to look up information about different festivals and celebrations. Children have their own towels in the bathroom which protects the children from cross infection, and teaches them about good hygiene. The childminder takes time to talk to the children about the importance of exercise. Children are gaining an excellent understanding of the positive effect exercise has on their bodies. The children have freshly prepared meals. The childminder works with the parents to make sure she meets children's dietary requirements. Children work with the childminder to prepare and cook meals with her. This enables them to develop an excellent

p.6

and outcomes for children

understanding of what goes into their meals and the importance of healthy eating.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children understand the importance of sharing. They all work very well together and the older children are highly skilled in showing the younger children how to use resources. Given the children's ages and stages of development they are exceptionally well behaved. Children have a secure understanding of safety through continuous reinforcement in everyday play and on outings. Their safety is further enhanced as they participate in regular fire drills. This allows everyone to be fully aware of what to do in an emergency. Children thoroughly enjoy learning about the natural world. They go on regular outings to local areas to pond dip to look at the wildlife. They go further afield to beaches to explore what can be found in the rock pools. Children really enjoy learning about dinosaurs and how they lived. The childminder takes time to talk to them about what they liked to eat and explain how they lived in packs. This enables the children to learn further about

p.6

and outcomes for children

subjects they really enjoy. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8