St Bartholomew's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 104815 Inspection date 30/11/2011 Inspector Julie Neal

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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 1991. She lives with her husband in Fremington in North Devon. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has a pet dog. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding 10 children in the early years age group at different times.

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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's individual needs are met well overall. The childminder uses her very good understanding of how children learn through play to plan activities that stimulate and challenge each child. Therefore, children make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder reflects well on her practice and her self-evaluations clearly identify areas for development that have impact on children's experiences. As a result, the childminder demonstrates the capacity to maintain ongoing improvements in order to achieve and sustain good quality outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 analyse observations to make clearer links between what children do and the early learning goals in order to progress their learning  maintain a regular two-way flow of information with other providers so that children's needs are met and there is continuity in their learning

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates good understanding of the welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She implements these well through her daily routines and procedures that help to safeguard children. The childminder is secure in her awareness of safeguarding issues, and she shows knowledge of local procedures for reporting any concerns. The childminder shares her written policies This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and procedures with parents, so that they understand the actions that she takes to safeguard and protect children in her care. Children are kept safe and secure because the childminder has extremely thorough systems of daily health and safety checks in place. The childminder's risk assessments are excellent. These are reviewed frequently so that safety routines continue to meet the changing needs of individual children. For example, the childminder has recently updated her

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the early years provision

emergency evacuation plans to reflect slightly different routines depending on whether older or younger children are present. Generally, documentation that supports children's welfare is well maintained. The childminder has systems in place to record all information needed to support children's individual needs, which she reviews regularly with parents. Parents are made aware of the childminder's processes to record any accidents or incidents involving children, and any medicines that may need to be given.

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the early years provision

The childminder promotes an inclusive environment where children's specific needs are recognised and met. The childminder's good relationships with parents mean she is very well informed about children's individual needs and how these change as each child grows and develops. For example, very young children benefit from having their individual needs met in a way that is consistent with home routines. As a result, babies quickly feel secure and content with the childminder. Children who speak English as an additional language, or who are bilingual, are supported very well. The childminder actively encourages children to share their home languages. For example, children proudly identify toys and games in English and in each other's languages and they compare different words for foods at snack time. The childminder is experienced in caring for children with a range of specific needs, including those related to health and medical issues. The childminder works

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the early years provision

well with parents and other agencies involved in supporting children, planning together to meet each child's individual requirements. Some children also attend other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage, such as schools and pre- schools. The childminder develops friendly relationships with these other providers, which results in information relating to children's welfare being shared effectively. However, the childminder does not have a process to share information relating to children's progress towards the early learning goals with other providers.

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the early years provision

Overall, the childminder's self-evaluations are good. She identifies areas for improvement and the action to take in order to achieve these. For example, the childminder has worked hard to gain confidence in linking children's activities to the early learning goals. As a result, she is beginning to develop systems to monitor children's progress more effectively and to show how individual aims and objectives are based on prior learning. The childminder welcomes feedback from parents, who make good use of their children's diaries to note their thoughts and ideas. The childminder has involved children in reviewing how space and resources can be used to provide a stimulating and interesting environment that children are keen to explore. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is promoted very well overall. Children are immensely happy and confident and demonstrate high levels of self-esteem in their interactions with the childminder and with each other. Behaviour is excellent. Older children are extremely caring towards their younger friends and make sure nobody is left out. For example, children spontaneously decide to take photographs of each other playing. A child under two years of age is curious and wants to have a go. An older friend patiently shows the young child how to press the buttons and take a picture; the young child is delighted when they see the snapshot they have taken. The childminder teaches children to show respect for each other. For instance, children learn that babies do not have the words to say what they want but that individual sounds and gestures have specific meaning. Children's safety awareness is extremely good. This is because the childminder is very skilled at introducing how

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and outcomes for children

to keep safe into activities and discussions. For example, some children have brought items from home to show to their friends. When children have finished showing their belongings, the childminder talks to them about the carrier bags they have used to carry things in. Children confidently talk about keeping these away from small children because they know that 'you can choke if it goes on your head'. Children consolidate what they learn through imaginary play. For example, they set up a hospital for dolls, and decide who will be doctors, nurses, and mummies and daddies. When their 'babies' are poorly they dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. Children know that the same number calls the police and fire services too, which is demonstrated by their firm refusal of a policeman or fire engine. Health promotion with children is effective. Children of all ages know when it is appropriate to wash their hands, and they are quick to inform the childminder if

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and outcomes for children

anyone forgets. Mealtimes are used well by the childminder to promote children's awareness of healthy food and a balanced diet. Children show a developing awareness of how their bodies work. For example, identifying that their 'tummy is nearly full up' and deciding to save part of their snack until later.

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and outcomes for children

Overall, children make good progress towards the early learning goals, relative to their starting points. The childminder makes very good use of her knowledge of individual children to plan activities that promote learning in all areas. In discussion, the childminder clearly identifies children's current stages of development, and how they have got to this level from their original starting points. The childminder talks confidently about key aims and objectives to promote individual progress. Overall, the childminder uses her observations well in planning for individual children. However, she has not felt confident in recording her observations of what children do and linking these to the early learning goals. As a result, there is little documented to show the progress children have made over time. The childminder plans well to ensure that children have a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. She involves children in planning with her,

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and outcomes for children

which results in children being enthusiastic participants in activities. For example, children are eager to make seasonal decorations, such as snowmen. They talk to the childminder about the different materials that they want to use. The childminder supports children well, according to their ages and abilities. For This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 example, very young children enjoy sticking pre-cut shapes together and selecting felt, glitter and stars to decorate their snowmen. Older children talk about the different shapes, such as large and small circles for the snowman's body and head, and small triangles to make his nose. They confidently and safely use scissors, glue, and fabrics to create their own unique snowmen. Children confidently initiate their own activities. For example, some children have been learning Christmas songs and teach these to the rest of the group. Children enthusiastically act out

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and outcomes for children

the movements of characters in the twelve days of Christmas, energetically marching, drumming and dancing. 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 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 1 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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