Chandlers Ridge Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 145287 Inspection date 20/09/2011 Inspector Marie Thompson

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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 1989. She lives with her husband in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll; three are in the early years age range. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends a local adult and toddler group. The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network and is currently in receipt of funding for early education for three- and four-year-old children. The childminder is qualified to NVQ level 3.

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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 provides a very welcoming and stimulating environment. She supports children well and helps them to make good progress in their learning and development. Children have access to a well-equipped playroom which offers a variety of age-appropriate toys and resources. The childminder ensures that all children are valued and included. Partnership with parents is very good. However, partnerships with other settings children attend are not yet fully developed. Self- evaluation is underway and indicates the service offered will continuously improve. However, the systems in place to evaluate practice are not sufficiently robust to identify all areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop links with other settings that the children attend to ensure continuity in their care and development  strengthen the use of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development that will continuously improve the quality of the provision for all children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Priority is given to safeguarding and protecting children. The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of her role and responsibility in regard to safeguarding children. The childminder implements a comprehensive range of policies and procedures, which are shared with parents and underpin her effective practice. Thorough risk assessment covers all aspects of the premises, equipment, activities and outings. The documentation in place is used effectively to instigate the safe and efficient management of the provision. This ensures children's health, safety and well-being is significantly enhanced.

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the early years provision

The childminder promotes equality of opportunity throughout her practice and all children are valued and respected. She promotes a strong inclusive ethos. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children's individual needs, play preferences and interests. Children learn to appreciate diversity and develop respect for themselves and others. They engage in a wide range of activities and experiences that help them learn and understand the society in which they live.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is very good. The childminder communicates thoughtfully with parents. They are very well informed about all aspects of their child's achievements, well-being, progress and development. The childminder displays information. She provides parents with written information about her policies and a diary detailing their child's day and activities. Letters from parents are very complimentary about the childminder's care and the loving and nurturing environment. The childminder is aware of the benefit of sharing information with other settings children attend, to support continuity in their care and development. However, these links are not yet well established.

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the early years provision

Positive outcomes for children can be attributed to the good use of space and organisation of a wide range of resources. Children can make choices about what they would like to do and direct their own play. The day is organised well to meet children's individual care routines and needs.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good commitment to ongoing improvement. She has implemented the recommendations from the last inspection effectively to improve outcomes. She generally reflects effectively on her practice to identify strengths and areas for development. However, the systems currently in place to evaluate her practice are not sufficiently robust or maintained to identify fully all areas for improvement. The childminder is fully committed to her own professional development. She has a recognised childcare qualification and attends training courses to develop her practice, skills and knowledge. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are very comfortable in this welcoming and friendly home environment. The childminder is highly effective in promoting children's personal, social and emotional development. Children are developing independence, confidence and self-esteem and are supported very well by the childminder. She gives them time and space to play, listens to them with genuine interest and helps them develop new skills at their own pace. The childminder ensures each child receives the support they need to develop good language, communication and social skills to help them to achieve and participate fully. She is very attentive to children's individual needs. She allows them freedom of choice and provides a good balance of play opportunities. Children respond warmly towards the childminder, demonstrating a strong sense of belonging. The routine is well organised helping children feel safe and secure.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a very good understanding of the learning and development requirements and how young children learn and progress. Children's progress is reflected in their development folders and scrapbooks. These include a range of photographs, examples of children's work and well directed observations. The childminder uses the information gained from observations to identify and plan children's next steps in learning, ensuring they move forward at a pace suitable to their needs. Parents regularly discuss their children's next steps in learning with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children's creativity is fully supported. There is a wide variety of resources for art and craft, music, role play and dressing up. Children explore the properties of sand and water. They construct on a large scale, for example, using a selection of large bricks to build a den. Children's awareness of problem solving, reasoning and numeracy is fostered very well. The childminder talks to children about colour, size and shapes as they play. The children look for different shapes, colours and sizes in the garden during bug hunts. Children learn about the importance of fresh air and physical exercise. There is a good focus on outdoor play and exploring the local environment. They visit local parks, where they enjoy picnics and use different apparatus to develop their physical skills. Available resources help children develop their knowledge and understanding of technology. They have access to the computer and good opportunities to learn how to operate a variety of

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and outcomes for children

electronic toys. A range of activities are planned to help children make sense of the world around them. They learn about seasons and the natural environment. They plant seeds in the garden and go to the local shops to buy fruit for their snacks.

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and outcomes for children

A close and caring relationship with the childminder increases children's sense of trust and helps them feel secure. Children develop a very good understanding of keeping themselves safe through play and interaction. Fire evacuation procedures are practised regularly, helping children to understand how to stay safe in an emergency. Children's behaviour is very good and sensitively managed by the childminder. She gives children gentle reminders and encourages them to think about the consequences of their actions. Children have good manners. They are encouraged to share, take turns and be kind to each other. Good systems are in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 place to support children's welfare needs, including information about individual dietary needs and parents' preferences. Healthy eating is prioritised. The childminder provides a range of healthy meals and snacks each day. A menu is

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and outcomes for children

displayed so that the parents are aware of the food their children will be having. Children adopt very good hygiene routines. Positive steps are taken by the childminder to minimise the risk of cross infection. Children eagerly engage in play and become inquisitive and active learners. Children are making good progress in their learning and skills for the future. 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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