Oak Tree School

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 140942 Inspection date 18/03/2009 Inspector Carol Johnstone

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 1994. She lives on the island of Portland, close to local shops, parks, schools and nurseries. The childminder has a pet cat to which children can have supervised access. Rooms used for childminding purposes are the lounge, play room and bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for up to four children under the age of eight years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Currently, there are eight children on roll who attend on a part-time basis. Of these three are in the early years age group, three are in the range of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and two are over eight years of age. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds the Cache at level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice. She is part of a childminding network and is a member of the Dorset quality improvement scheme for childminders.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for in a cosy environment and are settled and comfortable with the childminder. Children are able to choose from a wide range of activities which are adapted to meet their abilities. Observations and assessments of the children are carried out which help to inform the planning. The childminder has started a process of self-evaluation to identify areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop links with other childcare providers sharing the care of the children in order to ensure continuity of the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage  continue to develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage

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provision

The childminder is well organised in her practice. All the necessary documentation to support children's safety and welfare is in place. Regular risk assessments are undertaken of the home and of all types of outings in order to identify any potential hazards. Contracts are regularly reviewed and parental consent is in place for emergency medical treatment, outings and observations. Children's health is protected through a clear sickness policy and through detailed recording of any allergies or medical conditions. Smoke alarms are regularly tested and the fire drill is practised on a monthly basis so that children will know what to do in the event This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of an emergency.

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provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding children issues in relation to the types and signs of child abuse. She is clear of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern arising which would enable external assistance to be obtained for a child at risk.

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provision

The childminder has started to self-evaluate her provision in order to identify areas for development, both in her own knowledge and training and also in the activities provided. She demonstrates a commitment to both the continuous improvement of her provision and to her own personal development, obtaining training courses whenever they are available. The childminder has gained knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and she is working hard to continue to develop this through reading and research. All of the recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. The childminder has started to obtain details of the activities provided by local preschools who share the care of the children. However, no systems are yet in place to share observations and assessments of the children to ensure continuity of the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

There are strong and friendly links with parents. An extensive daily diary is completed for each child along with photos and art work that are sent home. In addition, parents are invited to look at children's assessment records whenever they wish. A daily discussion on arrival and collection of the children keeps parents informed about the day's activities and events.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and content. They have a close relationship with the childminder and are very at ease with her. Children enjoy the varied activities on offer which include painting, hand printing, model making, arts and crafts, play dough, construction and board games. Children also like to listen to music and they are taken each week to a music group. Other outings include trips to the Sea life Centre, park and local bounce and play session. These outings help the children practise their social skills with children outside of their immediate peer group. Children are making good progress in their learning which is facilitated by regular observations and assessments, although sometimes not all of the areas of learning are included in all observations. The next steps for children's learning are incorporated into a weekly planning sheet which is based around the individual needs of each child in addition to what they particularly enjoy doing.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The activities are supported very well by the childminder. She asks the children questions which helps them to think. For example, during an activity to make cards and presents for Mother's Day, children are asked which is the biggest and the smallest, what do we need next and how many will we need? When out walking, the childminder points out different letters and words that they see and the sound that the letters make when spoken. Children respond well to this questioning and they enjoy their learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are given healthy snacks of fruit each day and there are discussion topics about healthy food groups. They are offered daily exercise, either in the garden or on walks around the local area and trips to the park. Children learn about the wider world around them through a variety of ways. These include using resources

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

that reflect diversity and disability, celebrating different religious festivals and looking up countries in an atlas when postcards arrive from the families of children attending. Children with additional needs are welcomed to the provision. The childminder sensitively and unobtrusively adapts activities to ensure that all children are included in all things.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn how to keep themselves safe in the provision. They know that they must not climb on furniture or be careless with the toys in case they hurt someone. When out walking with the childminder, children are taught to be aware of traffic and how to cross the road safely.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave extremely well. They are given very clear boundaries which are reinforced when necessary. Children share their toys readily and are encouraged to respect and be kind to each other. Good manners are encouraged and children know that they should say please and thank you when asking for something. Praise is readily given by the childminder which helps to build the children's self- esteem and confidence. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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