Little Stars

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. Little Stars Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY359612 Inspection date 26/11/2008 Inspector Jill Steer

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Setting address Ascot Way, Rustington, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN16 3SB Telephone number 01903 850 221 Email Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises 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 setting

Little Stars registered in 2007 and operates from a portacabin in Rustington. The playgroup is open each weekday from 09.00 to 16.00 during term times only. The premises are accessed via several steps. The playgroup is registered to care for 21 children in the early years age range. The playgroup employs six members of staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications and three staff are working towards a qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Partnership with parents is nurtured so they actively share in the children’s experiences, whilst the whole staff team demonstrate a commitment to improvement by addressing issues and implementing change, with the sole intention of having a positive impact on the quality of the outcomes for children. Children's individual care needs are generally met through daily procedures and routines but improvements to the environment are needed to ensure the comfort and well-being of all. All children’s needs are understood and met through the effective use of a key worker system and additional support for some children ensures they are all included. Children's steady development is observed and recorded, but further improvements are required to the planning and assessment systems.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain the temperature to ensure the comfort of the children and staff at all times  update risk assessments to include the significance of individual risks  continue to develop the planning and assessment arrangements to promote children's progress towards the early learning goals, track their achievements, and plan for the next steps in their individual learning  improve planning to ensure that every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning environment throughout their session  further promote and encourage healthy, balanced and nutritious eating

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provision

The staff know and understand the child protection policy and procedure to help safeguard the children. They attend training to update their knowledge and understand how to identify the possible signs that a child may be harmed. All staff are checked to ensure they are suitable to work with children and that they have the appropriate training and skills. Ongoing training is encouraged to update their knowledge. Routine risk assessments are completed and recorded which identify potential hazards in the setting. However, the detail of the hazards is not This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effectively identified to prioritise the level of risk. Policies and procedures are all in place as required and have been updated where necessary to comply with requirements. These provide clear guidance to staff on operating procedures of the setting.

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provision

The setting have begun to evaluate their own practice through a self-evaluation process. They are able to identify areas where they can make improvements to the care and learning outcomes for the children. Staff contribute their own opinions about the effectiveness of the provision and are encouraged to do so. Key activities are evaluated to assess the benefit for individual children and the group as a whole. Good relationships are fostered with parents which enable the staff to get to know each child and their family. Parents receive good information about the setting and what the children are doing each day. Opportunities are provided for parents to discuss in detail, the progress their own child is making. The setting liaises with other agencies to ensure children get the support they may need

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make steady progress in their learning and development as staff provide children with an interesting range of experiences across the six areas of learning. However, staff are in the early stages of developing the planning and assessment arrangements within the Early Years Foundation Stage to promote children's progress towards the early learning goals, track their achievements, and plan for the next steps in their individual learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are valued as individuals as staff listen to them and respect their different personalities and personal preferences. Staff build positive relationships with all children and willingly follow children’s thoughts and ideas whilst planning activities. For example, activities were adapted when a group of children expressed an interest in monsters. As a result, children feel positive about themselves and develop positive attitudes towards learning. Children show a willingness to participate in a range of adult led activities, such as sponge printing and movement to music. However, at times the planning and organisation of such activities left children waiting long periods of time before they could participate fully, which resulted in some unwanted behaviour.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Staff use many opportunities throughout the daily routine to communicate and engage children in conversation. For example, through the use of the 'talking teddy' children are given opportunities to contribute their thoughts, feelings and ideas. They enthusiastically participate in singing counting and seasonal rhymes, and enjoy physical challenges, for example on wheeled toys during outdoor play. Whilst riding their bikes staff constantly remind them of the importance of keeping safe and showing respect to others. Daily routines help children learn good personal hygiene as they wash their hands following guidance from staff and visual prompts displayed. Children enjoy a healthy range of snacks and drink water throughout the day to remain hydrated. However, the contents of some lunch boxes do not provide children with healthy options that help develop healthy eating habits. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a safe and secure environment where hazards have been identified and addressed. However, the temperature is not well controlled to ensure the comfort of staff and children. Children play and behave well and consequently develop friendships. They learn to respect other people and understand they may have different needs. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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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