Underwood West Academy

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

p.1

Unique reference number 143153 Inspection date 10/03/2009 Inspector Michelle Ann Parham

p.1

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

p.1

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.2

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.

p.2

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.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives with her partner and two children in a residential area of Southsea in Portsmouth. The property is accessible as toileting facilities and rooms used for childminding are situated on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden area suitable for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding three children in the early years age group. The childminder attends groups for children on a regular basis. There are currently no pets in the home. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is satisfactory. The childminder promotes the care, learning and welfare of children through appropriate play experiences and working in partnership with parents. She recognises the uniqueness of each child in her care and provides a suitable range of activities and personal care routines therefore ensuring inclusion. Some training has been undertaken since the last inspection and account of recommendations contributes to continuous improvement. However the childminder has not met requirements in regard to first aid and notifying the department of significant events which are a breach of regulation.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 ensure significant events are always notified to Ofsted in writing  ensure incidents and exisitng injuries are recorded to safeguard children and ensure concerns are easily identified  further extend information gathered about children's starting points to ensure sufficient challenge and stimulation for their learning and development  develop partnership working with other carers to ensure good sharing of information such as target setting to extend children's learning and development  continue to develop the observation system in place to clearly identify learning objective, next steps in children's learning and development, including evaluation for success or improvement.

p.3

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 complete an appropriate paediatric first aid course and ensure qualification is maintained. (Suitable people) 31/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

Most required records and documentation are in place for the safe and efficient management of the Early Years Foundation Stage however the childminder has not recorded existing injuries or incidents to ensure concerns are easily identified. All safety precautions in the home are in place using suitable equipment and the childminder is vigilant in her supervision and the security of children which promotes safeguarding.

p.4

provision

The childminder has several written policies and procedures which are shared with parents to promote partnership. Some information is gathered in regard to children’s starting points, however this does include current abilities. Information about activities and achievements is shared informally on a daily basis which includes parents in children’s learning. However, children who also attend other settings do not benefit from the childminder working with other key persons to identify targets for learning and development. The childminder completes informal observation of each child's achievements and follows their interests but does not yet formally identify targets for development and evaluate outcomes.

p.4

provision

Basic, informal self-evaluation occurs and the childminder is clear of her strengths and areas for improvement. She has addressed recommendations from previous inspections and is keen to develop knowledge and understanding of learning and development requirements through further training.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder enjoys her role and builds warm and trusting relationships with the children. They join in activities, requesting resources confidently such as the tea-set and play food and evidently enjoy her involvement in play. The childminder extends learning as she asks questions to help children think such as ‘how many and what colour’ and introduces mathematical concepts such as counting and calculation as they enjoy favourite action songs such as ‘Five Little Men’. She spends her time interacting with children as they play which has a positive impact on their verbal communication skills. A suitable range of resources are provided that are organised for use and access. This promotes independence and enables children to have some initiation of their play. Children benefit from positive behaviour management techniques such as praise and encouragement, discussion and distraction and stickers for reward. They begin to learn the effect their

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

behaviour has on others and are encouraged to be considerate, with the childminder being a positive role model.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children can access the rear garden for outdoor play and the childminder makes good use of community resources such as Blue Reef aquarium, the local beach and Canoe Lake for activities such as crabbing. They benefit from walking on a daily basis to local toddler and singing groups for example, which promotes fitness and extends their understanding of the world around them. Children have some interactive toys which develops understanding of how things work and of following simple instruction. The childminder provides activities children enjoy and which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 extend learning in all areas. Opportunities to bake are worthwhile such as making gingerbread men or cup cakes and promote a sense of achievement and enable children to learn about safety, measurements and texture.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Parents provide packed lunches which are stored suitably in the fridge for freshness. The childminder supplements these with regular drinks and fresh and dried fruit for snack, ensuring healthy eating is promoted. Children develop self- care skills and hygiene practices as they are encouraged to wash hands and wipe noses at appropriate times. They also learn about the benefits of exercise for healthy strong bodies. All of which contributes to children developing an understanding of healthy lifestyles. Children learn how to keep safe as the childminder talks about road safety and for example to be safe near water. In the home, they are reminded to be careful with toys, such as not to throw them and to be kind to others. The childminder offers an informal setting where children feel relaxed and secure. The balanced curriculum ensures children develop skills for their future economic well-being. The childminder has made some positive steps to

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

implement the new regulations and is gradually becoming more confident in her delivery of the learning and development requirements. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

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

p.8

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.

p.8