Poltair 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 112052 Inspection date 20/04/2009 Inspector Susan Mann

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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 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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her two teenage children in a detached house in a residential area of Totton. All of the house is registered and children generally use the ground floor, with sleeping and toileting facilities also downstairs. The family have a dog and other small pets. Shops, parks and schools are nearby. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. Of these, three may be in the early years age range. She provides care all year around between the hours of 07.30 and 18.00. She currently cares for three children in the early age range, four children between five and under the age of eight years, and eight children over eight. All children are cared for on a part-time basis. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child and tailors her care to meet their individual needs. The childminder is knowledgeable about the Early Years Foundation Stage and plans enjoyable activities to help children make good progress. The childminder understands the importance of working collaboratively with parents and other providers of the EYFS so that children benefit from consistently good education and care. Children's health is promoted exceptionally well. The childminder makes frequent and thorough evaluation of her practice so that she can plan and implement new initiatives and ideas to further improve her provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop knowledge about how to effectively safeguard children's welfare so that it is in line with current requirements  continue to develop systems of observation and assessment of children's progress towards the early learning goals in order to identify the next steps of learning for all children in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. She is efficient, and all required documentation is properly maintained and securely stored. There are a number of clearly written policies and procedures which are regularly reviewed and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 these form a strong framework for the day-to-day running of the provision. This good organisation means that children receive a high level of care and education which is in line with current requirements.

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provision

The childminder is able to safeguard children's welfare effectively. She demonstrates a very good awareness of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and knows to record and report these. However, procedures have not been updated to include relevant contact details which means that these are not readily accessible. The childminder ensures that all adults who live in the home are properly vetted, and visitors sign a record book, so that children are properly protected.

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provision

The childminder has organised her home to provide an enabling environment where children have plenty of space to play. She is cheerful and friendly and creates a welcoming atmosphere where children can feel at home. The home and garden are safe because the childminder carries out thorough risk assessments on all aspects of the provision to minimise hazards. Toys are organised to ensure that children cannot access resources that are not appropriate for their age of development in order to keep them safe.

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provision

Children are assured good experiences which meet their needs well because the childminder continually evaluates her provision. She identifies areas for development and future training requirements so that continuous improvement is planned and implemented effectively. Parents are involved in this evaluation through consultation and surveys of their satisfaction with the service provided. This means that the provision meets the needs and preferences of families that use it. All recommendations from the previous inspection have been fully addressed. Children benefit from the strong partnership which exists between their parents and the childminder. There is frequent sharing of information from the outset which supports children's well-being and sense of security.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have fun whilst making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder plans activities which cover all areas of learning and suit their interests so that children are motivated to learn. The childminder monitors their progress effectively through frequent observation and assessment. She knows the abilities of the children well so that all progress at their own pace. The childminder has started to compile folders which contain this information, together with photographs and the identified next steps of learning for some children. She plans to continue developing this as part of the continuous improvement of her provision. This is so that each child can have their next steps of learning and development clearly identified and this information can be shared easily with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children receive good support from the childminder as they play. She interacts with them at their own physical level and gives them her whole attention. She helps children explore an interactive toy, encouraging them to lift a lid up and down and explore the sound making elements of the resource. Throughout the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activity, she uses simple clear language to assist the development of children's speech. Children are engrossed in their play with the childminder and are wholly content. She is skilled at knowing when children need fresh challenge to prevent them becoming bored, and introduces new games or resources for them to use if they choose.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are extremely well supported in learning about how to keep themselves healthy. The childminder has organised everyday tasks such as hand washing, so that children can learn hygienic practice with ease as part of their daily routine. The garden is segregated with a separate area for the family dog in order to limit the risk of children playing in an unhygienic area. Children have plenty of fresh air and exercise through frequent walks and outings, as well as when playing in the childminder's garden. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe through talking about road safety when out on walks and by practising the emergency evacuation procedure regularly. The childminder promotes kindness and respect as part of her provision. The children have drawn up a set of house rules for managing their own behaviour, and the childminder gives continual praise and encouragement for children's achievements and efforts.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about the wider world through looking at and discussing a wide range of books and resources, activities, and through visiting their local environment and community. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of helping children to respect and enjoy diversity in ways that are meaningful to them. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child and takes great care to meet their needs so they feel secure and valued when in her care. 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? 1 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

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