Star Academy, Sandyford

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 139226 Inspection date 22/04/2009 Inspector Bridget Copson

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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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her sister in a house in Bridport, Dorset. The whole of the ground floor is used for child minding and the master bedroom on the first floor is available for sleep purposes only. The garden is not registered for use.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under eight years. She also cares for children over eight. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder delivers and collects children from the local schools.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well and they are making good progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage. Their welfare is safeguarded through high standards of health and safety which are monitored through assessments and checklists. Children are developing a good sense of belonging within the provision and see a positive reflection of themselves within the house. The childminder has made effective improvements to the quality of care she provides and to promote the Every Child Matters outcomes for children. She has developed a self-evaluation system to promote ongoing improvements to her childcare provision, although this does not identify all areas of weakness.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the system of planning children's learning to ensure they are being encouraged individually to develop to their full potential in all areas of learning and involve other agencies involved in children's care for consistency improve links with parents through providing details of the child protection procedures and obtaining more information regarding their child's starting points on admission.

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provision

The childminder keeps very well-organised records, policies and procedures which she uses effectively to meet children's needs. Thorough risk assessments are regularly updated to monitor safety and additions made for new activities, such as playing in the snow. Children are protected closely through the childminder's good knowledge of safeguarding issues and high levels of supervision. The childminder uses her efficient organisational skills to prepare her home well for children. As a result, children play freely and safely and are provided with close interaction to support them in feeling happy and secure. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is proactive in developing her knowledge and skills through attending training courses and workshops. This further supports her well in meeting children's needs and in gaining a good knowledge of the Early Years

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provision

Foundation Stage. Children benefit from improvements made in the quality of their care and learning and through the childminder's self evaluate of her provision. In addition, she has registered with the Dorset Quality Improvement Scheme and has established links with the local authority for further development.

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provision

Children benefit from the effective working partnerships established with parents. Parents are provided with comprehensive information regarding the provision, including policies and procedures. They are not, however, informed of the childminder's responsibilities and the procedures she would need to follow in the event of any child protection concerns. Parents provide information relating to their child's care and sign agreements to promote consistency. They also complete 'All About Me' forms which provide the childminder with information relating to their child's preferences and dislikes, but limited information regarding their current stage of development. Parents are kept well informed through notices displayed in the kitchen and daily feedback from the childminder. Effective links are not yet established with all other agencies involved in children's care and learning for further consistency.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a very good range of well-maintained and age appropriate play provision to support their learning and development. This is made easily accessible to them within the sitting room with low level furniture to promote independent play. They also benefit from a balance of activities at home and regular outings within the town, such as gym tots, swimming and trips to the children's centre. This provides additional experiences in other environments.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning and development is planned and monitored well. Activities are mostly child led with resources to support their interests and stage of development. The childminder interacts with enthusiasm to promote discussion and keep children interested and involved. Some adult led activities are organised to promote specific areas of learning, such as cookery and creative activities. However, this system does not ensure children are being encouraged, individually, to develop to their full potential in all areas of learning. The childminder carries out observations each month on a specific activity for each child. This is recorded into the child's own assessment file with examples of work and photographs to illustrate. From this information, the child's next steps are planned in some areas of learning. Parents regularly see their child's assessment file and contribute positively to this.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They move about freely and with confidence and developing good independence skills. They play well together and are learning about the needs and feeling of others. Children communicate confidently to express themselves and listen well to the childminder. They enjoy books and have easy access to picture, story and reference books. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children have some opportunities to problem solve through completing puzzles and playing with activity toys and are learning shapes. Children get involved locally through attending regular clubs and play sessions and meeting up with friends to develop their sense of community. They use their imaginations well in creative activities, role play, music and with small world resources. Children behave well and are learning about the childminder's expectations. They respond positively to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

her calm and gentle manner and consistent messages.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded efficiently. The extremely safe and secure environment ensure they can play freely and independently. They learn about keeping safe through safe play rules indoor, road safety on walks and practicing the fire evacuation procedure regularly. Children's health is promoted well through the provision of a very clean and hygienic environment and the provision of healthy snacks and drinks. Children's physical development and fitness is promoted through regular activities each week, such as trips to the parks, running on the green and gym and swimming sessions. 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? 1 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

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