Whiteheath Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 102400 Inspection date 24/01/2011 Inspector Jayne Pascoe

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 1995. She also provides respite care. The childminder lives with her husband and two adult children, one of whom works as the childminder's assistant. Her home is situated in the village of Goonhavern, near Truro, Cornwall. The premises are fully accessible and children use all areas of the property. A secure garden area is used for outdoor play activities and an indoor swimming pool is available for use under appropriate levels of adult supervision. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time when working alone. When working with assistants she may care for a maximum of sixteen children.

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Description of the childminding

There are currently 23 children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Of these, 12 children also attend other early years settings. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and disabilities. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the principles which underpin the Early Years Foundation Stage and the ability to meet children's individual needs very well. Health and safety procedures are generally good, but there is scope to improve these further. Positive partnerships have been established with parents and the childminder also liaises successfully with other early years agencies. She has recently introduced effective systems with which to formally evaluate her childminding practice, in order to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 practice regular evacuation drills and record details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved in a fire log book  improve nappy changing and hand washing procedures, in order to protect children from potential risk of cross-infection.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed generally good systems to safeguard the children in her care. Written risk assessments are used effectively to maintain children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safety and security at all times. The premises are kept secure and children are appropriately supervised. Special consideration has been given to the use of the indoor swimming pool, in order to restrict unsupervised access and to maintain appropriate ratios during times of use. Good opportunities are available for children to develop their awareness of and to manage everyday risks. As a result, they are beginning to take responsibility for their own safety and that of others. Children are protected from unvetted persons and visitors to the premises are monitored closely. Although there is a clear emergency evacuation procedure in place, with which the childminder and assistants are familiar, fire drills are not practised. The

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the early years provision

childminder is confident in her ability to identify, record and report any concerns appropriately, in-line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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the early years provision

The childminder knows children and their families very well and is therefore able to ensure that individual needs, preferences and abilities are identified, respected and met. The childminder's home is organised well to provide an enabling and extremely child-centred environment. There is an extensive outdoor play area, several play rooms and a recently completed indoor swimming pool which is accessed at designated times and only under adult supervision. Children move freely and confidently from one area to another, both indoors and out, as they select favourite toys and resources. They demonstrate a sound sense of belonging and high levels of independence. Children benefit from a good range of resources which promote a positive awareness and respect of people's differences. The childminder is highly experienced in her support of children with special educational needs and disabilities and ensures that all children are fully included.

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the early years provision

Children are encouraged to express themselves and the childminder and her assistants are responsive to their needs. Children's health is generally promoted well as they eat healthy and nutritional food, have free access to drinking water and benefit from fresh air and physical exercise each day. However, there is a potential risk of cross-infection as children share a hand towel and babies' nappies are changed without use of latex gloves.

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the early years provision

The childminder has introduced appropriate systems for the assessment of children's progress, in agreement with parent's wishes. Some have individual 'Learning Journey's' which contain written observations and photographs. Others have daily diaries which include detailed written accounts of children's routines. These are shared with parents, in order to celebrate children's achievements and identify agreed 'next steps' for their learning and development. The childminder liaises effectively with the other early years settings and as a result, she is able to maintain continuity of care and ongoing learning experiences for those children attending another provision. Parental satisfaction at the standards of care and learning provided by the childminder is evident through feedback. Thank you letters and cards show that parents are delighted with the homely, welcoming and child-centred environment. The childminder also provides evidence that she has a

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the early years provision

good ability to work in partnership with parents in order to resolve any concerns. She attends regular relevant early years training courses to keep up-to-date and has recently implemented a formal system for monitoring and evaluating her practice to drive future improvement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children have formed strong and trusting relationships with the childminder and her assistants. As a result they are very happy, settled, and confident. Children of all ages demonstrate increasing levels of independence. Effective daily routines ensure that all childrens welfare needs are met and carefully considered planning provides tailored opportunities for children to make good levels of progress in their learning and development. Children play harmoniously together cooperating and negotiating successfully. They are generally well behaved and kind to one another, as they follow the good examples shown by adults. The childminder is effective in her use of discussion, explanation and 'time-out' for reflection, in order to help children to understand why some behaviour is unacceptable. Children enjoy drawing and make effective use of coloured pencils to make attractive patterns on sheets of white paper. The have free access to a good range of books for personal

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and outcomes for children

enjoyment and for reference. Their art work is displayed attractively for all to value and admire. Children of all ages are able to communicate successfully with others, making good use of facial expression, body language and their increasing vocabulary. Adults support children's communication skills very well, through high levels of interaction and plenty of praise and encouragement.

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and outcomes for children

Children successfully complete jigsaw puzzles which reflect their differing levels of ability. They sort, match and count using a range of toys and resources and attempt to problem solve as they build and construct. Children are imaginative in their role play and express themselves through a good range of creative activities, such as painting, collage, play dough, music and dance. Children are developing a good awareness of their local community, as they explore the local countryside, visit local places of interest, make train journeys, enjoy trips to the beach and participate in social activity groups. They are also beginning to explore the wider world through carefully planned activities. They have free access to a suitable range of interactive and programmable toys. A good range of visual aids and resources help children to develop a positive awareness of people's differences. Children are increasing their awareness of sustainability as they are actively

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and outcomes for children

involved in recycling, growing their own fruit and vegetables and making compost with waste foods. They are encouraged to take an interest in local wildlife. Children are beginning to recognise the positive benefits that physical exercise and healthy eating habits have on their growth and development. They enjoy free access to the outdoors where there is an extensive range of toys and resources with which promote their physical skills. They also benefit from daily opportunities to enjoy plenty of fresh air whilst exploring and investigating the outdoor environment. Overall, there is evidence that children are making good levels of progress in their learning and development. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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