St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, Porton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 126404 Inspection date 16/05/2011 Inspector Sue Taylor

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.3

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.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Halfway, near Sheerness, close to shops, parks, schools and the sea front. The ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a fish tank and a dog.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding two children the early years age range. She is also registered by Ofsted on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to provide care for children over the age of eight years.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends toddler groups on a regular basis. She is not registered to provide overnight care.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's self-evaluation shows how the provision is developing to continually support children's outcomes and she is very keen to maintain continuous improvement. Generally, partnerships work well to support children's development. Overall, most of the required records are well-maintained. Breaches of specific requirements do not have a detrimental impact on the safety and well- being of children. Children's individual care needs are met well.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 25/05/2011

p.4

further?

 ensure parental permission is requested, at the time of the child's admission, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 17/05/2011

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  improve the current assessment process with clearer indications of a child's progress towards the early learning goals from their starting points, to enable any achievement gaps to be identified and narrowed  strengthen links with other settings providing the Early Years Foundation Stage for relevant children to support continuity of learning and care.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are cared for in a homely environment, where there is good space for play activities. The childminder's risk assessment record shows how she keeps children safe. Regular checks help ensure this is maintained, such as with smoke alarms tested regularly and a safety gate at the kitchen door helping to prevent children accessing harmful items. As recommended at the last inspection, the childminder has updated her knowledge of child protection through a training course. This supports her awareness of current practices and procedures are in place for identifying any child at risk of harm. Evidence that emergency medical treatment consent is requested is not available for all children and the medication records show that at times written consent for short term medication is not obtained. As a result, these are breaches of specific legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and it is not clear what parents are agreeing to.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a clear awareness of her strengths and notes areas for development to improve outcomes for children. For example, she identifies the need to provide more challenges in relation to information technology. Plans are in place to support children's learning in the areas where achievements are not so strong. Monitoring sheets of children's level of progress towards the early learning goals are useful but do not fully show how well each child is progressing from their starting points as they are a recent introduction.

p.5

the early years provision

A broad range of resources, in good condition, supports children's learning and development. The accessibility of the play materials enables children to make choices and decisions about their play. Photographic labels help children identify what the contents of boxes are. Some resources positively reflect other cultures and backgrounds helping children gain an awareness of the wider world.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with others are satisfactory. The childminder is aware of the need to communicate with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage for particular children. Although the information shared is not always used effectively to fully support children's developing learning and continuity of care.

p.5

the early years provision

There are very positive, established relationships with parents. Parents are kept well informed about their children's achievement, well-being and development. Children's identified next steps are shared and parents are able to contribute to the assessment process or identify areas for development themselves. The childminder gains the views of parents through questionnaires and discussion. The available detail shows that parents are very happy with the care and learning opportunities that their child receives. When a child starts with the childminder the All About Me This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sheets are useful in gaining some detail about the child and what they can do.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress in their learning. The childminder notes observations as children play and monitors their achievements across the areas of learning. Children's next steps are noted and planned for with play resources or activities. For example, children's recognitions of shapes is supported with a painting activity using different items and talking about the shapes used. The childminder extends this for the older child through discussions about size. Children enjoy varied craft activities either at the childminder's home or at toddler groups. Children benefit from sharing books with the childminder. They use puppets to act out a familiar story or push buttons on an interactive book.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children play alongside others, understanding the need to co-operate and share toys. They confidently try things for themselves and become active and inquisitive learners. Overall, they are well equipped with the skills they need in order to secure their future learning. This is particularly demonstrated by their developing ability to solve problems as they persevere with puzzles.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate that they feel safe as they confidently make decisions and choices about their play, enjoying finding out what they can do. They learn how to keep themselves safe as they practise fire drills and learn how to cross roads safely, with the childminder's support. Good quality interactions and well organised routines help children in becoming secure and relaxed.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children gain a good awareness about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. They adopt good personal hygiene routines such as hand washing after messy play and before eating. They have easy access to their drinks throughout the day, thus having control over their own thirst needs. The childminder provides healthy snacks and meals. They are keen to try new tastes or help care for their growing strawberries. As a result, young children begin to understand the importance of healthy eating.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children gain a strong sense of belonging and positive self-esteem. They appear settled and happy. The warm and caring relationship they have with the childminder, her family and other children, helps increase children's confidence and self-assurance. Visiting toddler groups during the week enables children to mix with others and develop their social skills. Children gain an understanding of diversity and learn to value differences. Children's behaviour is managed well by the childminder who has a consistent and positive approach. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep a record of a parent/guardian/carer's consent for any medicine administered to any child who is cared for on the premises (Records to be kept) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 17/05/2011

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Records to be kept). 17/05/2011

p.8