Haven Early Years Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 115830 Inspection date 02/09/2011 Inspector Justine George

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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 registered in 1998. She lives with her partner and two adult children in Sidcup, Kent. Minded children use the ground floor of the home comprising of a through lounge, toilet and wash facilities. An enclosed garden is available for outdoor play. The house is within a short driving distance of a railway station and walking distance of local bus routes. There are schools and local amenities close by. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group. The family has a pet cat and hamster.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three may be in the early year's age range. She currently cares for three children in the early years age group. She also provides care for older children outside school hours and during school holidays.

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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

Children are settled and secure due to the caring relationship established with the childminder. Children enjoy a range of experiences and outings within the local and wider community. The childminder plans many topics for children explore but these do not yet include developing the interests of children. The childminder is keen to drive improvement. She seeks the views of all those in the setting and attends training courses to ensure her knowledge reflects current practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 identify different practice methods when planning activities for children to ensure they receive an enjoyable and challenging programme of learning  encourage young children as they explore particular patterns of thought or movement, sometimes referred to as schemas, and ensure such interests are reflected in planning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children's safety and welfare are well promoted in the setting. Adults living at the premises have had the required checks to ensure their suitability. Children are well protected from unvetted adults as they are supervised at all times. In addition, robust procedures are in place should an unfamiliar adult arrive to collect children. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection safeguarding issues. She has kept her knowledge up-to-date through training courses and has a range of literature that provides a good reference tool. The childminder has the required documentation in place, demonstrating a clear understanding of the welfare requirements. Parents are well informed of the childminder's responsibilities in caring for children as written policies and procedures are in place. The home is safe and secure. The required risk assessments are in place, which identify and eliminate hazards. Children are protected in the event of an accident, as the

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the early years provision

childminder has kept her first aid qualification up-to-date.

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the early years provision

Equality and diversity is well promoted in the setting due to a strong partnership with parents. The childminder seeks good information when children first start at the setting. This ensures children?s health needs and routines are consistent with home life and their needs are well met. Parents receive lovely information through written journals and sharing of photos. They also have the opportunity to air their views through questionnaires. Parents comment that they are very happy with the care children receive and value the journals. They also feel the setting provides a lovely sociable environment for children. The childminder recognises the importance of working together with all those involved in the care of children. For example, she would seek information from other professionals to ensure consistency and continuity of care.

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the early years provision

Deployment of resources is good. Children enjoy exploring the range of toys that reflect the diverse society in which we live, depicting different cultures; in addition, children learn about different cultural festivals. Children are taken to various places of interest that include soft play groups, farms and the library. Children make independent choices of what they would like to play with, minimising gender stereotyping. The childminder is also committed towards challenging discrimination, ensuring that children are respectful towards each other.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed towards driving improvement. Since the last inspection she has revised her policies and procedures. Children now have individual folders for their personal records, to maintain confidentiality and parents are provided with Ofsted's details. The childminder has attended courses to ensure her knowledge reflects current practice. The childminder reflects on practice. She uses the on line self-evaluation form to identify strengths and areas for improvement, promoting better outcomes for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in their learning and development and are developing good skills for the future. They visit different groups throughout the week, developing their social relationships with other children. Very young children make progress with their large motor skills. The childminder provides encouragement and offers challenges to give children confidence in trying new skills, such as walking. Children participate in a creative activity where they paint and decorate a mask. However, for very young children the emphasis is placed on the end product rather than the exploration and sensory aspect; as a result, the opportunity to explore freely is limited. Children enjoy listening to stories and the childminder responds to very young children's attempts at verbal communication well. She reacts to their noises and facial expressions, introducing language to support them in their communication. The childminder plans a range of topics for

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and outcomes for children

children that support their learning about the wider world. However, children's interests and repeated play patterns, sometimes referred to as schemas, do not yet inform planning. In addition, the childminder over complicates planning by covering too many topics; therefore, different learning methods are not identified which limits opportunities for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are well behaved in the setting and are beginning to make a positive contribution. The childminder shares rules with the children so they are aware of what is required of them, helping them to learn boundaries. Children relate to the childminder well, seeking cuddles and reassurance when a new adult enters the setting. Good settling in procedures makes for a smooth transition from home to the setting. Children are confident in the home. They point to indicate their wants or needs and access different areas of the home, showing a sense of belonging.

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and outcomes for children

Children are safe and their health is well promoted. Procedures are in place to minimise the spread of infection; for example, through hand washing, wiping noses and disposing of waste appropriately. Children enjoy periods of rest, sleeping in a buggy with their dummy and snugly blanket. The childminder regularly checks sleeping children to ensure their comfort and safety. Should a child become unwell they are excluded from the setting until better. Procedures for administering medication are in place and information about illness and exclusion periods are provided for parents. Children have regular drinks throughout the day. Parents provide food and snacks, which the childminder monitors to ensure healthy eating. 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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