Hollingwood Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 128618 Inspection date 23/08/2011 Inspector Marcia Robinson

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and two adult children in the area of Catford, within the London Borough of Lewisham. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for six children under eight years old; three of whom may be in the early years age group. There are currently five children on roll; three in the early years age group and two over eight years old. The childminder is also a registered foster carer and currently cares for one adult foster child. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family pets include a cat.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder does not have a secure up-to-date knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirements; consequently a number of legal requirements are not met. As a result, children's welfare is not being effectively promoted in some areas and their safety and well-being are not ensured overall. The childminder welcomes all children and strives to ensure she meets their individual needs overall, and that each child is fully included. Although the childminder provides children with resources that reflect positive images of society, she provides few activities to develop children's growing understanding of diversity. An appropriate learning programme is provided and children make steady progress in their development with the childminder's caring support. However, insufficient systems are in place to monitor the quality of the provision and not all key areas for improvement are currently identified or addressed quickly enough to

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the early years provision requires significant improvement. The registered person is given a Notice to Improve that sets out actions to be carried out.

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further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

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further?

 carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing, which takes account of the nature of the outing, and review this assessment before embarking on each specific outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 30/09/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  ensure prior written permission is obtained for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Promoting good health) 30/09/2011

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further?

 ensure that fire control equipment is in working order (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 30/09/2011

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop further opportunities for children to learn about their own cultures and beliefs and those of other people  strengthen systems for observations and planning so that assessments of children are used to plan activities that build on children's existing knowledge and skills  develop the use of self-evaluation to accurately identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision and enhance outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder's knowledge of the welfare requirements is inadequate and results in some specific legal requirements that are not met. Systems to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded are not secure as the childminder has not informed Ofsted of any persons aged 16 years or older living on the childminding premises. It is a legal requirement to do so, however, Ofsted does not intend to take any further action on this occasion. The childminder has attended child protection training and demonstrates an appropriate understanding of the associated issues. She completes written risk assessments for the home, including visual checks on a daily basis in order to reduce the risk of accidental injury. The childminder takes general security measures when taking children outside the premises, such as securing the pushchair harness and helping children to be aware of the dangers of the road. However, she has not fully considered assessing the risks and hazards which may

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the early years provision

be encountered when out and about, or the individual nature of each different outing, including those to the local park or when collecting children from school. This is an unmet legal requirement which could compromise children's safety. The childminder has considered a number of emergency escape routes for her premises; however, not all fire control equipment is ready to use, should she choose to use it to tackle a fire. For example, the fire blanket is not installed according to the manufacturer's recommendation to enable its ease of use, in the event of an emergency. The childminder keeps most of the required documentation, parental consents and children's records. However, prior written consent is not obtained from parents before giving any medicine to children. These are further unmet legal requirements that could compromise children's overall health and safety. The childminder organises her home satisfactorily so that a suitable range of

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the early years provision

resources are available to children. Resources available reflect positive images of society and there are opportunities for children to learn about their own cultures and religions. This is through some celebrations of events, but children have fewer opportunities to participate in activities where they learn about other people's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 religions, cultures or backgrounds in order to further promote their understanding of diversity. The childminder has built positive relationships with parents and keeps them up to date through daily discussions so they are aware of the activities their children have participated in. Consequently, this enables parents to continue their children's learning at home as they follow their interests, highlighted by the childminder. Parents have access to a number of policies and procedures in the childminder's

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the early years provision

portfolio, including information relating to equal opportunities. At the start of the placement, the childminder obtains sufficient information from parents about children's backgrounds, culture and language and uses this appropriately to support children's individual needs and self-identity. Currently, there are no children attending other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage or other professionals involved in their care. Nevertheless, the childminder demonstrates a suitable awareness of the need to ensure that effective communication takes place in order to fully support children's care and learning. Since the last inspection, the childminder has achieved a professional early years qualification and has attended a number of training courses, such as safeguarding children, first aid and food hygiene. The childminder has taken some action to meet recommendations from the previous inspection, but has not given due

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the early years provision

consideration to self-evaluation of her practice or provision. Consequently, she has not been able to accurately identify the strengths or significant weaknesses in her practice because of her limited insight into the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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and outcomes for children

Although the childminder's understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework is not up to date, she does have a suitable understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, gained from previous training. This means that with the childminder's support, children are making steady progress in their learning and development. The variety of toys available and activities participated in ensure each of the areas of learning is basically covered. This is complemented with the suitable organisation of the childminder's home. For instance, by using the table in the conservatory for creative play and the dedicated play room for floor based activities. The childminder follows children's interests when deciding on the experiences she makes available. Basic planning shows how the childminder plans for activities and experiences both inside and outside the home that take account of children's home

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and outcomes for children

routines and interests. She has developed individual files for children which include regular observations and photographs of children at play. Children are interested in the activities and resources provided and are appropriately occupied throughout their time with the childminder. However, activities do not always build on their existing skills and knowledge as the childminder does not consistently use observations to plan activities based on children's next steps in learning. Consequently, children's progression within each area of learning is not always made clear. A suitable balance of adult-led and child-centred activities are provided. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Appropriate support is given by the childminder to encourage children to learn and develop, for instance as she asks them open-ended questions. Children have good relationships with the childminder; she has a lovely caring nature and interacts well

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and outcomes for children

with the children. This results in them feeling secure and settled at the childminder's home. Resources are stored at the children's height to promote free choice and independence. Very young children in this setting especially enjoy role- play and can be seen 'ironing' or making music, playing a selection of musical instruments. They partake in some interesting activities, such as nurturing and watering flowers in the garden, or visiting shops to buy the ingredients for their cooking activities. Consequently, this increases their knowledge of the living world. The systems in place to support children's understanding of the society in which they live in are generally sound. Children have opportunities for creative and exploratory play, as they enjoy water and sand play on their trips to local drop in groups and they create pictures with paint. Consequently, they are able to express their ideas and develop their small

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and outcomes for children

movement skills, whilst enjoying themselves. Children's activities involve them in sorting and matching. They concentrate well at completing puzzles, and play counting games with the childminder. They have easy access to a suitable selection of battery operated toys that they explore and activate by pressing buttons. Taken together, the children's activities help them to develop the skills that they need for their future learning. Suitable systems support children who are ill overall, though procedures regarding medication are not always followed effectively. Children are cared for in clean and well-kept premises where they have sufficient space to play. They are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves safe from harm by participating in a regular fire evacuation practices and learning about road safety when out in the community. Children are developing their knowledge and understanding regarding

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and outcomes for children

the importance of good personal hygiene and they enjoy a range of healthy meals and snacks provided by the childminder. This is complemented by fresh drinking water and other suitable drinks that are offered to children throughout the day. Children have sufficient opportunities to take part in physical play activities when they visit the park and local drop in groups. Given the children's ages and stages of development they are well behaved and respond well to the daily routine. For example, they actively help to tidy up and sit appropriately during song and snack times. Overall, the childminder is positive in her approach to behaviour management and she works closely with parents to ensure a consistent approach is implemented at home and within the childminding environment. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 4 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

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 4

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 4 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 4 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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