Dawlish College

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 128742 Inspection date 30/11/2011 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 1991. She lives in the Brockley area of the London Borough of Lewisham, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder's flat is used for childminding. There is no garden for outdoor play, so the childminder takes children on daily trips in the local community. The childminder is on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of whom three may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding two children in this age group and also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children experience close relationships with the childminder and they make good progress in their learning and development so that, overall, their needs are soundly met. This caring, experienced childminder has suitably created a welcoming, relaxed and inclusive environment where children and families are made to feel welcome. Children's health and safety is suitably promoted in most areas, despite there being some weaknesses in the provision, for example, in risk assessment. Strong working relationships have been built between the childminder and parents, which contribute to children's emotional well-being and consistent, care routines. Self-evaluation is satisfactory, although does not identify all weaknesses, as a requirement is not met with regard to the childminder's first aid training. However, when weaknesses are identified, the childminder endeavours to address these, providing a sound basis for her capacity to maintain continuous

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further?

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

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further?

 complete an appropriate paediatric first aid course by 31/01/2012. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 31/01/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 review the risk assessment so that it covers anything with which a child may come into contact  develop the reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify strengths and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children  strengthen the use of observation and assessment by following through the next steps across all areas of learning and encouraging parents to contribute as part of the ongoing process.

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the early years provision

Overall, the childminder demonstrates suitable knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, so that children receive care that is, generally, safe and reliable. All the required checks have been carried out on all adults living or working on the premises. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of child protection issues and is confident in the procedures to follow so that children's welfare is safeguarded. She creates a welcoming environment, where most risks and hazards have been minimised through suitable risk assessments of the premises and for any outings. However, the record does not cover all risks, such as items which are accessible to children in the bathroom. In addition, on the day of inspection, the temperature of the radiator in the hallway was too high, which potentially compromises children's safety. The childminder seeks and records all legally required information; for example, she has clear agreements

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the early years provision

with parents and knows who may collect children from her care. However, she has not kept her first aid training up to date, which is a potential risk to children's health and well-being. This is a breach of a specific legal requirement.

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the early years provision

The childminder is beginning the process of evaluating her service through the use of the Ofsted self-evaluation form. As a result, she has already booked to attend a first aid training course, which demonstrates some commitment to driving improvement. In addition, she addresses all recommendations raised at the previous inspections, which impacts favourably on children's well-being. The childminder takes into account feedback obtained through questionnaires from parents, in order to monitor and evaluate the provision. However, she does not yet have clear systems to ensure that all areas for improvement are identified and addressed at an early stage.

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the early years provision

Children access play opportunities through the suitable organisation of space, time and resources. For example, the childminder deploys most resources to be generally effective. She is warm and welcoming to children and their families. There is an appropriate range of equipment and the majority of items are easily accessible, such as chalks, paper and books. Children know where their favourite toys are and older children feel confident to ask for what they want to play with. From an early age, children are developing an understanding of their similarities and differences. They begin to learn about those in the wider community through some planned activities. They also access a suitable range of toys and books that promotes positive images of diversity.

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the early years provision

The childminder has forged strong relationships with parents. The consistent and regular sharing of information ensures that families are kept well up to date with her childminding service. Parents receive her range of written policies and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures. Daily, verbal communication keeps them effectively informed of their children's achievements, progress and well-being. There are evolving systems in place to encourage parents to work in partnership with the childminder to contribute towards their child's ongoing, observational assessment. Parents make many positive comments in questionnaires and letters, which indicate that they are very happy with the service provided. Links with other settings who look after the children are generally satisfactory. The childminder is beginning to establish suitable, working partnerships with other childcare providers. There are sound

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the early years provision

relationships and systems in place to build upon the continuity of care and learning between providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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and outcomes for children

Children's understanding of health and safety is, generally, suitably promoted. The premises are mostly safe, very clean and children are supervised appropriately. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before sitting at the kitchen table to eat their raisins for a snack; a freshly prepared, balanced meal is provided for their lunch. Children also learn about being healthy and safe through discussions and interactive, resource materials accessed by the childminder; these are reinforced by explanations and pictorial displays, relating to healthy eating and road safety activities. The childminder takes positive steps to prevent cross infection, for example, by ensuring that she washes her hands after nappy changing or before preparing food. Children take part in a physical activity every day as part of a healthy lifestyle. They have fun using the climbing apparatus at the local park or playing at a soft play centre. Children suitably learn to keep themselves safe

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and outcomes for children

through gentle reminders, such as not to climb onto the chairs, in case they fall and hurt themselves. They, also, take part in regular fire drills so they know what to do in an emergency.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and well settled in the care of the childminder. She enjoys being with them and involves herself in their play to support their learning well. For example, she repeats words and simple sentences back to young children. She encourages them to use their imagination and solve problems as they play with small world people and develop their colour identification skills using toy cars. They effectively think about the world around them, as they explore the outdoors daily and discuss changes in the weather. The childminder has a growing understanding of the six areas of learning, planning some activities in advance as she carries out regular observations on the children. However, follow through of next steps across all areas of learning is not fully established to accurately monitor progress towards the early learning goals. Children develop good skills for the future. For example, older children, who attend after school, enjoy playing and helping the younger

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and outcomes for children

ones, when they all arrive back at the childminder's house. They share news about their day at school and have access to a variety of technology resources, such as hand-held, electronic games and lap tops. Younger children solve simple problems when they work out how to put their necklace on themselves during role play. They are, also, enthusiastic to experience simple technology, as they enjoy making cause and effect toys work or make noises. Overall, children are well behaved, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 given their ages and stages of development. The childminder is calm and patient with them as she acts as a positive role model and treats them with respect. She offers warmth and security, along with consistent and familiar routines. As a result, children are happy and settled; they respond well to the childminder and they enjoy good levels of interaction and engagement with her.

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and outcomes for children

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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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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.

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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:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. (Welfare of the children being cared for) 31/01/2012

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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:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. (Welfare of the children being cared for) 31/01/2012

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