Foxhole Learning Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 140332 Inspection date 04/07/2012 Inspector Julie Biddle

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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 1996. She lives with her husband in the London Borough of Haringey. Children have access to the ground floor of the home, with the use of a self contained play room. Children have access to a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder works with two other childminders, both of whom are family members. When working alone, she may care for no more than three children under eight years, with no more than three in the early years. When working with two other childminders, they may care for nine children under eight years, with no more than nine in the early years. There are currently 10 children on roll within the early years, who attend on a part- and full-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both 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 provides a warm and welcoming environment where children are valued and respected as individuals. As a result, their welfare needs are met and they are protected from harm. Overall, children make good progress in their learning and development. Highly effective partnerships with parents promote continuity of care. Systems to evaluate the childminding service offered are in place, and are well targeted, demonstrating a commitment and ability to sustain improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further children's awareness of languages and writing systems other than English, and communication systems, such as signing and Braille.

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the early years provision

The childminder is familiar with the safeguarding policy and is aware of the correct procedures to follow, should there be any concerns. A written safeguarding policy that is shared with parents ensures they are clear about the childminder's responsibility to protect children from harm. The children's safety is given high priority at all times, with risk assessments carried out on the premises. In addition, risk assessments for outings are completed, meaning children are safe at all times. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder gently reminds children about safety rules in the home. Children are encouraged to take safe risks as they play, thus enhancing their role in managing their own safety. Appropriate policies and procedures are in place to keep children safe and secure within the childminder's home.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a highly successful working relationship with parents, and useful information is exchanged at the start of a placement to ensure the childminder is fully aware of parents' wishes and children's individual needs and capabilities. Parents receive high quality information about the childminder's provision and she is continually on hand to speak with parents. Parents receive frequent updates of the child's learning and development; these reports are produced every six months and keep parents fully informed. A photo disc gives parents the opportunity to see their children at play; photographs in the entrance area enhance this opportunity. The childminder uses parents' preferred method of communication, meaning parents have access to information to suit them. The childminder has developed a toy and book library, meaning learning experiences can continue at home. Parents speak highly of the childminder. The childminder

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the early years provision

has a positive attitude to working in partnership with others providing the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has developed good partnerships with other professionals who support the children in her care.

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the early years provision

The childminder and her co-childminders make very good use of the space in the home. They have created a warm, stimulating environment, where children can play and learn with confidence. Children can access toys and resources that support their learning as they wish.

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the early years provision

The childminder regularly reviews her work and has met the recommendation set at the last inspection. The childminder is committed to the continuous improvement of her setting. She makes use of training opportunities and meets regularly with her co-childminders to plan for the children. As a result, the childminder demonstrates a good capacity to maintain continuous improvement. The childminder supports children's understanding of equality and diversity through planned activities, such as making dragon masks to celebrate Chinese New Year and making cards for Mothers Day. There is a range of toys and resources which help to promote children's understanding of diversity within our society. Children are beginning to develop an understanding that there are different languages in the community, through posters in the home and dual language books. However, these languages are not those of the children and

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the early years provision

families who are currently attend the setting.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has created an environment where children are confident, enthusiastic and motivated to learn. Children make good progress, as the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. A varied range of activities and experiences provide an effective balance of adult- and child-led This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 events. The childminder plans challenging activities for the children, who she knows very well.

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and outcomes for children

Procedures are in place to complete observations and assessments. There are also individual files to show progress in each area of learning, along with a variety of colourful photographs. Children have good opportunities to learn about the world around them through planned activities. They plant and watch tomatoes grow in the childminder's garden. In addition, they have fun as they cook, wearing chef's hats. Children enjoy social activities in the community, such as the local park where they access large apparatus.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder includes mathematical concepts and sequences in everyday play, for example, as the children build towers and play in the sand. Children talk about the days of the week and months of the year. The childminder uses activities, such as reading and singing, to extend and develop children's language and thinking skills. Children enjoy snuggling up with the childminder to look at books. They talk about what they can see in the book, linking the story to the children's own life. The environment is rich with posters and pictures which stimulate comment from the children. Children benefit from daily activities in the fresh air that strongly contribute to a healthy lifestyle and their physical well-being. They confidently ask to play in the garden and rush to find their shoes; they all know they need shoes to play in the garden. Activities, such as painting, drawing and colouring enhance children's creative minds. They use their imagination when they dress up to

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and outcomes for children

celebrate special events. The children are kept safe, as the childminder's home is secure at all times. Children's knowledge about personal safety is successfully encouraged by gentle reminders from the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children have an excellent understanding of the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines. They tell the childminder when they need to wash their hands, after playing in the sand. They talk about the smell of the soap, recalling the soap they have at home. The childminder holds a first aid certificate and any accidents or illnesses are well managed. The children enjoy successful opportunities to enjoy healthy eating. They eat fruit and vegetables, talking about which they like the best. Children learn about the social aspect of sharing meals together. They really enjoy laying the table with the childminder, counting how many plates are needed and finding each child's personalised mats. Younger children are delighted to see their photographs on the mat. The childminder uses a very positive and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour, which takes into account their age and understanding. She is a good role model,

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and outcomes for children

encouraging the children to understand what is right and wrong. Children are supported to show sensitivity and kindness to each other. The children thrive in the warm and caring environment and have developed very secure relationships with the childminder. Children are clearly happy and settled in her care, and express themselves confidently, knowing she will respond positively. 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 1 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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