Applemore Early Years Centre

Inspection of Applemore Early Years Centre Applemore Recreation Centre, Claypits Lane, Dibden, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 5TN

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children arrive confidently and greet staff positively. They form secure attachments with an allocated key-person who ensure children's needs are met. This enables children to feel safe and secure. Children enjoy a range of exciting activities that are tailored to their interests. For example, children participate in sensory activities linked to 'Incy Wincy Spider'. They explore bugs in ice and name the creatures. They talk about how the ice feels and use tools to break the ice. Children develop friendships and an understanding of teamwork. They work together sharing ideas and modelling skills.

p.2

The provision is good

Children benefit from a language-rich environment. Staff actively engage children in communication and language and introduce new words. For example, during group time activities, staff use children's curiosity to capture their attention. Children enjoy taking turns to guess which objects are in the box, experimenting with language skills. Children behave well and are generally considerate of others. They are able to follow rules and procedures. For instance, staff remind children to put their hand's up to answer questions.

p.2

The provision is good

Children develop a good understanding of independence and are supported by staff to look after their individual needs. For example, on entering the provision children find their named photo star and place it by a peg. They hang up their coats and put away their belongings. During snack routines, children wash and dry their hands, collect their cup, and choose from a selection of healthy foods.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provision has a highly effective key-person system in place. They are responsible for hand overs and help to settle children during sessions. Staff know children well. For example, leaders conduct home visits and establish a good understanding of what children know and can do. Staff observe, plan and identify gaps in children's learning. This enables them to develop next steps for children's learning. n Staff have formed secure relationships with parents and work together in partnership. For example, when planning for activities which are based on children's interests, staff encourage parents to think of ideas for activities. This ensures that parents feel included in children's learning and experiences. Staff provide regular feedback to parents. For instance, staff inform parents of progress through daily feedback, termly reports and parents' consultation meetings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders were proactive in ensuring

p.2

need to do better?

children and families were supported. For instance, they arranged places for children of key-worker parents to attend other early years settings and delivered home learning packs to children. Parent highly praise the dedicated staff.

p.2

need to do better?

17 January 2023 n The manager has a clear vision for the provision and knows the strengths and weaknesses. She is proactive in ensuring that staff knowledge and understanding is updated regularly through training and supervision. For example, she recognises that less experienced staff require further training to develop their knowledge and understanding. As a result, she has set up a buddy system so that more experienced staff can be mentors. This will help develop the confidence of staff and help to establish good working relationships. n Overall children are motivated and keen to learn. Staff provide good opportunities for children to explore the rich variety of resources on offer. However, staff are not consistent in their approach to ensure children are engaged and focused. As a result, children do not consistently engage in purposeful learning. n Staff provide children with opportunities to develop their physical skills and learn

p.2

need to do better?

about the world. For example, children enjoy experimenting with movement outdoors and develop an understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. Children enjoy growing a variety of plants in the planting area, such as blackberries, chives and rosemary. They participate in bug hunts and learn about season changes. n Staff ensure that children gain a sense of community and develop respect and tolerance for different faiths and beliefs. For example, before the COVID-19 pandemic, children visited elderly residents of a local care home and sang Christmas songs to them. This helps to build connections and improves the well- being of children and the elderly. Children develop an understanding of different cultures through planned activities and celebrations. For instance, children celebrated the Queen's Jubilee and helped organise a garden party for families to attend.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Leaders have implemented safer recruitment procedures when employing staff. Visitors to the setting enter via an entrance fitted with an intercom and camera monitor. This ensures that staff are aware of who is entering the provision. Staff demonstrate good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and understand the procedure to follow if concerned about a child's safety. Leaders have implemented safer recruitment measures. This ensures that staff are suitable to work with children. The manager ensures all staff are trained in paediatric first aid and receive safeguarding training. This further ensures that children are safe and secure.

p.3

should:

17 January 2023 n ensure all staff are proactive in motivating children in purposeful learning to ensure outcomes for children are improved further.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2597175 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10251427 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.5

Total number of places

Number of children on roll 54 Name of registered person Applemore Early Years Centre Ltd

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 07545876283 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The setting is situated in Applemore Recreation Centre in Hampshire. It operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, all year round. They are in receipt of free government funding for children aged two, three and four years. There are nine members of staff. Qualifications range from level 7 to level 1.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

p.6

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

p.6

Inspection activities

17 January 2023 regulates and inspects 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

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 .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7