Beamont Community Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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110964 Unique Reference Number 31 May 2007 Inspection date Alison Jane Kaplonek Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1985 and is registered to provide care for six children under the age of eight years. She lives with her husband in a residential area, in the rural village of Silchester, Hampshire. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor, including lounge, kitchen/dining room and downstairs cloakroom. Upstairs is not used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Children are taken to and from local schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment in which they develop an understanding of simple good health and hygiene routines. They independently access the downstairs toilet and are encouraged to wash hands and take care of their personal needs themselves, although they are not fully protected from the spread of infection when drying their hands. The childminder regularly updates her first aid training and consults with parents about any allergies or health needs their children may have.

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are given a choice of nutritious snacks such as fruit or yoghurts and have regular access to a jug of juice. They bring their own packed lunches which are stored in the fridge. Children walk to and from school each day and enjoy trips to the local park where they can swing, balance and play Frisbee. They are closely supervised as they play football on the green near the childminder's house and can take part in other outdoor activities in the fully enclosed garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment where equipment and resources are in a good condition and meet the needs of the older children. They can safely access the downstairs area of the house and the fully enclosed garden. Children are kept safe as a result of careful supervision on the part of the childminder, particularly when they play on the green outside. Children can request particular resources and the childminder checks the premises and equipment as they are used. Appropriate records are kept of any accidents or medication administered and these are shared with parents. Children regularly take part in fire evacuation and older children are encouraged to talk about the quickest exit depending on where the fire might be.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and discusses any issues which arise with the parents. She knows that she has a duty to report any concerns she may have regarding the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and relaxed in the childminder's company. The childminder knows the children well as she has cared for many of them for a long time. As a result she often asks them what they would like to do after a busy day at school and provides some resources and play materials that are based on their interests. Their favourites are the play food, cars, craft activities or playing football outside. The childminder is interested in what the children have to say and forms good relationships with them. She understands the needs of the children and realises that after a hard day at school, some may want to relax whilst others may still have energy to spare. They often visit the local park on their way home from school. Children are encouraged to learn to share and take turns and any resources they bring from home they play with together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment where they are all valued. The childminder has a sound knowledge of all the children in her care, as many have been looked after by her for a number of years. Clear information regarding their individual requirements and their health and religious needs are obtained from parents and children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are welcomed. There are clear house rules for children to follow, such as sharing and helping to tidy up resources before getting others out. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has with their parents. The effective two way sharing of information on a daily basis ensures children are provided with continuity of care, appropriately supported and their individual needs met. However, there is no system in place for recording complaints which parents may have about the care of their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a friendly environment where children feel at home and at ease. Children's health and safety is assured as they move freely around the lower floor of the premises. They are cared for by an experienced childminder, who ensures that her training is kept up to date. However, the registration certificate which informs parents of how many children can be cared for, is not displayed. Good essential records, are in place such as a record of accidents, contracts and children's detail forms. These are all well organised, shared with parents, and stored in a confidential manner. A register of children who attend is kept but does not include accurate times of arrival and departure. Overall, however, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to store first aid items in a suitable container. The first aid kit is now stored in a plastic container which is stored in the kitchen cupboard. The childminder was also asked to obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children. These agreements are now in place for all children and signed by the parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that children are protected from the spread of infection when they dry their hands. • ensure that there is a system in place to record any complaints which parents may have about the care of their children. • ensure that the registration certificate is displayed. • ensure that registers are completed accurately to include times of arrival and departure for all children.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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