The Polesworth School

Inspection report for early years provision

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136459 Unique Reference Number 14 June 2007 Inspection date Susan Esther Harvey 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 registered in 1994, she lives with four children aged seven, nine year old twins, and a teenage child, on the outskirts of Westerleigh village. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, and is registered to care for two children overnight. The childminder is currently minding one child aged seven overnight, but there were no children present at the time of the inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family's pets include one parrot and three dogs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Mainly through discussion the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how to promote children's good health. She describes how she encourages children to wash their hands after using the toilet, and before meals. She states that she provides separate towels for each

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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 child to dry their hands. She ensures that the house is kept clean and tidy so that a suitable environment is provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder would prefer parents to provide children's meals and snacks, and is aware of the importance of children having access to fresh drinking water.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has the required documents in place to gain consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and to administer medication. She has a current first aid certificate and a well-stocked first aid box, which means children's medical needs can be appropriately addressed. The childminder states that she provides clean bedding for children who sleep overnight.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children would be cared for in premises that are safe and suitable for their purpose. The childminder would receive children who stay overnight into a family atmosphere, where they would have their own room to sleep in. The childminder talks of providing age appropriate toys which children would enjoy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks in the home have been minimised. However, the childminder discusses how she can make the large trampoline in the garden safe for children to use. The childminder explains how she would help children learn about their own safety through discussions about fire safety, and how to evacuate the premises should it be necessary to leave the premises during the night.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of the need to safe-guard children and the procedure to follow in the event of concern for a child. She has the relevant documents in place for reference if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. At the present time the childminder is only caring for children overnight. However, she discussed how she would receive children into a welcoming environment, where they would be settled into a routine. She talks about how children would be able to play with toys, and be part of the family. The childminder describes how she will encourage children to learn through activities such as swimming. She will ensure children are made to feel secure and relaxed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder discusses that she would make every effort to ensure that the individual needs of children in her care would be met. This process involves talking with children's parents and gaining knowledge of the family. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of behaviour management. She states that she talks to the children when behaviour is not acceptable so that they begin to understand right from wrong. She places strong emphasis on good manners, encouraging children to behave well by using praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder understands the importance of developing an effective working relationship with parents. She has developed a folder of information including policies and procedures. These are to be shared with parents to ensure they have the information they need about her

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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 childcare practice. This includes information on how the childminder will manage any complaint from a parent.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, evidence suggests that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Although there were no children present on the day of the inspection the childminder demonstrates how she uses the space, resources and records to support the children. She demonstrates that children's records are stored appropriately and easily available when required. This includes a register to record children's presence in the home.

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Organisation

The childminder shows an understanding of the documents required for the safe and efficient management of the provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure forms used for record keeping are up to date and meet registration requirements, ensure that risk assessments for areas used by minded children are in place, particularly regarding outdoor areas.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has provided record forms which will be kept up-to-date when children are cared for, equipment has been moved to a safe area. As a result, the safety for children using outside has been enhanced, and documentation has been improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 the safety of children while using the trampoline in the garden

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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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