Barton BadgersOfsted inspection, 22 May 2007

Barton Badgers Inspection report for early years provision

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EY267004 Unique Reference Number 22 May 2007 Inspection date Susan Rogers Inspector

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Thomas Russell Infants School, Station Road, Barton under Needwood, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 8DS

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Setting Address

01283 239350 Telephone number office@thomasrussell-infants.staffs.sch.uk E-mail Humpty Dumpty Day Nurseries Ltd (4935261) Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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Setting Address

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Barton Badgers opened in 2003. It operates from two classrooms and the school hall within Thomas Russell Infants School in Barton under Needwood. The group serves schools from the local area. Children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 40 children on roll aged from four to 11 years. The group is open five days a week during term time from 07:30 until 09:00 and from 15:15 until 18:00. The setting is open from 08:00 until 18:00 during school holidays. The setting supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The setting employs five members of staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications and one member of staff is working towards a qualification.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy nutritious snacks during the sessions, that include raw vegetables and fruit, consequently, they are learning about healthy eating. They are well hydrated as there is sufficient water and sugar free squash readily available for their needs. The documentation supports children's different health needs; it records their dietary preferences and allergies, all medication administered has parents prior written consent and accidents are confidentially recorded. Children are well protected as the sick child policy encourages parents to care for their child at home if they have an infectious illness. They are well protected if there are concerns regarding their health as all staff have a current paediatric first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The efficient cleaning and hygiene routines protect children from illness and infection. For example, children wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals. They have opportunities to enjoy physical exercise as they play more energetic games in the school grounds and enjoy the sports activities in the school hall. Their physical well-being is maintained as there is a variety of sports and activity equipment regularly used during physical play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected from the sun; their parents are requested to provide sun protection cream and staff supervise children whilst this is applied. Staff also encourage children to play in shaded areas during the hot weather. They are protected in the cold weather as staff ensure they wear sufficient warm clothing when playing outdoors and when walking to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are welcoming with a variety of toys and equipment attractively presented so children readily engage in play activities promoting their feelings of security. The premises are mostly suitable for their purpose, however, children's welfare is compromised as there is frequently a lack of ventilation in the main play area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's development is promoted whilst they select from the age-appropriate toys and equipment, that include painting and craft activities, dressing-up resources and construction equipment. Their learning is promoted as there is sufficient space available for children to explore and experiment with the toys and equipment available. For example, there is a specific area for children to enjoy creative play using the dressing-up resources and a quiet area for children to sit and relax if they are feeling tired.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The extensive risk assessments ensure children's safety. All areas are checked prior to children arriving and the documentation provides a focus for staff to inspect the areas and assess all available risks. Their safety is maintained as staff are vigilant of activities and monitor their play at all times. They are encouraged to become responsible for their own safety through sensitive explanations. Children are well protected if there are concerns about their care; staff have attended child protection training and there is a comprehensive child protection policy that is available to parents. Children are learning about the dangers of fire; they are involved in regular emergency evacuation practises and the fire prevention equipment is maintained in a good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's play is well promoted by staff who have a good understanding of their individual needs. For example, all children have assessment profiles which ascertain their play preferences and ensure their individual needs are met. Children's learning is promoted through participating in activities that are enjoyable and encourage their skills. For example, children enjoy using dressing-up resources and involve each other in imaginary play scenarios. They enjoy a variety of craft and painting opportunities using malleable materials that include, clay, glue and paint. Consequently, they enjoy creating images of their own choosing using paint, stencils and collage.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The activities and play are well suited to children's ages and ability. They are included in decision-making so that their preferences are considered when planning activities. Their sense of security is promoted as staff take care in understanding their individual needs by regularly consulting their parents. Planned activities ensure children's learning is promoted and the wide variety of play resources are regularly rotated which make sure that they are constantly stimulated and enjoy interesting play opportunities. They have formed positive relationships with each other recognising that their play is improved when they include others. Their learning is promoted as they participate in activities that they enjoy and which further promote their learning and skills. Their security is promoted as they have one-to-one care and attention if they are distressed or feel that they need individual support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well as their energies are consistently directed into meaningful activities. They are frequently encouraged to contribute towards decisions regarding their preferred activities. They regularly meet with staff where they are encouraged to voice their opinions so that their preferences are actively considered when planning activities and purchasing resources. Staff frequently praise children, therefore, promoting their self-esteem. They are learning about the wider world through a wide variety of activities, resources and explanations that give positive representation of different traditions and cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their play environment by clearing away toys and equipment once activities have ended and when the group moves from one area to another. They are polite and considerate; holding doors open for adults and being caring and considerate of others needs. Their continuity of care is maintained through the gradual settling in process. Regular conversations with parents and carers ensure that their child's specific needs are met. The regular newsletter keeps parents well informed of forthcoming activities and all policies and procedures are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities have good care as staff have relevant experience and readily access additional training so they can meet the needs of specific children. Children's well-being is promoted as staff liaise effectively with outside agencies.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected as all adults who have unsupervised care of children are vetted. Their well-being is maintained through the effective contingency plans that ensure alternative

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 staff are available, maintaining staff ratios. The effective recruitment and induction procedure for staff promotes children's welfare. Their well-being is protected as staff are encouraged to develop their own training and extend their qualifications. For example, all staff have a paediatric first aid certificate and staff are supported by the larger organisation whilst they pursue professional qualifications.

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Organisation

The documentation is well maintained and protects children's well-being. For example, the up-to-date accident and medication records maintain children's confidentiality and the attendance register records children's times of arrival and departure. Their well-being is protected as all documentation is shared with their parents.

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Organisation

Effective planning promotes children's learning, and activities are organised by staff who confidently utilise spontaneous learning opportunities. Efficient organisation ensures children's needs are well met. For example, several areas of the school are used to provide care for children and staff ensure the move from one area to another is well managed, providing minimal disruption. The school collection service from additional schools is well managed; children are well supervised as they walk to and from the setting which protects their welfare. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the setting was required to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and revise the child protection statement ensuring it is shared with all parents and carers. Children are now well protected as written permission is obtained from parents so that emergency medical treatment and advice may be sought and the child protection statement has been revised in line with safeguarding procedures.

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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. 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 good. 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): • make sure that the premises are adequately ventilated.

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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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