Webster Samantha

Inspection report for early years provision

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224610 Unique Reference Number 10 January 2007 Inspection date Jennie Lenton 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 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?

The childminder has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 13 and 10 years, in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two cats, guinea pigs and fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age. She currently cares for four children under five years of age and two children between the ages of five and eight. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder welcomes children with learning or physical disabilities. She is a member of an approved childminding network and receives support from the local authority. She is qualified to level three CACHE in childminding practice.

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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 are protected from cross infection as the childminder has effective procedures and policies in place. Good standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained throughout the home, as the childminder carries out comprehensive daily checks for each room. Therefore, children access toys and equipment that are clean and in a good state of repair. Children also have their own flannels and towels which reduces the spread of germs. There is a comprehensive exclusion policy for sick children and any child who becomes ill at the setting are appropriately cared for while they wait for a parent to collect them from the premises. This ensures that the good health of all children is maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's knowledge and good practice means that children are promptly and appropriately cared for should they have an accident or medication is required. For example, she ensures that parents sign to give consent for medication to be administered and to acknowledge the dose given. Similarly, she accurately reports any accidents and shares this information with parents so that children receive appropriate care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Dietary needs are met as the childminder works effectively with parents to meet each child's individual needs. For example, she ensures that proper precautions are taken for a child with a nut allergy. Children are well nourished as they are provided with healthy snacks such as fruit and juice. Older children have independent access to water throughout the day, while babies are provided with regular drinks and feeds. Meals are balanced, nutritious and well presented. Children benefit from the freshly prepared food as the childminder is keen to avoid using convenience foods. Children also develop a good understanding of healthy eating as the childminder encourages them to explore healthy options. For example, children have the opportunity to grow carrots in the garden and then eat them. The childminder also encourages them to try different fruits, like kiwi.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to participate in challenging active play. The childminder promotes physical exercise through access to the spacious garden, visits to local parks and nature walks. This encourages children's physical development. Children have an understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. The childminder uses every day activities to successfully promote their understanding, discussing 'germs' and how these can be 'seen and unseen'. As a result, children learn about the importance of regular hand washing, for example after visiting the toilet or petting the cats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel secure and safe in the welcoming premises. The childminder provides a warm and relaxed environment, with a purpose built playroom. This area is well designed to ensure that children have plenty of space to play and rest. There are appropriate toys and resources to enhance children's welfare and enjoyment. Children receive a high level of supervision at all

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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 times to reduce the potential for harm. For example, the childminder puts sleeping babies to rest in a travel cot on the ground floor so that she is able to monitor all children easily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Both inside and outside areas are secure. Children are kept safe as the premises are suitably locked to prevent children leaving unaccompanied. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring that hazards at the home are reduced. Children are protected by the use of appropriate equipment, for example, safety film on glass. The childminder regularly practises fire drills with the children. Therefore, they learn in a calm setting about how to keep safe in an emergency situation. This helps children to respond to instruction promptly should it be necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child protection. She has a policy in place which is shared with parents. This ensures that any concerns regarding a child's welfare can be appropriately discussed. The childminder has not put in place updated contact details and reporting procedures. However, she is clear about her responsibilities and demonstrates suitable knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately to any concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected outside the home setting. The childminder ensures children's well being on outings by using appropriate restraints in the car, or wrist restraints when walking. She talks to the children about how to stay safe and ensures that she is well prepared prior to leaving the setting. For example, she gives children matching tops to wear so that they are easily recognised in a crowded park. Her forward thinking approach effectively illustrates that the welfare of the children is a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and happy at the setting. They have warm relationships with each other and with the childminder. This is a result of the childminder's commitment to ensuring they settle in well. Children are treated with respect and their contribution to the home is valued. For example, at the start of a placement, each child makes a handprint painting which is displayed on the 'welcome wall'. Through such activities and the childminder's skilful use of positive praise, children develop high self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activities to provide varied play opportunities. Children's preferences are respected and they can access some resources independently. The childminder is knowledgeable about how children learn and sometimes uses her observations to inform future planning. This ensures that all children are motivated and engaged in developmentally appropriate play with a good level of challenge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy pretending to make food in the toy kitchen or snuggle up to share story time with the childminder. As children take account of each others needs they learn about right and wrong. For instance, they learn to only turn the pages in the book when they are all ready to move on. The childminder also provides opportunities for children to explore through some innovative experiences. For instance, she provides tartan material and makes traditional Scottish foods so that the children can learn about 'Burns night' celebrations. She also takes the children on regular outings to parks and toddler groups which stimulates their interest in the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Babies are generally included in play and receive good stimulation with rattles and sensory toys. The childminder also holds and rocks babies for comfort, according to their needs. The childminder's calm and patient approach means that babies have the opportunity to forge a strong bond with the childminder while they are in her care. This increases their sense of well being. Babies also benefit from routines which are consistent with their experiences at home as the childminder works with parents to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated with equal concern as the childminder works well with parents to ensure children's needs are met. Individual records are sufficiently detailed to maintain the welfare of children. For example, following agreed precautions when preparing meals for a child with food allergies. The resources at the home also positively reflect individuality. The childminder encourages children to talk about their own home life and bring photographs of their families in. This helps children feel accepted. The childminder also uses dolls, books and pictures which reflect different cultures, disabilities and ethnicities. She sometimes talks to the children about respecting diversity. This encourages children to develop a positive attitude towards the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children generally receive consistency of care as the childminder has in place good systems for communicating regularly with parents. Parents are able to look through the childminder's portfolio which includes details of her policies and practice. Parents also have the opportunity to communicate on a daily basis at arrival and collection times. This ensures that any changes or concerns relating to the children can be quickly responded to. The childminder maintains daily diaries for babies to inform parents of feeding and nappy changes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A monthly newsletter is also provided, detailing planned activities. This actively encourages parents to be involved in their children's care and ensures that they are well informed about the childminder's practice. Children benefit from the strong partnership with parents as information is regularly shared to safeguard them from harm. For instance, the childminder ensures she has parental consent for outings and agrees a password with parents if the children are to be collected by any other friend or relative.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning and physical disabilities are warmly welcomed as the childminder demonstrates sound awareness of equal opportunities and special needs. She is committed to providing a quality service to all children and promotes inclusion throughout her practice. Children are encouraged to reach their full potential as she seeks to deal with any disability or behavioural issues in a positive and pro-active manner. Children behave well as the childminder effectively manages their behaviour. Children learn to play harmoniously as they respond to the childminder's consistent rules and boundaries. The good use of praise and encouragement ensures that children learn respect for each other and the home in a positive way which enhances their self esteem.

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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 good. The childminder holds appropriate qualifications and has a very good understanding of the National Standards. She is committed to her own improvement and development. Children benefit as she incorporates new learning to enhance their experiences. The childminder attends network meetings and receives support from the local authority. She also offers support to other local childminders and has made arrangements with another childminder in the case of an emergency. This ensures that children are cared for by a properly vetted individual should an unforeseen incident occur.

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Organisation

Demonstrating a good understanding of the procedures to notify Ofsted of any changes in her circumstances, the childminder ensures that children receive good care at all times. She ensures children are protected from harm as she organises her time well to provide constant supervision. Children are therefore safeguarded from harm and are at ease within a well-organised environment.

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Organisation

Documentation is maintained to a good standard and all records are available for inspection. The childminder's daily register shows children's times of arrival and departure. These indicate that ratios are consistently maintained which ensures children receive high levels of supervision. Records are appropriately signed by parents and stored confidentially, which contributes to children's health, safety and wellbeing. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to make sure children are supervised at all times in the outdoor play area and that potentially hazardous plants are inaccessible. The childminder has removed the plants and the outside area has been redesigned to improve visibility. Children's safety is therefore improved as hazards have been removed and supervision enhanced.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • ensure that contact details and procedures to deal with child protection concerns are up to date.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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