Webster, Karen Anne

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY308979 Inspection date 16/04/2009 Inspector Lynne Elizabeth Lewington

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her two children and grandchild in Basingstoke, Hampshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with bathroom and sleeping facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play, level access to the premises and toilet facilities are available on the first floor.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. Currently there are three children under five years on roll. The childminder is registered on the early years register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She takes children to and collects from local schools and preschools. The family have two budgies.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. Children enjoy the child centred environment where thought and consideration has been given to their developing needs. Through excellent communication with parents and careful observation of the children the childminder gains a clear understanding of each child's individuality and their differing needs. The childminder has a clear vision of her service and strives to achieve excellence, indicating that she will continue to make improvements for the benefit of the young children in her care.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve knowledge of the guidelines set out in the publication 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child is Being Abused' produced by the department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)  continue to develop and analyse observations ensuring they cover all areas of learning and aspects of development in order to identify any concerns about a child's development and inform an ongoing assessment

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provision

Self evaluation has been used effectively to reflect on the service offered and clearly indicates further steps the provider plans to take to continue to develop. This includes improvements to the play environment and further training. The provider has recently completed a Diploma in Home based Childcare and updated her first aid certificate.

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provision

Regular daily face to face contact with parents, daily information sheets, observational records, reviews and photographs enable the childminder to share information and build positive working relationships with parents. Positive parental This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 opinion of the service is clearly reflected in the questionnaires the childminder asks parents to complete.

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provision

The childminder takes sensible appropriate steps throughout her property and on outings to ensure children are safe and develop an awareness of safe behaviours. She has an awareness of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the action she would take, however she is not confident on this topic.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's spotlessly clean home has been adapted well to meet the needs of young children. Excellent use is made of the available space enabling the children to play in a homely environment where they access their toys easily and have easy access to a secure outdoor play environment which can be used in all weathers. Safety gates and a play pen help to safeguard very young children from dangers. The childminder recognises the importance of encouraging children to learn about danger and develop safe behaviours in order that they can learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, children learn road safety through experience and with the help of activities and reminder cards.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Excellent care is taken to promote health and hygiene. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet each day with easy access to fresh water. The use of a water dispenser has encouraged children to help themselves to regular drinks and prevent dehydration. A menu is available and parents are informed of their child's daily food intake. The childminder recognises the importance of ensuring children have stimulation, fresh air, regular meals and rest times to enable them to fully enjoy themselves and make the best of the opportunities she offers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a variety of interesting activities each day and have good opportunities to make their own choices. The childminder knows the children well and ensures they have opportunities to undertake activities which build on their interests. For example a very young child who enjoys banging has opportunities to bang on a drum and use other toys which require this action. Regular outings in the local community enable children to develop their social skills as they meet other adults and children and increase their awareness of our diverse society.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children demonstrate increasing control of their movements as they use sit on cars and tools in the sand pit. Opportunities to feed themselves with a spoon or fork indicate increasing hand and eye co-ordination and control. Regular visits to a local soft play area enable children to be adventurous in their play developing balance and co-ordination as they use the apparatus.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Attractive fact and fiction books are easily accessible to children enabling them to make a free choice. The childminder enjoys reading to the children and also encourages children to look at the books independently. Posters around the setting encourage children to associate the symbols with meanings and they have opportunities to use pencils and crayons to make marks. The childminder encourages young children's awareness of quantity, shape, size and position as she talks to them about their play; they sing counting songs and count as they dry This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their fingers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the world as they play in the garden. The natural light and fresh air encourage a sense of well being and help to develop the senses. They have opportunities to plant seeds and look after their seedlings as they grow. Creativity is encouraged through imaginative play, art and craft activities, dancing and singing. The childminder encourages children to develop their interests, for example; a young child who has started ballet enjoys the opportunity to practise her new skills using a ballet DVD consolidating her learning and sharing her knowledge and skills with others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good quality clear observations of the children are backed by photographs of them at play and links are indicated for the next steps in children's learning. However, currently they do not cover all aspects of development and areas of learning which are required in order to identify any concerns about a child's progress and inform an ongoing assessment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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