Webster, Karen Anne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308979 Inspection date 27 February 2006 Inspector Sheila Collins

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged 3 1/2 and 17 years 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. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children, 1 under 5 all day and 3 over 5 in school holidays. The childminder takes children to and collects them from local schools and preschools. The family has a pet dog.

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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 learn about personal hygiene through their daily routine. They wash their hands after going to the toilet, messy play, outdoor play and before meals. The childminder has good hygiene practices herself when changing nappies and ensures that the environment is clean for the children. The childminder promotes the good health of the children and responds appropriately when they are ill. She has accident and medication records and written permission for first aid or emergency advice. She has not yet completed a paediatric first aid course. The childminder has knowledge of the children's medical and dietary needs. Older children access drinks easily, when they are thirsty, from the water cooler. Children's individual routines and sleep patterns are in place, which ensures continuity from home. The children enjoy physical exercise and the childminder successfully ensures that

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Helping children to be healthy

they have a wide range of activities, both indoors and out, to help them develop their physical skills. They go to the park and enjoy garden play in good weather. Babies learn to control their own bodies when playing on the floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder gives high priority to ensuring that the children are safe, both within and outside the home. She is aware of potential hazards and minimises these, so that the children are in a safe environment. Children learn to keep themselves and others safe. The childminder has equipment suitable for the age and stage of the children attending, which includes items such as safety barriers. The childminder checks the equipment and toys frequently, to ensure that they are safe for the children to use. The childminder has a good range of toys and equipment for the children to use, which covers all areas of their development. The children independently access and choose from the toys that are available within the playroom. The childminder takes children in her car and has appropriate car seats in place. The childminder has a good working knowledge of child protection issues. She has a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clear understanding of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child, which ensures their welfare.

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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 The children decide which activities they would like to do and direct their own play, supported by the childminder. The older children select toys and resources independently. The childminder helps the baby choose from a selection. Children are encouraged and their efforts praised by the childminder, which promotes their self esteem and allows them to develop their self-confidence. The childminder plans the day to suit the needs of the children attending. Baby's own routine is followed, for example, sleep time, which ensures continuity for the child. The children choose to take part in planned activities such as making biscuits, painting and other creative sessions. They enjoy outside play, outings to the park, visits to toddler clubs and activity centres, which helps them to develop their physical

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good knowledge of the individual needs of each child through discussions with parents. When planning, she considers the children in her care, their stage of development and ability. The children are using a range of resources to learn about the diversity of society, but these are limited. The childminder manages the children’s behaviour appropriately for the age and stage of development of the children. The childminder encourages good standards of behaviour, by the use of positive behaviour strategies, praise and encouragement, which builds the children's confidence and self-esteem. The childminder has a good partnership with parents and works closely with them, to ensure continuity of care for the children. Contracts are in place, so that both parents and childminder are clear about the arrangements. The childminder completes a written report for the younger children and discusses daily with parents, to keep them

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Helping children make a positive contribution

informed about their children's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises the space available well, to give the children a good range of play and learning experiences. Children alternate between the living room and the playroom and move freely between these areas. The childminder has all the required documentation in place, to make sure that she is able to meet the individual needs of the children in her care. She is obtaining a copy of the Birth to three matters framework to extend her knowledge of caring for under threes, which will benefit the children. The provider meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 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 a first aid course, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children is completed

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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