Winsor, Tracie Laura

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308154 Inspection date 16 March 2006 Inspector Alison Jane Kaplonek

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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 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 lives in the Winnal area of Winchester with her husband and two young children. The minded children have access to the whole house with toilet and washing facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play and children are sometimes taken to toddler groups or local parks. The family have one cat. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children in addition to her own. At present she cares for 5 children on a part time basis.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 satisfactory. Children play an active part in keeping themselves healthy by taking themselves upstairs to use the toilet and washing facilities, and using individual paper towels to dry their hands. They benefit from good hygiene practices which ensure that surfaces, changing mats and equipment are clean. However, the childminder does not ensure that children are protected from the spread of infection when nappies are changed. Children are provided with nutritious snacks such as fruit or bread sticks and have regular access to drinking water. Those children who stay all day are offered a cooked evening meal which they eat with the childminder's family. They talk about healthy eating and enjoy the social occasion with their friends. The childminder has a good understanding of the need for children to take regular exercise and children are taken out every day for a walk either to the local park, to

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Helping children to be healthy

school or to visit the library. They also have access to a garden for outside play where they can enjoy physical activities in safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and safe family home. They can safely access the downstairs area of the house and the fully enclosed garden. They are cared for in a safe environment where equipment and resources are in a good condition and are easily accessible. Children are protected from any harmful substances, medicines or equipment by careful supervision on the part of the childminder, who carries out regular visual risk assessments on the premises and equipment. Children have easy access to a range of good quality toys and resources which are changed regularly, enabling them to make choices in a safe setting. Good records are kept of any accidents or medication administered and these are shared with parents. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows who to contact for support or to report any issues which may arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a good range of resources for play and learning, such as baby toys, books, puzzles, craft materials and outside play equipment. They access appropriate resources which are changed regularly depending on the ages of the children being cared for each day. The needs of babies are well met as routines are adapted to ensure that their individual physical needs are respected. The childminder talks to them whilst they have their nappies changed or are feeding, and they receive plenty of cuddles. All babies have a diary in which a record is kept of the food they

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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 have eaten and the activities they have taken part in each day. Younger children enjoy their regular visits to the local library and toddler group where they meet and interact with other children while they take part in story time and craft activities. Older children particularly like creative and imaginative activities such as painting, collage or drawing, and the childminder ensures that the resources are available for them as soon as they return from school. They are provided with a good range of resources for outside play and many delight in their time spent outside in the garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment where they are all valued and treated with respect. Babies settle well and are developing their sense of belonging. All children have equal access to appropriate toys and resources, and information regarding children's individual needs, and their likes and dislikes, are obtained from parents. The childminder's policies and procedures are shared with parents and there is close liaison through daily discussion and diaries, ensuring that children are cared for in accordance with their wishes and that they are well informed of their children's routine. Children's good behaviour is promoted by the childminder, by the use of praise and rewards. They regularly visit toddler groups and libraries where they are learning to share and take turns. Any concerns are discussed with parents, and strategies agreed, although a written record is not kept.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well settled in this family environment. They are supervised at all times and never left with an un-vetted adult. The childminder ensures that her training is kept up to date and intends to increase her knowledge by attending some short courses provided by the local authority. Children's safety is assured as a good range of agreements with parents, such as permission to seek emergency treatment or advice; permission to take children on outings; or to take photographs; are obtained. Good essential records are in place, such as a record of accidents, a daily register and children's detail forms. A folder of policies and procedures are shared with parents, although children's personal information is also accessible and does not remain confidential. Overall, however, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements 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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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 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 that children are protected from the spread of infection when nappies are changed. • ensure that a record is kept of any behaviour management or child protection issues. • ensure that children's information is stored in a confidential manner.

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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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