Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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201709 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2006 Inspection date Teresa Marie Taylor 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 1993. She lives with her family in a four bedroom, detached house, which is situated in the village of Radford Semele, on the outskirts of Leamington Spa. The rear of the ground floor is the main area used for childminding, which consists of a playroom and lobby area. Older children can also use the dining room. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for 13 children of which five are under five years old. The majority of children attend on a part time basis. Children can be taken to and collected from local groups, nursery classes and schools. The family has a 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 are encouraged to develop their understanding of good hygiene practices as the childminder has good routines in place which are shared with the children. There are good standards of hygiene within the house and garden ensuring children's general good health. The childminder has completed a first aid course and has an appropriately stocked first aid kit ensuring she is able to respond appropriately to any accidents children might have. Accidents, and any medication given, are recorded and signed by parents, ensuring they are informed of their children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy access to a range of indoor and outdoor toys and activities which contribute to their physical development and independence. The childminder's understanding of the physical needs of young children enables her to provide suitable and appropriate activities, both indoors and out, to support children's development and co-ordination. She has undertaken training in 'Birth to three matters' and implements this training in her everyday practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual feeding and sleeping routines are agreed with parents, but not recorded. The childminder carries out her verbal agreements with parents enabling children to rest or sleep when they are tired. All children can help themselves to drinks which are easily accessible to them, and younger children are offered drinks regularly ensuring they remain hydrated at all times. Parents supply some meals and these are stored appropriately and prepared as agreed with the parents. The childminder provides meals for the other children ensuring they meet their religious, cultural and dietary needs.

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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 child-centred home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they can move around freely, safely and independently. Children are beginning to understand about safety and risks as the childminder always gives explanations regarding the results of their actions. There are good routines in place to ensure children's health and general welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose their own activities from a range of toys and equipment that the childminder ensures are safe, in good condition and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development. A visual risk assessment and regular cleaning schedule are completed and daily checks on toys are carried out. The younger children are supervised at all times. This ensures that children are safe and well protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all of the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder has clear plans for fire evacuation and these are recorded, shared and practised with the children, ensuring they understand the routine and could safely exit the house if the alarms sounded. Outings are planned to ensure the children's safety and all consents from the

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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 parents regarding outings and transport are recorded. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and shares these with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's house. The childminder displays her knowledge and understanding of children's development with careful and consistent management. This enables children to develop appropriate strategies for sharing and playing together as they are clear on what is expected of them and what the boundaries are regarding behaviour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

To further develop experiences for the children they attend activities outside of the home, for example, children's indoor physical play areas, the local park and local groups. The childminder encourages children to fully express themselves and she responds well to children's requests for interactive play, attention or changes of toys. This enables children to develop independence and self-esteem. The childminder's interaction and involvement with the children keeps them interested and stimulated. The appropriate storage of equipment allows children to safely access all toys and equipment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered planned activities including those to develop pre reading and writing skills. Older children are encouraged to complete their homework and have access to a separate room enabling them to concentrate and work independently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made very welcome and their behaviour is good. The childminder sets consistent boundaries which helps the children learn to co-operate, share and begin to take responsibility for their actions. The childminder discusses behaviour issues with both parents and children ensuring everyone hears the same message and consistency is maintained. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met as they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed and agreed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunity issues and provides toys and equipment to support equal opportunities. Many festivals are discussed and celebrated and supported by a large poster of festivals from around the world. This gives the children the ability to extend their knowledge of the wider world around them. The childminder has cared for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and would be happy to do so in the future.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good partnerships with parents which contribute significantly to children's well-being. Parents are provided with daily conversations about children's activities ensuring they are aware of their child's day and reassured about their care but not all agreements with parents are recorded although all are acted upon. Children's independence is encouraged enabling them to develop a sense of self-esteem and belonging. The childminder is aware of individual needs and ensures these are met enabling children to develop at their own rate, whilst ensuring activities include some degree of challenge

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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. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They have good access to resources and are provided with a wide range of experiences which keep them motivated and interested in what is available. Children are taken to local events, the park and parent and toddler groups which gives them wide range of experiences and opportunities.

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Organisation

Space is limited so older children make use of the dining room for homework and activities. Toys and equipment are appropriately and safely stored enabling children to self-select play activities. The records and procedures in place ensure that children's care, welfare and development are promoted efficiently and safely.

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Organisation

All documentation, and daily activities are shared with parents and this help parents gain a good insight into the type of service provided for their children. Most agreements with parents are recorded, and are acted upon. This provides consistency for children and reassurance for parents. The provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to improve her knowledge of child protection procedures. She did this by undertaking a course in child protection ensuring she was able to respond in the children's best interests at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints received by Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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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 verbal agreements with parents are recorded especially regarding; the provision of meals, taking children swimming, sleeping arrangements and applying sun cream.

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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 • ensure the care provided for children aged eight to 14 is not allowed to adversely affect the care provided for children under eight • consider collating information, policies and childcare evidence into a portfolio.

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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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