Childminder in CoventryOfsted inspection, 25 May 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313619 Inspection date 25 May 2006 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 adult daughters and 9 year old son. They live in a terraced house in the Coundon area of Coventry within walking distance of local shops, schools and parks. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding and the upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. She is registered to care of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children at different times.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment where they are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing before meals and after using the toilet. They play with safe and well-maintained toys and resources within a stimulating environment. Children’s health needs are clearly recorded and discussed with parents. Detailed procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately if they have an accident or become ill. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of current first aid, however she does not hold a current first aid certificate. Regular use of the garden and outdoor environment enables children to enjoy fresh air and develop physical skills such as running, jumping and manoeuvring wheeled toys. Children enjoy visits to local attractions such as 'The Wedge', where they can play football. Children benefit from a flexible routine that gives them opportunities to

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Helping children to be healthy

rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Their individual needs are respected as they are given their comfort toys at nap time. Children are well-nourished as the childminder provides a varied and nutritious range of healthy snacks and meals, including plenty of fruit and vegetables. Drinks are readily available which encourages children to have sufficient fluids.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment because potential hazards have been assessed by the childminder. Children are learning to develop their own understanding of safety as the childminder points out potential dangers and teaches children to look and listen, when crossing roads and supervises the children both indoors and outside. Children have access to sufficient toys and equipment that are developmentally appropriate. They play with toys and resources safely as the childminder ensures equipment meets required safety standards. Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and is aware of her responsibility to protect children in her care. However, she does not have an updated copy of the child protection procedures that complies with the Local Safeguarding Children Board

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

(LSCB) which may cause a delay in reporting concerns.

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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 provision is satisfactory. Children interact very confidently with the childminder and enjoy her involvement in their play. Most activities are appropriate for babies' and toddlers' age and stage of development. However, the childminder does not plan activities for babies and toddlers in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children enjoy positive relationships with the childminder and their individual needs are well met because the childminder provides an appropriate balance between active play and relaxing activities. Children enjoy trips to the Motor-Cycle Museum, Coventry Cathedral and the Art Gallery. Children develop their independence skills and show initiative as they choose their own resources and equipment located in easily accessible storage boxes. They use

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their imagination very well encouraged by the childminder’s questioning and listening skills. Children enjoy playing 'tents' by putting a blanket over a table. Children respond to new challenges as the childminder encourages children to help tidy up, offering clear guidance and assistance where necessary. Children’s self-esteem and confidence are enhanced with the childminder’s use of praise and encouragement. Children concentrate well whilst playing with 'small world' toys such as sharks and otters. Children acquire new knowledge and skills as the childminder answers their questions and provides challenging activities such as, helping children to spread 'cheese spread' on bread.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging because of the familiar daily routine and are very 'at home' with the childminder. Children are learning to appreciate and value each other. They work harmoniously together whilst making choices about their play. Children's individual needs are respected and met sensitively by the childminder. They are beginning to learn about diversity by playing with a small range of positive image toys and resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability, although these are limited. Children are well-behaved because the childminder is very calm and has consistent expectations about acceptable behaviour. This helps children to develop social skills and friendships. They learn to share, take turns and respect each other. Children benefit from the partnership between parents and the childminder because their achievements and daily routines are discussed regularly. However, the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder has not yet implemented a procedure for recording complaints received from parents in line with recent guidance. Parents are regularly consulted with regard to their children's needs. This helps to contribute to children’s overall well-being.

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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 Children are happy and settled in this organised and welcoming home because the childminder has made suitable use of space and resources. This helps children develop their independence and have fun. Children benefit from being cared for by an enthusiastic childminder, who clearly enjoys spending time interacting and supporting their individual needs. Generally all required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and stored confidentially. However, the attendance register does not include children’s specific times of arrival and departure. This limits the swift retrieval of information in an emergency. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • obtain a copy of the most recent child protection procedures that complies with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and share these with parents • improve knowledge of child development in line with the, ' Birth to three matters framework'

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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 • increase resources reflecting positive images of culture and disability and implement procedures for recording complaints received from parents • include specific children’s times of arrival and departure on the attendance register.

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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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