Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY262692 Unique Reference Number 02 May 2006 Inspection date Tracey Marie Boland 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 2003. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 6 and 8 years. They live in a suburb of Coventry, close to the city centre. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently caring for 5 children on a part time basis.

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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 cared for in a welcoming, clean environment. Good hygiene routines ensure that their health is protected. Children’s risk of infection passed on by other children is minimised because of a very detailed written policy that the childminder shares with parents informing them of illnesses that will mean their child should not attend and that they will be contacted and expected to collect their child if the child becomes ill. Accidents are dealt with in a calm manner although the childminder does not currently hold an appropriate first aid certificate, which may compromise children's safety in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because their individual dietary needs are taken into account and packed lunches are provided by their parents. They are unlikely to suffer stomach upsets due to unsafe food because the childminder follows good food hygiene practises. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities in the childminder's garden and when visiting places of interest which contribute to their good health. Children learn that being active promotes good health and the impact on their body is that they become healthier which they learn through topics based on healthy lifestyles and exercise.

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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 safe, secure and well maintained environment. Their risk of injury is greatly minimised as a visual assessment of risk is completed each day by the childminder. She assesses toys, equipment and furniture and good storage allows the children to move safely around areas of the home. Children learn about safety in everyday routines, both in the home and when out. Their welfare is promoted well through discussion about road safety and potential dangers when out. Direct supervision by the childminder minimises any accidental injuries occurring.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected in the event of a fire due to a clear, written evacuation procedure and the children practise the fire drill. Smoke alarms are in place and checked to ensure safety. Children are protected from unvetted visitors and are unable to leave the premises because of good security within the home and garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's good understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to child protection and keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and enjoy a wide range of interesting, age appropriate activities. Detailed planning takes place and themes and topics are shared with parents. Play experiences take place both indoors and out and children benefit from individual care and attention from the childminder.

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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 Children have formed excellent relationships with the childminder and interaction is very good. They are well supported in trying out new activities because the childminder supports them well, talks to the children at an appropriate level and is caring and kind. Scrap books are used to record their achievements and reflect the work they have completed. This allows the childminder to observe development, which is shared with their parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to make free choices in play and access a wide range of interesting and stimulating resources. These are easily accessible and includes books, puzzles, role play and construction play. The themes and topics they are involved in include looking at the seasons, healthy lifestyles, festival celebrations and the living world. Children's understanding of colours, shapes and numbers are continually developed. Children enjoy the spontaneous activities that take place depending on the weather or circumstances, for example when snowing the children went to the local park to observe changes that took place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are recorded and respected by the childminder. Discussion with parents ensures that specific needs with regard to dietary preferences, religious and cultural needs and any special needs are known. Parents are kept up to date with progress and their child's day through a daily diary which is completed and shared with them. Children benefit from a gradual introduction period which increases their confidence and ability to settle.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children mix with children of all abilities, religions and cultural backgrounds. Festivals are celebrated and art and craft reflects what topics have been completed and children's work is displayed. Children learn about the wider world and diversity and choose from a range of toys and resources that reflect diversity, e.g. play food, puzzles and dolls. They enjoy using the library also for books which are freely available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is good due to the consistent reinforcement and praise from the childminder, taking into account the different levels of understanding of the children. Parents work in partnership with the childminder which furthers their feeling of security. Children's self-esteem is well supported through the encouragement and praise they receive for their good behaviour and their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe environment and are happy and settled. Clear routines enhance the children's feeling of security and they enjoy a variety of activities and play opportunities. Their independence is encouraged and they are able to freely access toys when inside and outdoors. Information is exchanged with parents each day to ensuring they are kept informed and up to date about their child's progress and achievements.

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Organisation

Documentation is very well organised and clear and concise information is shared with parents. All required information is up to date and held confidentially. The childminder shares written policies with parents regarding behaviour, illness, equal opportunities and an emergency

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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 evacuation procedure. She demonstrates a commitment to improving her skills and knowledge through ongoing training.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve fire safety precautions by maintaining the smoke alarm on the ground floor in working order. This has now been done and is checked regularly therefore, safeguarding the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Permission has been obtained from all parents. This ensures that they receive appropriate care in the event of an emergency.

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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): • complete a first aid course for infants and young children.

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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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