Gale, Karon Margaret

Inspection report for early years provision

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224299 Unique Reference Number 09 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 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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her teenage and adult children. They live in a suburb of Coventry within walking distance of schools, shops and the mobile library. The through lounge, conservatory and fully enclosed garden to the rear of the home are used for minding as well as the first floor bathroom.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder runs a local toddler group and has regular contact with other local childminders. She takes and collects children from local schools and nurseries. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for three children under eight years.

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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 welcomed into a warm, child-friendly environment. They learn the importance of appropriate hygiene practices and personal care through daily routines, washing their hands after toileting, messy play and before mealtimes. Liquid soap is provided. Nappy changing routines are appropriate and ensure the comfort of the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s needs are met at times of illness. Information is shared with parents detailing when their child should not attend. Parents are informed they will be contacted and be expected to collect their child if they become unwell whilst in the care of the childminder. However, the childminder does not currently hold a valid first aid certificate which compromises the care the children receive following minor accidents. A stocked first aid box is easily accessible.

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Helping children to be healthy

Individual dietary needs are known and respected. Children are well nourished as parents provide a packed lunch which is stored appropriately and ensures all dietary needs are catered for. Drinks are freely available so children do not become thirsty. Children learn about healthy eating and the impact of that on their bodies through discussion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is maintained through the forward thinking of the childminder and the steps she has taken to minimise potential risks within the home environment. The childminder uses a notice board to keep parents informed of the service provided which holds drawing pins. The childminder takes steps to monitor this to ensure no accidents occur should the pins fall out. Children move freely and safely around the home and access a range of suitable toys and resources, which are clean and well maintained. They learn to keep themselves safe within the home and when out through consistent reinforcement and discussion. Children are aware of road safety and 'stranger danger'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A clear fire evacuation procedure is in place and the children are aware of the action to take in an emergency situation as they practise them regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well protected through the childminder's understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to child protection issues. Children are supervised at all times and not left unattended with people who have not been vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and confident. Clear relationships have been formed with the childminder and their peers. A variety of suitable, age-appropriate resources are freely available and well maintained which keep children interested and encourage their overall development. Themes are used throughout the year to ensure the children access a variety of experiences.

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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 child present was involved in a cooking activity, choosing from a range of sweets for decoration to create a face on a biscuit. She used icing sugar for her hair, chocolate buttons for her eyes and nose and a red liquorice lace for her mouth. The childminder helped her to count the eyes and then talked about happy/sad when making the smile. the childminder gave ongoing praise and encouragement during the activity and the child then ate her creation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported and encouraged by the childminder, who has an awareness of particular interests they may have and favourite activities are provided. Toys and resources include construction sets, dressing up, role play, books and puzzles. Time is spent playing games and encouraging social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to talk about their time at nursery. They enjoy reflecting on things they have done with their families at the weekends. Children are developing their independence in everyday routines and when using the bathroom. Interaction is very positive and strong relationships have been formed with the childminder which compounds children's feeling of security.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about diversity and the wider world through discussion with the childminder and the use of resources which reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. They share information about cultural and religious celebrations throughout the year, therefore learning to appreciate each other's similarities and differences. Children are respected and valued and receive individual care and attention to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to feel good about themselves and enjoy activities that will encourage them to develop their skills. Children are well supported and encouraged to integrate because activities are adapted to ensure inclusion. The childminder has experience of caring for children with specific needs and understands the importance of working in partnership with parents to promote continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from clear and consistent communication between the childminder and their parents. Detailed information is obtained from parents during an initial settling-in period for each child. Clear communication takes place each day keeping them informed and up to date about their child's day. Clear verbal policies are shared with parents, this ensures they are aware of the care their child receives and of the service provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to share, take turns and consider others through the clear and consistent reinforcement of 'house rules'. Parents are involved in discussion about strategies for dealing with behaviour including distraction, 'time away' to think about the behaviour and discussion with the children at an appropriate level. Children learn to develop respect for themselves and others and receive praise and encouragement for their achievements.

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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 satisfactory. Children are settled and relaxed in a well-organised home. Clear routines ensure their needs are met effectively and they move freely around within a safe and secure environment. Procedures effectively promote the children's welfare, care and learning and the childminder's practice meets the individual needs of the children in her care.

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Organisation

All required information and consent from parents has been obtained. Records are well maintained, easily accessible and confidentiality maintained at all times. Partnership with parents is encouraged through clear communication and the sharing of verbal policies, to ensure they are kept fully aware of the care provided. The childminder has a commitment to continually develop her skills and knowledge through regular training provided by the local authority.

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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 complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. She has tried repeatedly to access a course and is now hoping to access a course through the local authority. Therefore, children's welfare will be maintained at times of accidents occurring. She currently deals with incidents in a calm and competent manner.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to improve fire safety precautions by maintaining a smoke alarm on the ground floor in working order and practising the evacuation drill with the children. A smoke alarm has now been fitted and is checked regularly to ensure it works correctly. Therefore, children are protected in the event of an emergency situation.

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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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Complaints 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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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.

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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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