Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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260678 Unique Reference Number 05 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 2001. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 3 and 14 years of age. They live in a suburb of Coventry. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding as well as the first and second floor bathrooms. 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 4 children, 3 are under 8 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 good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming environment where their good health is assured due to the childminder's practises with regard to health and hygiene. Clear, consistent reinforcement ensures the children wash their hands using liquid soap at appropriate time throughout the day. The spread of infection is minimised through the cleaning routines, food hygiene practises and the sharing of a policy with parents which informs them when their child should not attend due to illness and that they will be asked to collect them if they become unwell during the day. Children are well protected in the event of minor accidents as the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and deals with incidents in a calm and caring manner.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary requirements are known and respected by the childminder. They are nourished as parents provide their own food which is stored in line with requirements. Children are unlikely to suffer stomach upset due to unsafe food because the childminder follows suitable food hygiene practises, although the childminder feels she would benefit from up to date information regarding legislation and procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing skills and confidence during physical play activities when using the trampoline which has a safety net, bikes, tunnels, swings, tractors and a variety of push along toys. They learn that being active promotes good health and the impact on their body is to build up their muscles and make them strong.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a safe, secure and well maintained environment. The risks to children have been minimised greatly through the forward thinking of the childminder. Children are safe because their toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in a good condition. Children help with the cleaning of all the toys and breakages are discarded. Storage enables children to safely access resources for themselves such as low shelves and good organisation. Children learn to keep themselves safe because of consistent reinforcement of the rules of safety within the home. Children are made aware of potential dangers such as not having small items when babies are present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected in the event of a fire because the childminder has a written evacuation procedure and children practise the fire drill. A fire blanket is readily available and smoke alarms are in working order and checked regularly. Children learn the procedure they should follow if they need to contact the emergency services.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a sound working knowledge of abuse and neglect and understands the importance of keeping children safe. She is fully aware of local referral procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for as individuals and the childminder uses the knowledge she has of their likes, dislikes and interests to provide an excellent range of activities and play experiences to meet their needs. Routines are good and opportunities are provided for children to visit places of interest such as the zoo, safari parks, a local farm and local parks also visited. Children recently visited the fire station to talk about safety and meet the fire crew.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn colours, shapes, pre-writing and pre-reading skills is a range of well-planned activities. They are supported well as the childminder spends a lot of time talking to them, supporting them and encouraging them. Children's work is held in a folder and they are able to take home their creations and any work completed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have formed a positive relationship with the childminder and interaction is excellent. They are shown affection and ask questions from the childminder who answers at an appropriate level for their understanding. Children acquire new knowledge and skills through the good activities and experiences the childminder provides and through the time and attention she gives to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well known by the childminder and documentation is detailed and concise. A gradual introduction to the setting helps to develop their sense of belonging and confidence. Policies are in place and shared with parents, keeping them informed about the care provided. Communication between the parents and childminder is good. Daily discussion keeps them informed of their child's day and any progress made.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world and diversity by accessing a wide range of multicultural resources and experiences. They are involved in festival celebrations which enable them to understand similarities and differences. Children access dolls, small world figures, books and have the opportunity to try foods from different countries. The childminder understands the importance of addressing individual needs and providing opportunities for all to be involved, in order that children meet their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of the rules within the home regarding behaviour and learn to share, take turns and be kind to each other. They benefit from the childminder's consistent reinforcement of what is expected and respond well to the praise and encouragement they receive. The childminder is a good role model and takes account of the differing levels of understanding, using distraction and discussion when handling any minor incidents that take place.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and very happy in the childminder's home and benefit from the ample space available to enjoy a good range of activities and play experiences. They freely access the

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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 toys and resources provided and confidently move around the areas available to them within the home.

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Organisation

Children's records and required documentation is clear, concise and held within the boundaries of confidentiality. Partnership with parents is good and enhanced by the daily communication that takes place. The childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to continually developing her knowledge and skills 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 complete a first aid course appropriate for infants and young children. This has been completed, which ensures they receive the appropriate care and attention in the event of an accident.

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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): • develop further knowledge regarding food hygiene practises.

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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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