Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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201357 Unique Reference Number 04 July 2006 Inspection date Anne Felicity 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and child aged seven in Leamington Spa. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five for day care, and one child aged six before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local toddler group. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 learn about many aspects of general and personal hygiene through the consistent encouragement provided by the childminder. They wash their hands routinely after the toilet and garden play and before eating, using the liquid soap and clean towels provided. The childminder is an effective role model, washing her hands before preparing lunch. Nappy changing and nappy disposal routines are in place and clear, ensuring children stay clean and healthy. There are effective health and safety procedures, including a sickness policy and exclusions, all of which are easily available to parents. Parents are well-informed about any events during the day, as appropriate procedures are carried out, for example, accident and medication recording. The childminder has current first aid training and a fully stocked first aid box, and therefore children are cared for well if they have an accident or become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are involved in helping to shop for fruit and vegetables, becoming actively involved in learning about healthy eating. They choose ham and cheese to accompany their crackers for lunch and discuss in some detail what should be prepared for dinner, including pasta with a tomato sauce. Children are well-nourished and enjoy the healthy drinks and snacks offered. During fine weather they picnic outside, further encouraging their enjoyment of the food offered, while getting plenty of fresh air. Refrigeration temperatures are monitored ensuring the safe storage of food. Individual needs are met well as parents are always consulted regarding dietary needs and preferences.

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Helping children to be healthy

The garden is used as an extension of the dedicated play areas in the house and children enjoy many varied opportunities for outdoor physical play that contributes to their health and well-being. They increase skills climbing and balancing and enjoy wheeled and push-along toys, ball games and the see-saw. Children are delighted with the water play in the paddling pool. They paddle, discovering toys and equipment that float and sink and 'make soup' with kitchen ladles. They discuss the effects of the shade made by the gazebo on the water and the angle of the sun's rays onto the garden at different times of day. Children's physical development is further advanced as they visit local parks. The childminder supports the physical development of the younger children well as they learn to move confidently and safely. Older children are offered activities to help them develop increasing finger and hand control, for example, collage

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual needs regarding sleep are discussed with parents. A travel cot is available and young children can sleep in their buggies. Children sleep safely with the close supervision of the childminder. Older children are offered quiet times for stories or a favourite television programme.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home, including a dedicated play room, giving them plenty of well-organised play space with free areas, effectively

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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 encouraging their physical development. It is a safe, child-friendly environment which is well-maintained and secure. Children use the garden freely, under the close supervision of the childminder, giving them plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children develop independence skills as they select equipment in the playroom and take some responsibility for tidying up. Their attitude to others is positively reinforced as they use books and play equipment that display images of general society. The book and toy libraries are used to provide additional equipment to reflect areas of equal opportunities. Good procedures are in place for checking and cleaning all equipment and toys regularly ensuring it is all suitable and safe for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder has a high regard for general safety and supervision, for example, socket covers and a stair gate are in place. Safety measures are revised and adapted as babies become more mobile. Accurate registers are completed daily ensuring the numbers of children at the childminder's home is always clear. When children are out and about they begin to understand about keeping themselves safe as the childminder discusses road safety, and as she ensures all the appropriate safety equipment is in place and used, for example, car seats and buggies. They discuss and practise fire drill and emergency procedures, ensuring children are familiar with the evacuation process. Well-maintained fire safety equipment is in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a professional understanding of child protection issues, including the referral process, which is detailed in a comprehensive written policy. She has completed an appropriate training course. The policy is shared with parents, which means that they fully understand her responsibility to report any concerns. As a result, children are very well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The strong open relationships developed between the childminder and the parents ensures that the children's individual needs are met exceptionally well. Children are very well settled and extremely comfortable with the childminder. They display a remarkable knowledge of the world around them as they discuss how traffic lights work, and where an aeroplane may be going. Children learn exceptionally well as they play in the water, discussing floating and sinking and the way water runs through holes in a boat. Children are very confident as they discuss plans for dinner when older children are home from school. Routines and daily plans are flexible and adapted marvellously to meet the individual needs of children attending, for example, to accommodate a more mobile baby. Children display great warmth and affection towards the childminder as they have a drink after waking up from a sleep. Children's development is actively

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

promoted in an impressive manner as they explore appropriate computer programmes, becoming familiar with information technology and as they are offered musical toys and domestic play. Parents are given regular feedback about their child's day, including activities and achievements and are delighted with the annual photograph album given to each child. Children develop confidence and self-esteem as they are praised for helping with the changing mat. Children are offered a challenging and superb variety of activities when they are in the childminder's care, for example, outdoor play including football and push-along toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered many very valuable opportunities to build positive relationships with other adults and children as they welcome visitors to the childminder's home and when they attend

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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 local toddler groups. They learn to be considerate with the first-rate consistent encouragement of good manners by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident, busy and happy within the very well-planned routine and the security offered by the childminder. Opportunities for local walks and visits to the park effectively enhance the children's understanding of the world around them. Trips further a field offer the children superb learning opportunities and fun, for example, Coombe Abbey, the Space Museum and Lego Land. The childminder has a thorough and commendable knowledge of child development, offering the children appropriate activities. Children can make choices and effectively develop their independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals and the childminder knows the children very well, therefore their individual needs are met. They develop positive attitudes to others following the strong example set by the childminder and through discussions with her. Many effective opportunities are in place for the children to gain an understanding of others through using toys and equipment that reflect wider society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through the constant exchange of information between the childminder and the parents, children's routines and needs are discussed regularly and therefore children develop a strong sense of belonging. The childminder has a good practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with special needs. All children are encouraged to share and to be considerate and helpful, effectively developing an awareness of the needs of others. The consistent boundaries for behaviour which are in place ensure that children begin to understand right from wrong. The childminder places a strong emphasis on positive behaviour and uses age-appropriate methods to manage behaviour, for example, distraction and explanation. Children respond positively to the praise offered and their self-esteem is enhanced. Incidents and complaints are not recorded.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. The parents and the childminder develop strong open relationships, effectively supporting the involvement of parents in all aspects of their child's care and learning. Parents appreciate the daily exchange of information. They have the opportunity to read all the policies and procedures put in place by the childminder, increasing their confidence in the care offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder creates an environment and organises the care she offers to ensure children develop well and have lots of fun and affection. She keeps up to date with developments and takes up training opportunities, for example, 'Birth to three matters' and first aid. Children are secure in her care, where they are offered well-planned and varied activities within the flexible routine.

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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 The welfare and safety of the children is the highest priority for the childminder and correct ratios are always adhered to. The well-maintained records support the childminder in her care of the children, including registers and contact numbers. Records are stored safely ensuring confidentiality at all times.

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Organisation

Children benefit as their families are welcomed into the childminder's home and are fully involved in their care. The children thrive in the caring and stimulating environment. Effective procedures and policies help the childminder in working very successfully in partnership with parents. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was asked to have procedures in place to record existing injuries, ensure hazardous substances were stored safely and to record arrival and departure times on the register.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Procedures are now in place to record existing injuries and to have complete records of the children present, ensuring well-maintained records are available for future reference. Hazardous substances are stored where children have no access to them, ensuring children are kept safe.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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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 procedures for recording incidents and complaints are in place.

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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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