Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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201464 Unique Reference Number 14 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 1997. She lives with her husband, two adult children and a child aged ten years in the Cubbington area of Leamington Spa. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years on a part time basis. 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. She attends local toddlers groups.

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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's personal hygiene routines are developed well as they are encouraged to wash their hands after playing in the garden and before snack. The childminder is an effective role model, washing her hands regularly. Younger children stay clean and healthy as clear and effective nappy changing routines are in place, for example, individual creams and wipes. Through general conversation and routine activities children learn about healthy living and eating, for example, choosing fruit on a shopping trip. Health and safety policies and procedures are discussed with parents and therefore parents are well informed about any events during the day, for example, accident recording. Consent for the administration of medication is in place and medication is stored safely. A fully-stocked first aid box is available, however current first aid training has not been completed. This may cause a risk that children may not be cared for appropriately

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a varied diet because at present the childminder provides breakfast, drinks and snacks and parents provide a packed lunch. Children can choose between healthy options for breakfast and snacks, for example, fruit, yoghurt or cereal with milk, water or juice to drink. Packed lunches and bottle feeds are stored in the refrigerator. However, food storage temperatures are not monitored creating a risk around food safety. Babies follow their individual home routine as far as possible for bottle feeds, drinks and meals, offering continuity of care. Following regular consultation with parents individual dietary needs and preferences are always met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and well-being is encouraged as they enjoy varied opportunities for physical play, both indoors and outdoors. They are challenged effectively as they manoeuvre tricycles onto the grass and use the slide. They enjoy sand and water play, including 'painting' with water, while getting plenty of fresh air. Younger children are supported well as they become mobile, standing and crawling. Older children are offered activities to help them develop increasing finger and hand control, for example, puzzles.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies sleep safely and are checked regularly by the childminder. Their individual needs are met well as they are offered a travel cot with individual clean bedding, or children can sleep in their pushchairs. Older children can have a nap on the settee if they require a rest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from lots of free play space, both indoors and outdoors, effectively encouraging their physical development. They are safe and comfortable in the childminder's well-maintained home. The welcome offered daily to parents and children ensures that children settle down quickly. Children are actively encouraged to make independent choices with easy access to a wide range of appropriate equipment, much of it at child height. Equipment in is place reflecting positive images of wider society. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Supervision of the children is the priority for the childminder and she is vigilant and supervises the children herself at all times. Therefore children are safe when playing in the house or garden and when they are on trips and visits. As the childminder discusses road safety when they are out walking children begin to understand about keeping themselves safe. Fire evacuation plans are in place and are discussed with older children and practised and recorded monthly, ensuring the children are familiar with emergency procedures. Fire safety equipment is well-maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from abuse or neglect. The childminder has a professional understanding of her duty to report any concerns. She has a good awareness of the signs to look for and the procedure to follow. Child protection issues are discussed with parents when initial visits take place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children and parents benefit from the strong open relationships built up with the childminder as information is constantly exchanged, ensuring individual needs are met very well. Children enjoy lots of one to one attention as the flexible routine in used creatively, giving time to older children when babies are asleep. Children are confident and secure in the friendly environment, displaying great warmth and affection towards the childminder. They chat as the childminder supports and encourages outdoor play, explaining why a ball will not keep still. Children increase skills as the childminder actively plays, rolling a hoop and chasing it. Parents are given regular feedback about their child's day, including activities and achievements, for example, a visit to the shops.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children are very well supported as they begin to crawl and to stand and develop their independence feeding themselves. Children are offered valuable opportunities socialise and to make positive relationships with other adults and children as they welcome visitors to the childminder's home and when they attend local toddler groups. Their self-esteem is effectively developed as they take home cards and craft activities, for example, collage food plates for healthy eating.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children enjoy completing puzzles; they concentrate and persevere well. They progress well as they are praised and encouraged. Children are challenged effectively in their play as the childminder plans interesting activities to encourage their development, including cookery, play dough and visiting the post office.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop positive attitudes to others following the strong example set by the childminder. They are highly valued as individuals and generally all their needs are met. They gain an understanding of the wider community as they acknowledge festivals and see positive images reflected in toys, books and equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a strong sense of belonging as there is a constant exchange of information between the childminder and the parents regarding eating and sleeping routines. The childminder

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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 has a good practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with special needs. Older children develop an awareness of the needs of others and are encouraged to share and to be considerate and helpful. The consistent boundaries which the childminder has in place ensures that the children begin to understand right from wrong. They are comfortable with the age appropriate methods the childminder uses to manage behaviour, for example, distraction and explanation. Children respond positively to the praise offered and their self-esteem is enhanced.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. Children benefit from the strong, open relationships between parents and the childminder, effectively supporting the involvement of parents in all aspects of their child's care and learning. Parents appreciate the flexible service offered and the daily exchange of information through the daily diaries. Parents have the opportunity to discuss all the policies and procedures which support the childminder's practice, increasing their confidence in the care offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the childminding service encourages children to develop well and have lots of fun and affection when in the care of the childminder. She is experienced in childcare and offers a wide variety of appropriate and interesting activities to the children she cares for. Children feel secure and are happy in her care.

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Organisation

The welfare and safety of the children is the highest priority for the childminder and correct ratios are always maintained. Accurate registers are kept. The organisation of the childminder's home ensures that the children have plenty of play space indoors and outdoors, with easy access to equipment.

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Organisation

Effective procedures and policies generally support the childminder in working very successfully in partnership with parents. The childminder's registration certificate must be displayed. 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. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure children cannot leave the garden and do not have unsupervised access to the stairs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children are now safe because supervision is the childminder's priority. The garden is secure with no opportunities for children to leave it unsupervised and children playing in the hallway or using the stairs are always supervised closely.

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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

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 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 current first aid training is completed • ensure food storage temperatures are monitored • ensure registration certificate is displayed.

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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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