Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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201573 Unique Reference Number 17 August 2006 Inspection date Shami Kumar 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 1974. She lives with her husband in a bungalow which is situated in Corley in Coventry. A self contained annexe at the rear of the premises which has two rooms and a bathroom is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden suitable for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time and is currently minding six children, two of whom are under five years of age. The childminder may at times work with an assistant. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She attends the local stay and play group, and takes the children to various parks, activity centres, and day trips.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices, which meets their physical, nutritional and health needs. Children are very familiar with simple good hygiene routines and when asked why they need to wash their hands before lunch, they quickly respond 'to wash off all the bugs'. Good arrangements are in place to prevent infection through cross-contamination, and children are demonstrating a real desire to become increasingly independent in personal care. For example, the childminder reminds children to wash hands after toileting, they use paper towels, and children have their own hair brushes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected because the childminder follows good health and hygiene routines. For example, she wears disposable gloves when changing children, takes care to clean the table before and after children eat, and they are never left unsupervised with the dog. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of their bodies and healthy living through routines, discussions and activities. For example, children talk about what foods are good for them, and participate in regular exercise which helps them stay fit.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are effective measures in place to prevent the spread of infection and the verbal and written sickness policy and procedures ensure that children do not attend when they are ill. Children are well protected in the event of an accident or an emergency because the childminder has clear written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and she maintains concise accident and medication records. The childminder promotes children's health as she keeps a well stocked first aid box and holds a current first aid certificate so is therefore able to take appropriate action in case of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's likes and dislikes and individual dietary needs are catered for effectively as the childminder liaises closely with parents. Children enjoy a good variety of nutritionally balanced meals and snacks, consisting of fresh vegetables, yoghurts and fruit. This helps them to develop good eating habits. Any food provided by parents is stored, prepared and served appropriately. Any special dietary requirements or allergies are discussed before care begins and recorded on children's records which ensures parents' wishes are respected. Children take an active part in making their own sandwiches which helps them to become independent. Mealtimes are seen as a sociable time where children eat together, chatting and laughing. Children have regular access to drinks throughout the day which ensure that they are well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is encouraged as the childminder uses her knowledge to improve their co-ordination and awareness of space. For example, children have great fun in exercising regularly, joining in music and dance and engage in purposeful appropriate outdoor activities. They benefit significantly from being out in the fresh air as they choose from imaginative and creative activities as well as physical play equipment. For example, visits to the park, feeding the ducks and physical play in the garden using bikes, scooters, balls, and tents.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in welcoming premises that are well presented and there is sufficient space to play and relax. The premises is especially allocated to the children and is arranged so that children feel at home with photographs and displays of their work on the walls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move around the premises freely because the childminder has an understanding of how to keep them secure whilst they are in her care. She has an understanding of safety issues and she minimises most risks. Appropriate safety precautions are in place such as sockets protected, smoke alarm fitted, and dangerous substances are inaccessible. Children talk about and have a clear understanding of safe boundaries in the garden, however, a water feature and stored slabs are a hazard to them. Children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe as they take part in regular fire drills and are made aware of what to do and where to exit if necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to select from a range of well-maintained, good quality toys, books and play materials suitable for their age and stage of development. Toys and equipment which the children use are checked regularly for safety and hygiene. The children are comfortable in the setting, with both rooms used appropriately for their needs. For example, to engage in craft activities, role play, construction, dressing up or for reading books. Whilst out and about, children use reins, wrist straps or hold hands, whichever is appropriate to their needs. Children are also kept safe when out of the home, as the childminder has a selection of car seats, booster seats, and she teaches and talks to them about road safety and 'stranger danger'. All relevant documentation is in place in relation to outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and understands her role in relation to them. She has completed a child protection course and has a written policy that supports her practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home. Children are happy, relaxed and settled and have very good relationships with the childminder and their peers. Children relate well to each other and the childminder, they chat, share a joke and are confident to approach the childminder for support or to show her what they are doing. Children initiate much of their play as resources are easily accessible and therefore promotes their awareness of positive choices and increases their confidence and learning. Children develop their imagination, investigation and creative skills through activities such as engaging in an Easter egg hunt, making Christmas decorations, making castles using play dough, face painting, playing teachers, and planting flowers. They settle well because childminder is attentive and responsive to their needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's confidence and self-esteem is well enhanced as they are offered praise and acknowledgement for their efforts and achievements. For example, when dressing up in a sari and performing a dance all the children applaud the child for her effort, when they independently

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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 organise themselves for exercises, and when the children talk about different art and craft pictures they have made. She extends children's learning and thinking by challenging them appropriately and encouraging them to have fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder. She shows value in what they say and do and she involves herself and interacts appropriately to support their learning. Children of different ages relate well to each other, with the older children helping and organising activities for the younger children. The children enjoy playing and participating in activities which the childminder has planned for them as well as when they have free choice of activities and games which include role play, picture card games, drawing pictures using different writing materials, and playing with a variety of outdoor equipment. They acquire new knowledge and skills through satisfactory first-hand experiences such as talking and recognizing different birds, weighing fruit and vegetables when out shopping, and talking about different types of transport.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of and is beginning to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework when planning care and learning for children aged under three years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging as the childminder understands their differing needs such as routines, the importance of having their own coat hooks for their belongings, bringing things from home to play with, and photos which they are able to relate to. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals with their needs being discussed carefully with parents before childminding starts. The childminder tries to ensure through the written details provided and from her own observations that she is aware of the level of care each child requires. Children are encouraged to show and discuss their feelings which helps their confidence and understanding of others. For example, they discuss what they are drawing, making cakes and what colour traffic lights are.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the local community through visits to various parks, activity centres and going to town and shops. The children chat about what they see when they are on walks or outings in the local area and discuss issues about a range of aspects which include having pony rides, going on picnics, recognising different birds, and feeding the ducks. Children have access to a good range of resources that reflect diversity such as books, dressing up clothes, disability figures, and dolls from different countries. Children have a good understanding of similarities and differences as they positively look at books which represent themselves, different kinds of people, people who live in different types of homes and acknowledge different festivals. Children also learn about the wider world as they celebrate Chinese New Year, Diwali and Christmas. Although there are no children attending who have

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Helping children make a positive contribution

special needs the childminder is able to provide care when required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved because they are well occupied. The childminder acts as a good role model to the children and has a calm and patient manner with them. The children are well mannered, confident and understand the clear and consistent boundaries which have been set. They learn to care for, and respect, each other and the childminder uses effective use of praise,

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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 encouragement and explanation which develop children's self-esteem. For example, taking turns, sharing, helping each other, why they need to be kind to each other, expectations of how they should behave in town and outings, and all are encouraged to take pride in their achievements. She is consistent in her approach and uses appropriate methods of dealing with any incidents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships that have developed between their parents and the childminder. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about verbal and written policies and procedures. They receive regular information about daily routines and activities, and the childminder takes time out at the end of the day to discuss their child's progress. During the school holidays the childminder collects and picks up children from their home and parents welcome this arrangement. Parents speak highly about the care the childminder offers and have written open letters and cards regarding her provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in a well-organised home allowing them to confidently initiate and extend their play. Space and resources are well organised to make children feel welcome, offer stimulation and allows children to develop their play and ideas. Children experience individual attention, with the childminder maintaining good supervision. This helps them to feel secure and develop a positive relationship with the childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder is experienced and completes relevant training, which helps her improve knowledge and support of childcare practices. For example, she has completed training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework, first aid and child protection. The childminder did not inform Ofsted of her new address which is a breach of regulation with the potential to compromise children's safety and well-being. Documentation is in good order and readily available.

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Organisation

The childminder works in partnership with parents and regularly shares written and verbal information which promotes good levels of continuity in care. Parents are informed of the childminder's practice and procedures through effective written policies, procedures and discussion which are regularly reviewed and updated.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to devise and practise an emergency escape plan, to ensure that car insurance and documents are valid for the purpose of transporting childminded children and to ensure that public liability insurance is in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The recommendations and actions at the last inspection have been met. The childminder has public liability insurance with National Childminding Association which will expire 21/06/07. She now regularly practises emergency escape plans with the children and keeps a record and the last one was carried out on the 4th August 2006. The childminder has the necessary car insurance which covers her for business use, a valid driving licence and currently does not

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Improvements 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 require a MOT certificate. All documentation was viewed at the inspection. These aspects which have now been addressed have ensured the safety and well-being of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 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): • ensure that the outdoor area and the water feature is safe or inaccessible to children • ensure that Ofsted is informed of any significant changes which affect registration conditions.

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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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