Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY284362 Unique Reference Number 29 June 2006 Inspection date Benita Catherine Hart 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and six years. They live in an outlying district of Coventry which is within walking distance of the city centre. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family do not have any pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years and there are currently five children on roll attending a variety of sessions either in the day or before and after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder does a daily school collection service and attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a Nursery Nursing Examination Board certificate (NNEB).

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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 warm, clean environment which is welcoming and child-orientated. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the childminder's effective practice and good hygiene standards throughout the home. This minimises the risk of infection. Children understand they must wash their hands after going to the toilet, before food and after outside play. The childminder is confident to deal with accidents and emergencies, however, she does not have a current first aid certificate. A written sick children's policy, which parents are aware of, protects other children in the childminder's care. All accident and medication records are up to date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills and enjoy the benefits of fresh air, through daily access to outdoor play in the garden, walks and trips out. Children also have opportunities to climb through using a local indoor soft play facility.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's dietary needs and preferences are discussed with parents and children are provided with healthy snacks and meals throughout the day. Children are encouraged to become involved and will bake, help prepare meals and set the table. Children are learning about healthy options but also about the enjoyment of food. They have a choice of drinks throughout the day which are available at any time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of keeping them safe in her home and on outings. She regularly assesses hazards in her home and outdoors that may impact upon the children. Children are well-protected from fire within the home as the childminder has taken precautions to minimise risks, such as a fire blanket, smoke detectors and a fire evacuation procedure. They are aware of the emergency evacuation procedures and have opportunities to practise the fire drill at regular intervals. Children are able to move around safely and freely within the home and the childminder is aware of adapting the environment to ensure younger or less able children are safe and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning the importance of keeping themselves safe, they are aware of the restrictions of locked gates and cupboards and understand the need to tidy up small resources when younger children are playing. They have safe access to play materials and toys and equipment are kept clean, in good condition and conform to safety standards. Children's choices of equipment are carefully monitored by the childminder to ensure they are safe and suitable for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well protected and children are kept safe from harm or abuse because the childminder understands her role and responsibilities of caring for children in her home. She has attended child protection training and her written policy and procedure with regard to child protection issues enables her to follow the procedure where there are any concerns.

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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. The children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They benefit from a broad range of activities which are planned well but are flexible to the children's overall needs. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's and enthusiastically engage in activities and play experiences from an excellent supply of resources. Toys and equipment are well organised at child level and suitably stored for easy access. There is a good balance of planned and free play where children can choose activities independently, thereby encouraging their confidence and involvement with each other.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and meets their individual needs. They in turn benefit from her caring approach. The children have developed a close relationship with her and they enjoy her involvement in their play. She encourages the children to play harmoniously together and the older children are encouraged to help the younger ones. Children are learning to share and respect one another.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities positively contribute to the children's overall learning and natural development and the children are chatty and sociable. Activities are planned to provide interest and stimulation. The childminder is keen to expand the children's interests and knowledge by taking them on outings such as the zoo, Cadbury's World, the Sea Life Centre and local activities in the area. When travelling she very often she uses the train or bus. The children are encouraged to spend their time purposefully but to enjoy their activities and have fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's organisation of activities to provide an inclusive provision for all the children and any special needs are met appropriately. The daily routines are flexible and take into account the needs of the children in attendance. Children are becoming increasingly aware of diversity within society through books, outings and resources. They are learning about their wider environment through activities and play materials. For example, the childminder uses food and craft to develop the children's understanding of cultural events, festivals and special days in the year. Children are becoming aware of their local community through using local facilities and amenities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are fully understood by the childminder. She takes comprehensive information on each child including likes, dislikes and daily routines. Therefore this helps the children to settle quickly. The childminder's positive, open relationship with parents benefits the children's overall well-being and parents' wishes are taken into account. The children are settle well and have a sense of belonging. Their behaviour is good and the childminder encourages a caring and sharing environment. Children are actively praised for their achievements and kindness to one another, therefore promoting their self-esteem and social development.

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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. The children are happy in a relaxed and homely environment. The childminder makes good use of the space in her home and garden and the facilities within her local community. The childminder's practice effectively promotes the welfare, care and learning of the children. Regular shared information with parents and the childminder's flexible routine positively contributes to the children's continuity of care.

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Organisation

All required documentation which safeguards the children is in place and well maintained. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and has had much experience working with children, inside and outside of the home with all age groups. Overall the needs of the children attending this provision are met. She attends further ongoing training when the opportunity arises. However, through not maintaining a current first aid certificate she has breached the requirements of her registration.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to attend an appropriate first aid course. She has not, however, been able to do this since the last inspection and this remains a recommendation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to ensure the daily register was up to date and maintained. The childminder uses National Childminding Association (NCMA) documentation and ensures that children's attendance details are kept up to date on a daily basis.

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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): • 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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