East, Sandra Joy

Inspection report for early years provision

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201130 Unique Reference Number 11 July 2006 Inspection date Rebecca Brittle 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 1990. She lives with her husband, adult son and 14-year-old daughter in Bedworth. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding as well as the bathroom and one bedroom upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, three of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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 good hygiene as the childminder implements effective routines such as regular hand washing. However, the changing mat is not always cleaned between uses, potentially spreading infection. The childminder does not provide care for children with infectious illnesses which maintains the good health of others in her care. Children benefit from good opportunities to develop skills such as walking, crawling and climbing because the childminder provides activities to promote physical play. For example, children often go to the park and use large play equipment at the childminder's house. Children are well protected from the sun because the childminder applies sun cream and ensures children wear hats whilst they are outside. The childminder keeps accurate accident and medication records, ensuring parents are kept fully informed of their child's health issues. However, the childminder does not have a

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Helping children to be healthy

valid first aid certificate which potentially compromises children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a healthy attitude towards food because the childminder ensures mealtimes are social occasions. For example, all children sit together and the childminder sits with them, encouraging them to talk to each other. Children's individual dietary needs are well met as parents send their food which is served according to their wishes. For example, if a parent wants their child to have food served at room temperature, the childminder follows their wishes. As a result, children are well nourished. Children have regular drinks which are increased if they have been active or the weather is hot, ensuring they are well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. The main play room is designed specifically for children, with furniture arranged to allow lots of space for children to move around and play. Children feel welcome and settle well because the childminder allows them to choose activities as soon as they arrive. Children sleep according to their needs, in a quieter area which ensures they are not disturbed. All toys and equipment are stored in the playroom and are easily accessible to children, enabling them to self-select. However, toys for older children are inaccessible to younger children, maintaining their safety. Resources are well maintained and conform to the appropriate safety standards. Children learn about diversity as they play with resources reflecting positive images of race, gender and ability.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder places great emphasis on maintaining children's safety and undertakes a risk assessment when children have a new piece of equipment. For example, if a parent sends a baby walker the childminder assesses the impact on the environment and other children. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they understand the consistent rules such as walking close to the childminder when they are out and how to evacuate the house in an emergency. Children's welfare is well safeguarded because the childminder has a very good understanding of possible signs of abuse and the procedure to follow in the event of any concerns about a child. The childminder also fully understands what to do in the event of an allegation being made against herself.

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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 outstanding. Children take part in an excellent range of planned activities and play opportunities. The childminder knows the children she cares for well and places strong emphasis on providing activities to help them develop. She plans activities in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and makes observations as children play, to measure their progress. As a result, children have a good balance between free play and more structured activities which means they are always well occupied. Children have excellent opportunities to develop social skills at toddler group and the library.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form strong relationships with the childminder and each other. The childminder interacts very well with the children and they approach her easily. The childminder involves herself in children's play where appropriate. This is balanced very well by the childminder, as she also encourages children to develop independence and confidence as they play. Children understand the routine and take part in daily activities such as tidying up, enthusiastically.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are treated and respected as individuals. Children develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem because the childminder praises their efforts and achievements as they play. They show great pride in their achievements and enjoy showing the childminder something they have made, such as a picture. Children's individual needs are very well met because the childminder discusses them with parents before a child starts. The childminder has a wealth of experience in caring for children with special needs. She ensures their needs are well met by talking to parents and working alongside other professionals, such as health visitors.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour, in line with rules written by the older children. The childminder always talks to children about their behaviour so they understand why it is unacceptable. As a result, children know and understand what is expected of them. Younger children are distracted from unwanted behaviour wherever possible. The childminder makes parents aware of behaviour boundaries before children start and keeps them aware of any issues as they arise. The childminder places good emphasis on maintaining positive relationships with parents. She provides them with written and verbal information about the service, such as a complaints log, ensuring they understand all aspects of care. Children benefit from consistency of care as the childminder discusses matters such as toilet training with parents to ensure they adopt the same approach.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has high regard for the children in her care. She ensures children are protected from anyone not vetted by not leaving them alone with anyone. She also restricts contact with anyone unknown, such as work people, by booking appointments out of operational hours or when she is working with her co-minder. The childminder is committed to improving practice

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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 through attendance at training such as behaviour management. Children benefit from a good level of adult support, enhanced when the childminder works with her co-minder.

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Organisation

Children's safety and well-being are maintained as the childminder provides a well organised service and maintains an accurate record of children's attendance. The childminder maintains all the required documentation. All paperwork is accurate and stored securely in order to maintain confidentiality. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to ensure a smoke alarm was installed on the ground floor and to ensure that children have a sufficient range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. There is now a fully functional smoke alarm on the ground floor, maintaining children's safety. Children learn about diversity through discussion with the childminder and using a range of resources reflecting positive images of race, gender and ability.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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 a first aid course which includes first aid for infants and young children • maintain good hygiene with regard to nappy changing.

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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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