Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY252879 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2006 Inspection date Karen Eunice Millerchip Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 10 years. They live in a house in the Cheylesmore district of Coventry. Quinton Pool and local shops are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor area and first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time. She currently has 19 children on roll. These include children cared for on a part-time and casual basis. Children over eight years are also cared for.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and co-ordinates placements for children with disabilities. She has recently achieved a 'Quality First' accreditation at level 3 and is working towards a 'Childhood and Youth studies' degree.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide variety of activities which contribute to their good health. They have regular opportunities to develop their physical skills for example, as they walk to groups and visit the local parks where they are able to play on large climbing equipment. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through daily routines such as hand washing. Children are provided with their own hand towels and liquid soap to promote good levels of hygiene.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because the childminder takes account of the wishes of parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks that meet their dietary needs. They learn about healthy living through activities such as talking about why fruit is good for them, encouraging them to understand the benefits of a healthy diet.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures children's interests are fully met and clear policies inform parents of the procedure should a child become ill in her care. However, the administration of medication form does not contain sufficient detail which potentially compromises children's safety. Children who have an accident are well supported as the childminder has completed a course on first aid for paediatrics and maintains a well-stocked first aid kit.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks throughout the day and they are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs; ensuring they remain healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where positive steps have been taken to promote safety and keep children safe. For example, the childminder has undertaken a risk assessment of the property and addressed any safety hazards identified. For example all hazardous substances are out of the children's reach and stair gates are in place. The environment is very warm and welcoming; children enjoy quiet activities in the lounge and have great opportunities to enjoy other activities including art and craft in a very well equipped and welcoming play room. The childminder is proactive in helping children to learn about fire safety. For example, she has a written procedure which details the location of her assembly points, and children regularly practise the emergency escape procedure, to ensure they understand the course of action to take in an emergency.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children effectively learn to stay safe whilst on outings through the childminder talking to them about road safety, agreed boundaries and safety of play equipment. They also learn to stay safe within the home with regards to suitable toys and play opportunities when the baby is on the floor, and storing shoes and coats in the appropriate places. Children are able to independently select toys and equipment from a wide range of good quality resources which are developmentally appropriate and meet safety standards.

p.3

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 Children are well protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in child protection and is able to put relevant policies and procedures into practice. She is aware of how to recognise possible abuse and who to report her concerns to. The child protection policy is shared with parents to promote a common understanding on keeping children safe.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house, they are confident and fully involved in their play. Warm and caring relationships are apparent between the childminder and children; contributing to a child's sense of belonging. Their self-esteem is well developed through the childminder's effective use of praise and support and her positive interaction as she joins in their play.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play happily with each other. They become independent as they are able to choose from the good range of toys, books and creative activities. Children are able to develop their creativity through activities such as painting, drawing, sticking and they all created 'pumpkins' using different resources such as papier mache, cutting and sticking which are displayed within the room.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of children's needs and plans a wide range of activities to promote their development. Children are involved, interested and enjoy their play. Good conversations take place to encourage children in problem solving and to increase their vocabulary. Discussions take place on how walking and playing in the fresh air helps keep them fit and strong and links to healthy eating.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Flexible plans are in place based on the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage framework. Children's progress is regularly monitored and recorded; parents receive a portfolio and developmental progress report on an annual basis. Thereby, ensuring children's changing needs are identified and provided for.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children’s sense of belonging is fully fostered through the warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere and the childminder’s commitment and dedication to providing for children's individual needs. Children’s awareness and understanding of the diverse community is promoted well. For example, the resources, posters and activities provided promote care and respect for others in society.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well mannered and understand the house and group rules. They play happily together or alongside each other and are learning to share and take turns. Behaviour management methods include distraction, explanation, praise and support for good behaviour. All techniques used are specific to the individual child's level of understanding. The childminder is an excellent role model as she works in a calm, patient manner that provides a relaxed environment in which children can practise new skills with confidence.

p.4

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 Children with special educational needs and disabilities are fully involved in a wide range of activities and opportunities. Their development and care has been promoted through the commitment of the childminder who has worked with parents and specialist professionals to ensure children are stimulated and interested in their learning and play. Babies and younger children are encouraged to express their needs through the use of Makaton - a simple form of sign language.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s continuity of care is significantly promoted through the childminder’s valued relationship with the parents. They are welcomed into the childminder’s home and opinions shared at initial visit. This positive relationship continues to develop through the high level of ongoing communication and support.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Comprehensive documentation required for the safe and very effective management of children is in place and shared with parents. Policies and procedures are used effectively and are well organised, promoting the care and welfare of children. Parents are kept extremely well informed on any issues that may affect their child for example, taking photographs to develop portfolios.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of children; enjoys her role and is committed to improving her professional practice. She has recently undertaken a 'Quality First' assessment. She is proactive in pursuing further training that enhances her childcare knowledge and keeps her informed of changes within the early year’s arena. The children benefit from the childminders improved knowledge gained from training which include: Risk assessments, Child Protection, Equal Opportunities, Makaton- sign language, What is autism? and Supporting children with A.S.D.

p.5

Organisation

The required adults to child ratios are kept low ensuring the childminder is able to provide good levels of care and supervision. In response, children are confident and secure in their surroundings. Flexible planning is in place that ensures children receive a balanced range of experiences within the home and when out and about. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to keep the garden safe at all times and more specifically with regards to the family 'plunge pool'. On the day of inspection the garden was judged to be safe and suitable for use by minded children. The family no longer have a 'plunge pool' thereby reducing risks within the garden area.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • review the administration of medication form to ensure all details are formally recorded thereby promoting children's health and well-being.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6