Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336997 Unique Reference Number 31 January 2007 Inspection date Karen Eunice Millerchip 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 registered in 2006. She lives with her parents and adult brother in a residential area of Coventry approximately 3 miles east of the city centre. A 'through' lounge dining room will be the playroom. Access to the back garden is through the kitchen. The bathroom and small bedroom on the first floor will also be used. The childminder has a pet rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children and currently minds four children on a part-time basis. Children can be taken to and collected from the local school.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care. Older children learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and before and after snacks and meals whilst younger children and babies use baby wipes to keep them clean. The childminder provides a fully stocked first aid box and maintains satisfactory systems to record accidents and medication given to children. However she has not yet completed a first aid course which compromises children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children bring their own food to the childminder's home, which is appropriately stored to keep food fresh and promote children's health and well-being. They have access to drinks at all times in age-appropriate beakers or bottles. Children's individual dietary needs are known and met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in activities, which contribute to their health. They go to the local park where they use the climbing and play equipment and use the local green where they have space for ball games and can run around freely. They also go for walks in the local community and visit places of interest such as the farm and canal-side walks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where generally risks to children have been identified and minimised. Daily checks ensure that children move around the home safely and freely. Suitable safety equipment is in place to help keep children safe. The children have access to a secure rear garden; however, their safety is compromised as the side of the shed is used to store redundant materials and is accessible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose from toys of good quality and the childminder checks them for safety and continued suitability as they are used. Fire safety equipment is in place and maintained in good working order; the childminder has devised an emergency escape plan but has not yet practised it with the children, thereby, insufficiently promoting children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are adequately protected from risk of harm by the childminder's basic knowledge of local procedures to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to feel welcome in the childminder's home. They socialise with other children during visits to other local childminders, where they experience different types of play and use a range of toys and equipment. They attend some organised groups and go on outings outside of the home with the childminder. They benefit from learning and play opportunities in the home, for example, using a range of creative materials during craft activities. Children's art work is displayed to promote a sense of belonging.

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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 Children become independent as they choose from a range of toys, which are easily accessed in the lounge and are changed frequently to add variety. Baby toys are attractively displayed on a blanket and are within reach of the baby to promote independence. The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three' guidance and uses this to enhance the play and learning of younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive individual care according to their needs. All children have equal access to resources; none are specifically kept for either gender. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world and people in society through accessing adequate resources. Children are cared for in an environment where they are encouraged to have a positive attitude towards others. Although there are no children currently attending who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder demonstrates a positive approach to finding out information from parents or other professionals to ensure their needs are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to respect one another and are encouraged to share and take turns when playing. They have been introduced to house rules and are gently reminded of boundaries. Children receive praise and encouragement which promotes good behaviour. They learn to be kind and considerate to one another and any disagreements are resolved through discussion and explanation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents share information about their children's individual needs and interests such as their baby’s individual daily routine. Children are offered a gradual introduction to the home environment, thereby, promoting a sense of security. Parents' wishes are taken into account with regard to their children's care and satisfactory verbal information sharing takes place on a daily basis to ensure children’s changing needs are identified and met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All records and documentation are in place and stored safely. At induction parents discuss the service offered and the procedures to follow in various circumstances. Communication with parents is good. They have daily opportunities for discussion and consultation about their child's daily routine and well-being. The childminder is keen to attend further training and has currently completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course; she is yet to complete a first aid course which puts children at risk and is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

Children are welcomed into a well organised homely environment. They benefit from the childminder's good organisational skills, which promote a safe and secure learning environment. Children use the rooms downstairs to take part in a variety of activities. The daily routine mirrors that of the child's home environment to provide consistency of care and help children feel secure. Regular visits outside of the home contributes to their social and physical skills. Overall, the needs of children are met.

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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

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

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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 children cannot access the area of the garden where redundant materials are stored • practise the emergency escape plan to promote children's safety • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children to promote children's well-being.

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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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