Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299520 Inspection date 04 May 2005 Inspector Hazel Christine White

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her partner and six year old child. They live in a terraced house in the Longford area of Coventry. It is close to local shops and the M6 motorways. Children can be taken and collected from Grangehurst Primary School. The ground floor and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 enjoy regular physical activities which contribute to their good health. Each day they go for local walks and attend a parent and toddler group once a week. Children are able to experience using large equipment and wheeled toys. They frequently visit local parks for outdoor play. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They have their own flannels and towels and are developing an understanding of why they must wash their hands before meals and after toileting. The childminder follows clear, efficient hygiene routines. Toys and equipment are clean and well maintained. This helps to prevent the spread of infection which promotes children’s health. Children understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They have food and drink following their home routine as discussed with parents. Meals are nutritious and

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Helping children to be healthy

children make independent choices from a variety of healthy snacks. Young children benefit from flexible daily routines which allows them to have a quiet time or sleep that reflects their individual requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk to injury is minimised as the childminder carries out daily visual checks on toys and equipment to reduce potential hazards. This means that children move freely and safely around the home. Resources are stored at a low level so children can freely and safely access them. The childminder closely supervises children both indoors and outside and has ensured that areas are secure. Children are involved in discussions about safety and are increasing their understanding of how to keep safe. Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder's good understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the house and have developed trusting relationships with the childminder. They are cared for in a homely environment and follow familiar daily routines. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and ensures that children spend their time purposefully. Children are interested and engaged in their play and activities are adapted for younger children. Children become independent as they are encouraged to choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. They are learning to relate to one another and socialise with other children through regular attendance at a local parent and toddler group. Children enjoy

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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 exploring a wide range of activities such as art and craft, puzzles, books, imaginative play and construction toys, which contribute to their learning. More able children are learning about colours, shapes, letters and numbers in everyday situations and by playing games with the childminders support. Children enjoy listening to stories and join enthusiastically in song and rhyme. The childminder is familiarising herself with the Birth to Three Matters framework and has a good understanding of child development and the level of support needed for children to confidently try new skills. Babies use all of their senses to explore good quality equipment placed at low level. They are encouraged to touch and feel fabric and to create and listen to sounds of musical toys. The childminder sings and talks to them to develop communication

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills and includes other children to ensure that they feel included. Babies listen to calm relaxing music to lull them to sleep and are cuddled and rocked for comfort. Behaviour is good. Children learn to share and take turns with adult support. The childminder focuses on positive behaviour and uses praise and encouragement to raise children's self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are comfortable in the home because parents regularly share information about their needs, interests and experiences. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as they follow their normal daily routine. Children of all abilities are welcomed and encouraged to reach their full potential with the support from parents and other professionals. Children can bring the security of a comfort object from home and parents are aware of items they need to supply for their children's personal needs. Children have developed secure relationships with the childminder and show care and concern for each other. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. This helps children learn to understand rules and boundaries. Children play co-operatively together and are responsive to praise and encouragement. Children are relaxed and are confident in deciding what to do, younger children with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the support of the childminder. Sensitive use of resources help children become aware of diversity and the needs of others. They talk about traditions and celebrations of the wider world. For example children celebrated the Chinese New Year by discussing the animals and food.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease with the environment. The childminder has a daily activities sheet to ensure that children have a purposeful range of activities which contribute to their learning. She is considering more formal planning of activities and increasing the use of a second room to maximise the use of space. Children are interested in a broad range of developmentally appropriate indoor and

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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 outdoor activities which provide good levels of challenge for their age and stage of development. Procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of the children. Records are kept up to date and securely stored. The childminder keeps her knowledge updated by reading " Who Minds" and has information about short childcare courses. She currently does not hold a first aid certificate, however, is willing to attend an appropriate course and has her name on a waiting list. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children she cares for.

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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.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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