Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY284287 Unique Reference Number 25 June 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Turner 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 partner and two children aged five and 18 months in the Coton area of Nuneaton. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and an upstairs bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a pet cat. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate practices and procedures. They know that they should wash their hands before meals and after using the

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 toilet, because the childminder reinforces this when she escorts them to the toilet. There are effective procedures in place to minimise the risk of cross-infection, for example, during nappy changing procedures she emphasises to the children that she needs to wash her to remove the germs. The childminder is trained to administer first aid, a first aid box is easily accessible together with all the required documentation and formats for recording accidents and medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because the childminder plans and provides a range of nutritious food for children. This includes a healthy snack such as fresh fruit. Parents are aware of the meals and snacks available to their children and at the end of the day they receive written details of the amounts they have eaten. Children's specific dietary needs are recorded where necessary and this forms part of the discussion with parents. The childminder holds an up to date basic food hygiene certificate and ensures that food safety requirements are followed. Children are kept hydrated as the childminder reminds children about having a drink and she makes sure their cups are always accessible.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are well supported and children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy playing in the garden, visiting a local park, dancing to music and singing action songs. This helps promote their physical development and good health. A range of play equipment is also available in the garden, this helps all children develop confidence. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and the daily routine allows time for active play and relaxing activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. The premises are clean, tidy and well-organised. The whole ground floor is used and children move freely between the two rooms. Younger children are able to investigate and explore their surroundings safety. They begin to understand there are rules and boundaries that keep them safe. Children are provided with a good range of toys and resources, which are safe, clean and appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys are easily accessible to children and this enables them to make choices, promotes independence and helps create a stimulating environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of health and safety; she is vigilant and supervises the children well. Children benefit from a range of safety measures already in place to minimise hazards. For example, a safety gate prevents children's access to the kitchen and stairs and locks and safety devices are fitted to cupboards and drawers in the kitchen. The emergency escape plan is clear and simple, smoke detectors are fitted in appropriate locations and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen. The childminder ensures children are safe while on outings. She has written consent from parents to use the car and she uses a range of restraints and safety seats appropriate to each child's needs. Good priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, older children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedures and the rules of road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is generally protected. The childminder has a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and a written child protection policy which is shared with parents. She has a good knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and how to implement the procedures. She has attended relevant child protection training.

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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. Children feel at home and at ease in the child-friendly environment. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and she knows the children well. Children's individual needs are met and their welfare promoted. This is because the childminder plans and provides activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The organisation of the home and the use of good resources helps younger children become increasingly independent. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children are given time to play and benefit from being able to take part in a wide range of worthwhile and interesting activities. The childminder ensures children have a varied day, they go to the local toy library, toddler groups and local parks. Children enjoy story time and singing nursery rhymes, they draw, colour and play with play dough. During routines and activities children are introduced to colour and shapes. They explore how the colours of shinny sweet wrappers change when they are overlapped. After visiting the museum children designed their own family coat of arms and learn about their environment and how things grow as they observe the bulbs they have planted. The childminder has attended training for the 'Birth to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

three matters' framework. She has given consideration to implementing the components of the framework to ensure children's care, learning and play are effectively supported. For example, by making their own story books to encourage children's communication skills, and using role-play. This helps promote their language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from good interactions with the childminder. She listens to what children are saying, gives reassurance and supports to new children helping them to feel at home and they settle quickly with her. The childminder encourages children to get on well together, share and take turns. This helps children to make positive relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected by the childminder. She takes time to discuss individual needs with parents endeavouring, wherever possible, to keep daily routines similar to their family routines. She talks to parents about children individual care plans and follows these to ensure new children feel included. This serves to develop children's self-esteem and help them to settle in a strange and unfamiliar environment when they first attend. Children are becoming aware of the diversity of the world around them as they access posters, dolls from different ethnic groups and dressing up clothes freely. Children designed clay pots with beads to celebrate Diwali and they attend community events such as Chinese New Year celebrations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although there are currently no children attending with learning difficulties and/or disabilities the childminder is aware of the need to work closely with parents and other agencies, to provide consistency in children's routines. She is aware that her policy does not adequately reflect her intensions in ensuring children are offered a good level of service and how their needs would be effectively identified and addressed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are beginning to understand the simple 'house rules' employed. There is a behaviour policy in place emphasising the positive behaviour desired and explaining the varied strategies used. Most times, the childminder uses distraction and refocusing to change the behaviour, encouraging older children to apologise if they are of an age and maturity to

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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 understand the consequences of their actions on others. Positive reinforcement such as stickers are used to reward children for their positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder develops with parents. Detailed policies and a portfolio containing photographic evidence of the service she offers are used to promote discussions with parents, explain why certain levels of information are required and sets out the expectations on both sides. Children have their own personal diaries which she uses to share with parents event in the lives of the children. This helps to develop a strong sense of mutual trust assuring parents of the time and attention their children receive in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well supported in their play and learning by the childminder who is caring, enthusiastic and committed to the children she minds. She knows each child well and helps them to feel settled, secure and confident. She uses her time well to provide a flexible approach to their activities encouraging child-initiated play whilst also providing opportunities for them to rest and relax as their needs dictate.

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Organisation

Parents are shown a comprehensive portfolio of policies and procedures outlining her daily practices. This includes information regarding her commitment to ensuring the children are protected as all adults in the home have undergone suitable checks and a complete record of the daily attendance of each child is carefully maintained.

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Organisation

All of the legally required documentation is in place including all the necessary information for the effective care of the children and the management of the service. This ensures that children's welfare is effectively promoted.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, as this is the first Inspection since registration.

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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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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

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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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): • extend the policy on special needs to include information for parents about the intention to meet children's individual needs.

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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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