Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510452 Inspection date 29 July 2005 Inspector Tracey Marie Boland

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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 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 has been registered since August 1985. She lives with her husband and three children in a house on the south side of the city, within walking distance to local shops and amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding as well as the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the house for outdoor play. It is a non-smoking household and the family have a rabbit. The childminder helps run a parent and toddler group that operates during the week and regularly meets with other childminders in the area.

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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 welcoming, clean environment and benefit from clear hygiene practises, which are reinforced throughout the day. Individual towels when washing hands minimise the risk of cross contamination and the childminder is vigilant about illness and the spread of infection. Health records are completed and shared with parents and appropriate steps taken for the storage of medicines. Children benefit from regular outdoor play which contributes to their health. They develop their skills using bikes, climbing equipment, balls and skipping ropes and walks are taken to the local park where they are able to run, developing those skills further. Parents provide for their child's dietary needs, and foods are stored appropriately until lunchtime. Individual needs and preferences are discussed and respected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment where risks have been identified and addressed through the use of safety equipment. Children are supervised directly and are able to move freely within the areas used, including the garden which is secure. Consistent reinforcement of safety issues during the day ensures the children are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves safe within the home and when out. Children access a suitable variety of resources which are clean and well maintained. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and understands the importance of keeping her knowledge of local procedures up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have formed strong relationships with the childminder and their peers. They benefit from a range of suitable play experiences and freely access resources, which are age appropriate. Children regularly socialise with other children during contact with other childminders and visiting a local group, which the childminder helps to run. They benefit from a range of learning and play opportunities within the home, on trips and on outings. Independence is encouraged through daily routines and when choosing from a range of toys. Children play well together and make up games, for example, playing schools and helping each other with homework. The older children support the younger ones

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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 well. Children are involved in a wide range of art and craft activities and eagerly show their creations, explaining exactly what they did in detail. Work is taken home to share with their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children choose from a range of resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability and encourage their understanding of the wider world. Their own needs are known, respected and valued and they are learning about various cultural and religious celebrations, through discussion, art and craft activities and through groups they attend during the week. Children play well together. They are learning to take turns, be kind to each other and think of others feelings. They have an awareness of the house rules and the children are well behaved. Children's progress is shared with parents on a daily basis, maintaining a clear partnership with them. They are informed of any outings that have taken place and encouraged to keep the childminder informed of any change to their needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. A range of written policies and procedures are available and shared with parents. Required documentation is in place, up to date and well maintained. Communication takes place on a daily basis with parents ensuring the needs of their child is met. The childminder values training and keeps her knowledge up to date with childcare practise, which has a positive impact on the care of the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to increase the resources that reflected positive images of disability. She has done this through purchasing books, puzzles and small world figures. Children benefit from free access to these, which promote their understanding of disability, encouraging discussion.

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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 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): • develop knowledge of child protection procedures.

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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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