Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292837 Inspection date 14 June 2005 Inspector Sally Elizabeth Lee

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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 was registered in 2004 and lives with her husband and two daughters aged five and six years, in a semi-detached house, situated just outside the Rugby area. She uses the ground floor of the property for childminding together with the first floor bathroom. In addition there is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play and the childminder also uses the local park. The family has a dog. The childminder is registered to provide care for four children under eight years and is currently caring for four children. 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 are cared for in a clean and well maintained family home where they learn about the importance of hand washing before eating and after outdoor play. The individual, colour coded flannels and towels and liquid soap provided by the childminder help to reduce the risk of cross infection. Children are further protected by the childminder's clear written procedure covering sickness and infectious illnesses. The healthy and nutritious snacks and meals provided by the childminder help children to enjoy a healthy diet. They are able to access drinks whenever they wish and they are beginning to understand about healthy lifestyles. The childminder has clear procedures in place to find out about individual dietary needs, as well as their likes and dislikes. Children have excellent opportunities to develop their physical skills in the garden, park and on walks in the neighbouring fields. When weather does

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Helping children to be healthy

not permit outdoor play, children are able to use an indoor play area and ball pool. The childminder is also sensitive to the needs of younger children and encourages their physical development offering challenge and rewarding success with lots of praise and good interaction.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can move safely around the home which is clean, secure and well maintained. The childminder is extremely careful to ensure all safety equipment is in place and she is skilled at identifying and minimising risks. Children learn about fire safety and practise the fire evacuation procedure regularly. Older children are made aware of their responsibility to younger children, for example, by keeping small pieces out of their reach. They learn about safety on the road and in public places. The children are further protected by the childminder's effective procedures for their safety and hygiene near the dog. Children benefit from the wide range of clean and well maintained toys and equipment provided by the childminder. They are checked and cleaned regularly and all meet the relevant safety standard. The childminder is currently nearing completion of a first aid course. She has a good knowledge and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and well settled in the childminder's home. They relate very well to the childminder and have regular opportunities to socialise with other children both in the childminding situation and at toddler group. They develop independence and confidence as they choose their own activities and resources and extend their play. Young children's development is fostered through excellent interaction with the childminder. She enjoys the company of the children, talks to and plays with them.

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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 She sings with the children and they approach her confidently for cuddles and re-assurance. She does not use the Birth to Three Matters framework at the moment. The older children benefit from the wide range of interesting activities and resources provided. They have opportunities to create models, pictures and cards. They bake cakes and biscuits and sow seeds in the garden as well as playing board games. Their creative development is fostered well through regular opportunities to play imaginative games, to dance and to paint.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of other cultures and beliefs. She promotes a positive view of the wider world through activities and discussion and helps children to increase their awareness of diversity and to develop an understanding of others. The range of resources and play materials reflecting positive images of diversity is limited. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are encouraged to value and respect each other and they are learning to share and to be kind and sensitive to each other's needs. They benefit from the clear and consistent management of behaviour and by the good role model set by the childminder. She is very positive with the children and uses praise well. Parents value the daily verbal feedback they receive from the childminder as well as the regular six monthly reviews where written notes are provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and happy in the well organised environment. They are able to access resources and play materials freely and extend their play and learning. Younger children benefit from the clear floor area provided for them to crawl and move freely. Activities and resources are well prepared and presented to encourage children to participate and become involved. The childminder keeps all the appropriate documentation in an efficient and accessible manner and shares information regularly with parents. She provides written information initially for parents so that they have a good understanding of the care she offers. The registration certificate is not displayed for parents to see. Overall provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • develop the range of resources displaying positive images of our diverse society • display registration certificate.

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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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