Childminder in CoventryOfsted inspection, 13 Dec 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 504849 Inspection date 13 December 2005 Inspector Lynn Morris

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder and 2 children aged 13 and 10 years in Coventry, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor and toilet facilities on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 during the day and 4 school age children. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The

p.2

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 family has no pets. The childminder is a member of Sure Start and she holds an early years qualification.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy frequent outdoor activities in the garden, where they access a good range of physical play equipment. They use local soft play centres, they go swimming every week and try activities such as bowling frequently. They attend a variety of toddler groups, where they use the activities and equipment to develop gross motor and creative skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about hygiene routines and personal care. They are increasingly aware of keeping their bodies healthy and know that they need to wash their hands and are becoming skilled in attending to their own personal care in the toilet. They help themselves to tissues and wipes to keep their hands and noses clean. Children's health is met well by the childminder taking children for their development checkups and medical

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

appointments. Children benefit from the childminder's first aid training, comprehensive accident records and a fully stocked first aid box is easily accessed. Children learn about healthy eating. They have breakfast, lunch and a main meal at the childminder's home. Children have balanced healthy and nutritious meals, which are displayed for parents on the notice board. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and the childminder takes account of children's likes and dislikes when preparing the weekly menus. Children know when they are hungry and thirsty, they have fixed routines for snacks and meals and choose from a range of drinks available to them at all times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where their needs are given priority. Risks to children have been identified and minimised and daily checks ensure that children move around the home safely and freely. However, the garden gate has a small gap at the bottom, which children could squeeze through. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, they know they must not run around in the childminder's home, they learn to use scissors safely during craft activities and when out of the home they learn how to cross a road safely. Additional safeguards, for example, anti-slamming devices fitted to doors ensure that children are protected as far as is possible from risk of accidents. Children choose from toys of good quality and the childminder makes daily checks of safety before children arrive. They are cared for in a clean and welcoming home and

p.3

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 the childminder is aware of potential hazards. Children practise fire drills once a month and the written record of evacuations and procedures for emergency escape from the premises are displayed for parents to see. Children are safeguarded by the childminder's required documentation and many additional written policies and procedures, which protect children's welfare. For example, the childminder has a current first aid and food hygiene certificate. She has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures and attends regular training courses to update her knowledge.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well in the childminder's home. They make secure relationships with each other and the childminder and they socialise frequently with other children. They attend a wide range of regular organised activities and groups outside of the home. For example, they go swimming every week, attend the same toddler groups every week and regularly go with the childminder on organised trips. Children become independent as they choose from a very good range of toys and equipment. They confidently choose where to play and select toys and materials, for example, craft activities, developing their fine motor skills. Children use a range of toys in a learning environment. Their pre-planned learning includes numbers, colours and shapes and they reinforce their learning when out and about. For example, children look at the shapes of houses and buildings as they walk to and from school.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language is developing well. They learn new words during their play and they can talk confidently about things that they know. Children's language and thinking are extended by the childminder using open-ended questions, for example, when they have a story. Children's creativity is demonstrated by their pictures displayed in the playroom and the interesting range of photographs displayed showing the variety of activities, outings and visits made by children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children choose from a very good range of resources, which include toys and books to develop positive understanding of different cultures and people with disabilities. For example, children join in festival celebrations. They make cards, masks, read stories and visit groups celebrating the festival. They play with a variety of dolls, figures and books representative of different cultures and abilities and as a result they learn to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences. Children learn to play together and how to respect each others' feelings. They are encouraged to say sorry and give each other comforting hugs. They are told when they are being good and unacceptable behaviour is clearly explained to them in

p.4

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 words they understand. Children know the 'house rules' and are encouraged to behave well by the childminder using effective methods for gaining children's attention. The childminder is consistent in her management, a good role model and takes account of different levels of children's development. Children's information is sought and exchanged with parents verbally at the end of each session. Parents are provided with a wealth of excellent information about the setting and they have their own notice board where they can see play plans, menus, evacuation procedures and policy documents. Children's daily information is noted by the childminder as it arises and is then shared with parents individually when they collect their child.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in a well organised homely environment. Children benefit from the childminder's good organisational skills, which promote a learning environment. Children use the playroom and other rooms in the home to enjoy a wide variety of activities. They are confident and move freely around the home selecting and using a good range of play materials. Regular visits outside of the home contributes to children's social, physical and educational development. A very good range of written policies and procedures are used to keep children safe and healthy and ensure that parents understand the aims and objectives of the setting. Communication with parents is good. They have daily opportunities for discussion and consultation about their child's development and well-being. Regular attendance at training courses to improve skills and knowledge has good impact on the care of the children and as a result meets the needs of individual children well.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that a signed record of all children's existing injuries is maintained and to up date and review parental contracts. Very good procedures are in place to record children's accidents, which includes existing injuries and parents are given a duplicate copy of any injuries. Parental contracts are reviewed and up dated regularly.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

p.5

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:

p.5

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.

p.6

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): • make sure that the garden gate is fully secure.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6