Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY268328 Inspection date 01 October 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 2003. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 4 and 2 years. They live in the Allesley area of Coventry. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group. The family have a dog.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for 4 children at any one time when working alone and 5 children when working with an assistant. The childminder is currently caring for 6 children, one of whom attends on a full time basis and is under pre-school age.

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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 hygiene and personal care. They know why it is important to wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. They see the childminder follow good hygiene routines. Toys and equipment are cleaned periodically to reduced the risk of infection. Children engage in regular activities which contribute to their physical development. They enjoy outdoor play and have opportunities to use climbing equipment and wheeled toys. Children move to music and older children use a dance mat. They are active and walking is encouraged, however the importance of being active and the effects that exercise has on the body is not developed. Children are well nourished because they are provided with well balanced, nutritious meals and are encouraged to make healthy choices. Food is freshly prepared and junk food limited. Children's specific dietary needs and parental preferences are

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Helping children to be healthy

taken into account. Children enjoy mealtimes in a relaxed environment. Water is always available. Children have their own individual cups and help themselves throughout the day.

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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 safe and secure environment. They are able to move freely around the house and garden because potential hazards have been minimised by the use of safety equipment. Resources are in good condition and age and stage appropriate. They are stored at a low level so children can freely and safely access them. Good organisation and labelling of storage boxes enables children to easily identify toys and equipment. Activities which require adult supervision are kept on higher shelves to minimise the risk to children. Children are closely supervised both indoors and outside and areas are safe and secure. Children are learning the importance of staying safe because of the childminders consistent approach to reinforcing rules and boundaries. Older children are involved in discussions about safety and understand how to keep safe both in the home and when out and about. Children confidently cross the road safely when

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

walking to school and are clear of the procedure when using parks. Children have practised the emergency evacuation procedure and can recall what to do.

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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 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 are confident, happy and busy. They settle well in the house and have developed good relationships with the childminder and her family. Children are cared for in a homely environment and follow familiar daily routines. They move freely around the home and select from resources independently. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and provides activities which reflect the children's interests. They access a wide range of exciting, stimulating toys and equipment which contribute to their learning. Children are cared for as individuals with different needs. Activities are age and stage appropriate and ensure that children are sufficiently challenged. Children frequently visit the local park and places of interest. Children show enjoyment as they play with creative materials and have recently constructed a tent made from garden canes, pegs and fabric. They have decorated it

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with their own artwork and have plans for it to be converted into a 'Santa's Grotto'. The childminder interacts with children continually, sharing ideas and encouraging children to ask questions and problem solve. Children enjoy exploring and are confident learners. They play with the full range of resources and spend their time purposefully. Children are learning about colours, shapes, letters and numbers in everyday situations and by playing games with the childminders support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, respected individuals who receive individual care according to their needs. They have equal access to a good range of resources and activities which help them appreciate the wider world by showing positive images of a variety of people in society. Children are developing a positive attitude towards others by the use of books and play people to stimulate discussion. They have celebrated festivals such as the Chinese New Year, Easter and Diwali. Children of all abilities play alongside one another and are well supported. They are encouraged to feel good about themselves and enjoy activities that will encourage them to reach their full potential. Children have developed a strong relationship with the childminder and show care and concern for each other. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. Children have clear guidelines and boundaries which help them

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understand right and wrong. They play co-operatively together and are responsive to praise and encouragement. Positive behaviour is encouraged and children are thanked for their efforts such as when helping to tidy away or preparing food. Partnership with parents is good. Parents regularly share information about their

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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 child’s needs, interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. They have developed an open relationship with the childminder and their opinions and comments are valued. Parents receive a welcome pack and policies and procedures on all aspects of childcare. Each child has a daily diary and good daily communication exists. Children develop a sense of belonging because they are offered a settling in period and gradual visits. They are treated as a family member and parents are given DVDs and photographs of events and activities that their children have taken part in. Children also have photo albums to recall and reflect on past experiences. Parents and children are periodically given a questionnaire to complete about their likes and dislikes. This information is used to enable the childminder to evaluate and make

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely, well organised environment. Polices and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder’s practice meets the needs of individual children. The childminder has all the required information and consent from parents. The childminder is interested in training to keep her knowledge and skills updated. She has attended various childcare courses. Children have a good balance of planned activities and free play. They explore readily accessible toys and resources which are stimulating and contribute to their learning. Time is organised well to meet the individual needs of the varied age group. Records are kept up to date and securely stored. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children she cares for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to continue to update her knowledge of child protection. The childminder has accessed training and has a secure knowledge of child protection issues. Therefore children's welfare is fully protected.

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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 that those made to Ofsted.

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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

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 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): • increase children's knowledge of the effects exercise has on the body and why it is important to be active.

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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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