Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY227558 Inspection date 26 July 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 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 5 and 3 years in a terraced house in Rugby. She uses the ground floor of the property only for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear patio garden for outdoor play, and the childminder takes the children to local parks. The family has a cat and a rabbit. The childminder 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in an appropriately clean and healthy environment where they learn sound hygiene procedures from the example set by the childminder. They learn about the importance of washing hands before meals and after using the toilet. The childminder provides liquid soap for the children and ensures surfaces are cleaned before and after use. Hygiene procedures are appropriate with regard to nappy changing. Children benefit from the varied, nutritious meals provided by the childminder. She ensures any food provided by parents is stored appropriately and that convenience foods which are high in fat, sugar and salt are limited. Drinks are provided throughout the day. Children enjoy outdoor play in the small paved garden. They are able to use wheeled toys and the basket ball net, and younger children enjoy the tunnels and tent. Children benefit further from regular trips to the local park and soft play area to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop their physical skills. Children are protected by the childminder's current first aid qualification and by the well stocked first aid box. The recording of accidents and medication administered is clear, although plasters are used without prior written parental consent.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe environment where the childminder is largely able to identify and minimise risks. Children can move around the setting in safety and the home is clean, well maintained and secure. All the appropriate safety precautions are taken, for example, sockets are covered and all dangerous substances made inaccessible. There are smoke alarms on both floors and a fire blanket in the kitchen. The childminder has thought about a fire evacuation procedure but has not written it down or shared it with the children and it has not been practised. Children benefit from the enclosed outdoor play area which is generally safe although the step ladders are accessible to children. Children are able to access the wide range of clean, attractive toys and play materials, which are checked regularly for safety and hygiene. They learn about protecting themselves from danger while outside the home, for example, the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder teaches them to cross roads safely and to be wary of strangers. The children are further protected by the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection procedures.

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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 satisfactory. The children are happy and settled in the childminding environment. They have developed good relationships with the childminder and interaction between them is good. They are confident to approach the childminder for cuddles and reassurance. They are learning to work co-operatively with each other but at times still find this difficult. A range of interesting activities is provided for the children which encompasses all areas of play and they enjoy the challenge of new experiences for example, making their own pizzas. The childminder broadens her knowledge of play activities through books and she has recently completed a Birth to three matters training course, although she has found some difficulty in putting this into practice. Young children benefit from regular opportunities to socialise with other children at the local toddler group

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals with their routines, likes and dislikes being carefully discussed with parents before childminding starts. The childminder is careful to ensure that parents receive detailed daily feedback about their child's care and achievements and this aids continuity of care and helps children to feel secure and settled in the childminding environment. The children are treated with respect by the childminder and are encouraged to show respect and care for each other, however they find playing co-operatively difficult at times and this results in some difficult behaviour which the childminder tries hard to manage effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder's appropriate organisation of space and resources ensures children have opportunities to experience all types of play and have their care needs met appropriately. They can access toys and resources easily thus giving them opportunities to develop independence. Time is well managed to take account of children's individual routines. Documentation is maintained in an efficient and accessible manner to ensure the smooth running of the childminding business but the daily attendance register is not kept up to date. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements 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 At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve children's safety by installing smoke alarms at every level of the house and this has now been done and documentation now includes consent to emergency treatment. The range of resources promoting diversity has been increased but still limits children knowledge and understanding of the diverse society in which we live.

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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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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): • obtain written parental consent to the administration of any treatment including plasters and antiseptic cream • make garden safe for children by ensuring step ladders are inaccessible • improve opportunities for children to explore diversity through play • keep the daily record of attendance up to date.

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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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