Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY294003 Unique Reference Number 06 September 2007 Inspection date Karen Eunice Millerchip Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and nine years in Walsgrave, a district of Coventry city. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, the bathroom and two bedrooms upstairs. The childminder is registered to provide care for five children and currently has four children on roll. She is also registered to provide overnight care for one child under eight. There is a secure fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet gerbil which is suitably housed.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of suitable hygiene routines and personal care and are encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after messy play and after using the bathroom. Clear measures are in place, minimising the spread of infection and nappy changing procedures are appropriate.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 are able to rest and sleep according to their needs because the childminder follows their home routines as discussed with their parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's welfare is supported as the childminder has a current first aid certificate, a suitably stocked first aid box which is readily available and appropriate steps are taken should any child become ill or have an accident. Required documentation to ensure children’s health is well maintained and clear contingency arrangements are in place to cover any emergency situations that may arise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy snacks of fruit and a biscuit during the day. They are well nourished as meals are provided by parents although individual needs and preferences are known, recorded and respected. Children do not become thirsty as they are provided with fresh drinks throughout the day. They enjoy a variety of outdoor physical activities and use large apparatus to develop climbing and balancing skills when they visit places of interest such as, country parks and the 'city farm'.

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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 safe environment as the childminder has identified potential risks and taken steps to minimise them, for example, by the use of electric plug socket covers and stair gates. Security has been addressed within the home and children enjoy playing in a safely enclosed garden. Children learn about road safety through the childminder's reinforcement when out and about.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from the danger of fire by the clear evacuation procedures that are in place and practised. Smoke alarms are kept in working order and a fire blanket is available. Their safety is maintained through the use of resources and equipment that are safe and clean and any unsuitable items are repaired or discarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is generally well protected through the childminder's understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. However, she is uncertain about her role in referring concerns in line with local procedures and this potentially compromises children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and have formed strong relationships with the childminder and other children. They help themselves to a range of toys and resources which are easily accessible and age-appropriate. Children are well supported in trying out new activities because the childminder spends individual time with them. They are given plenty of time and space to learn and practise skills and the childminder motivates them through lots of praise and encouragement. Children's communication skills are constantly being developed as the childminder encourages interaction. She asks them questions and actively shows an interest in what they have to say, or in the case of younger children, their attempts at communication.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a variety of experiences that encourage their development, for example, age-appropriate puzzles, books, art and craft activities and visiting parent and toddler groups in the local area. They move safely around the areas available to them and are relaxed. Children are cared for as individuals with different needs because the childminder has knowledge of child development and is aware of their preferences and interests. Discussion takes place at

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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 the start of the children's placement to find out about any developmental milestones they have reached which enables the childminder to plan their play accordingly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are known and respected by the childminder which ensures continuity of care. They become aware of the wider world and learn to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences through books, dolls, small world figures and the celebration of festivals throughout the year. Children have equal access to all resources regardless of their gender.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of rules regarding behaviour and learn to share, take turns and consider others. Their behaviour is managed consistently because parents are involved in discussion and agree appropriate procedures to follow. Distraction, discussion and positive reinforcement of good behaviour are all methods used when dealing with behaviour. The childminder takes account of the differing levels of development and understanding of the children she cares for. Children respond positively to praise, which is reinforced through facial expressions and clapping or shown through a willingness to help with tasks such as, clearing away and getting dressed ready to go out.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents share information about their child’s needs, interests and experiences which ensures continuity of care. Verbal communication takes place on a daily basis and all documentation and consent is in place to ensure their needs are known and met effectively. Children's sense of belonging is encouraged as they are offered a settling in period and gradual visits, enabling them to become familiar with daily routines and their new environment. Parents are made aware of the procedure to follow should they wish to raise a concern or a complaint and contracts are updated regularly.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed, welcoming environment which enables them to move around confidently and safely. They enjoy a variety of social activities that are planned into the week and include visits out and about.

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Organisation

Verbal policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents which are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. All required documentation and consents are in place and stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Overall, children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. The childminder now holds an appropriate first aid certificate thereby, promoting children's health and welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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.

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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): • update knowledge of local safeguarding children procedures.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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