Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY102379 Inspection date 03 August 2005 Inspector Lynn Morris

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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 two children aged 13 years and 11 years in Coventry, West Midlands. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is 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 under 8 years at any one time and is currently minding 1 under five and 8 over five, most of whom are over 8 years. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children. The family have a cat.

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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 has an early years childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children take part in activities, which adequately contribute to their health. They go to the park to play cricket and football and use equipment available in the garden to play outside. During school holidays children go for supervised bike rides with the childminder, which helps to build muscles and develop control. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care. They adequately wash their hands after using the toilet and wipes are used when they go out of the home. However, children's health is not fully considered as consent for emergency treatment and consent to administer medication has not been obtained from parents. Children who attend after school have a snack and a drink at the childminders. During school holidays most children bring a packed lunch, which is satisfactorily stored. Children know that they can request drinks at anytime.

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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 home where risks have been identified and are adequately addressed. Children move around the home independently, using the lounge and dining rooms for play activities. Children play with toys of satisfactory quality. They know how to keep themselves safe both in the home and when walking home from school. For example, they know they must not answer the door and they take turns to demonstrate procedures for crossing the road, when they are returning from school. Children's safety is compromised by not practising emergency evacuations from the premises and some important documentation is missing. The childminder does not have a current public liability insurance policy in place and has not obtained written consent to transport children in her car. Children benefit from the childminders satisfactory knowledge of child protection issues. She is aware of the local area procedures to be followed, which helps to keep

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well in the childminders home. They make satisfactory relationships with each other and the childminder. Children are happy and contented and are cared for as individuals with different needs. They benefit from adequate learning and

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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 play opportunities in the home and through outings. Children are independent. They choose from a satisfactory range of toys and equipment, which meet their age and developmental needs. Children use resources available to make up their own games and designs. For example, children used a range of art and craft materials to design their own drawings. They were supported and praised for their efforts by the childminder and were encouraged to show their parents what they had made.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children all attend school, where they learn about other cultures and take part in festival celebrations. They discuss celebrations with the childminder and have conversations about differences when the opportunity arises. Children choose from a satisfactory range of toys, which help children develop a positive view of differences. Children are respected and valued. Their individual needs and requirements are discussed with parents. They receive praise and consistent attention from the childminder. They know the 'house rules' and behave well. Support and prompt attention from the childminder promotes this positive behaviour. Parents are informed about trips and outings and know what their children have been doing through daily verbal feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. They play in the rooms downstairs and make satisfactory use of the space and resources available in the garden. They make choices of play and use accessible toys and resources developing confidence and self-esteem. Information verbally exchanged with parents helps to make sure that care meets their wishes and they know about their children's progress. Most records kept contribute to appropriate care and provision for children's welfare. Confidentiality is maintained and children's personal information is kept secure. 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 complete a first aid course for infants and young children and provide a fully stocked first aid box. The childminder has completed a first aid course and has a valid first aid certificate. A fully stocked first aid box is available. This contributes to children being healthy.

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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 The childminder was asked to ensure that information obtained from parents was sufficient to provide adequate care and to obtain signed medical consent forms. The childminder has added additional paperwork and documentation to ensure that adequate information is obtained from parents on each child's individual needs to provide appropriate care. However, the childminder does not keep signed medical consent forms and this issue remains outstanding and does not fully contribute to children being healthy.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children • obtain written permission from parents to transport children • ensure that children practise regular emergency escape from the premises • make sure that public liability insurance is current.

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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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