Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY239290 Inspection date 29 November 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 partner and 2 children aged 2 and 4 years. They live in the Holbrooks 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 designated play room at the rear of the house. The garden is not included in the registration. Children are taken to parks and recreational areas 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 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 a level 3 childcare qualification. She is registered to care for 4 children at any one time and is currently caring for a pre-school aged child on a part time basis and 3 school aged children after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They know why they must wash their hands before meals and after toileting. They see the childminder follows satisfactory hygiene routines. Toys and equipment are clean and in good condition which helps to prevent the spread of infection which promotes children’s health. All children's records relating to health are satisfactorily kept, however, the childminder does not have a first aid certificate and therefore children may not be fully provided for in the event of an accident. Children enjoy regular physical activities which contribute to their good health. They are developing a positive attitude to physical play and enjoy dancing to music. Children experience using climbing equipment in the local park. They have a flexible daily routine which allows them to have a quiet time or sleep that reflects their

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Helping children to be healthy

individual requirements. Children are well nourished because they are provided with a range of meals which take their dietary needs into account. They have food and drink following their home routine as discussed with parents. Children are encouraged to eat fruit and are offered drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's risk to injury is minimised as the childminder carries out daily visual checks on toys and equipment to reduce potential hazards. The home is secure which means that children move freely and safely around the home. Resources are well organised, in good condition and stored at a low level so children can freely and safely access them. Children are appropriately supervised indoors and when on outings. Children are involved in discussions about safety and are increasing their understanding of how to keep safe. For example, they learn about road safety and stranger danger. Smoke alarms are mains connected and in working order, however, children may not be fully protected in the event of a fire because the childminder does not practise an emergency evacuation procedure. Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder's satisfactory understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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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 good. Children settle well in the home and have developed good relationships with the childminder. They follow familiar daily routines and have a balance of set activities and free play. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and ensures that children spend their time purposefully. Children are interested and engaged in their play and activities are adapted for younger children. They have become independent as they are encouraged to choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. Children relate well to one another and socialise with other children through parent and toddler groups and when visiting the library. Children enjoy exploring a wide range of activities such as puzzles, books, role play, construction toys and domestic play, which contribute to their learning. They have good opportunities to be creative and use their imagination. For example, children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

dress up, play with musical instruments and have puppet shows. They regularly play with dough, water and sand. Children learn about colours, shapes, letters and numbers in everyday situations and by playing with educational and stimulating resources. Children of all ages explore toys and activities which are in good condition. They are encouraged to make independent choices and move freely between the play room and quiet room. Children are keen to play and have fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and receive individual care according to their needs. They have equal access to a good range of resources and activities that help them to appreciate the wider world. For example, children have books and play people which show positive images of a variety of people within society. Children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards others by the use of everyday experiences and activities to stimulate discussion. For example, the use of library books to promote questions. Children are encouraged to feel good about themselves and enjoy activities that will encourage their development. Children of all abilities are supported and encouraged to integrate because activities are adapted. The childminder has a good awareness of specific needs and can communicate with children who have limited speech by using Makaton signs. Children are well behaved and show respect for others. They play well together and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are learning to share and take turns. Children have clear guidelines and boundaries which help them to understand right from wrong. They receive frequent praise for effort and good behaviour and any incidents are dealt with in a fair and consistent way. Parents share information about their children's needs and interests. There are regular discussions regarding their children's care and good communication exists. Parents are provided with an informative booklet on all aspects of childcare and

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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 receive a daily diary which comments on their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are comfortable and settled in a homely environment and as a result are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. They are interested in a broad range of developmentally appropriate activities which provide good levels of challenge for their age and stage of development. Space and time are well organised to ensure that children access a balance of planned activities and free play. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of the children. Records are well organised and securely stored. The childminder keeps her knowledge and skills updated by reading childcare literature. 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 agreed to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has been unable to access a first aid course to date, therefore, this recommendation has been carried forward to ensure that children are fully provided for in the event of an accident. All children have written permission from their parents for seeking emergency advice or treatment. The portable potty is stored in the bathroom, therefore appropriate measures have been taken to prevent the spread of infection. Resources have been added which promote race, culture, gender and ability positively. Children have access to books and play people which reflect positive images of people in society. They use the library to enhance the selection of books.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Therefore equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice with regard to disability have been satisfactorily promoted.

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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 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

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): • devise and practise an emergency evacuation plan • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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