Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288922 Unique Reference Number 23 November 2007 Inspection date Tracey Marie Boland 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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and four children aged 15 months, six, seven and nine. They live in the Coventry area of West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is 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 two gerbils.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently caring for three children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enter a clean, welcoming home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand simple health and hygiene practices because of consistent reinforcement and encouragement from the childminder throughout the day. Children understand the need to wash their hands during the day, for example, before meals, after using

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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 the bathroom and after messy activities. Nappy changing routines are good and ensure the child's comfort at all times. Children rest and sleep according to their needs as their individual routines are discussed with parents and these are incorporated into the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of interesting activities which contribute to their good health. This includes physical play, on bikes, slides, with balls and when using the seesaw in the garden, and also activities at a local group. They enjoy visits to places of interest and learn that being active promotes good health. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices with regard to foods and fresh fruit is available to them. Individual dietary needs and preferences are known and respected and children are provided with drinks throughout the day so as not to become dehydrated or thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from good practices with regard to accidents and the giving of medication as medical records are maintained and shared with parents. The risk of cross-infection is minimised because of a written policy that the childminder shares with parents, informing them of illnesses that will mean their child should not attend. Children's welfare is safeguarded at times of minor accidents as the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and ensures children's comfort and welfare at all times.

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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, secure environment where most potential risks have been identified and steps taken to minimise them. However, the pull cords to the vertical blinds are long and pose a risk to children. A written fire evacuation procedure is displayed and practised with the children regularly to ensure the children's safety is maintained. Smoke alarms are in full working order. Children are safe because effective measures in place ensure their toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in a good condition. Storage enables children to safely access resources for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected from unauthorised visitors as they are not left unattended by the childminder and are unable to leave the premises unaccompanied. Security has been addressed well and the garden is enclosed and well-maintained. Children are kept safe on outings and the childminder has obtained written consent from parents for their children to travel in her car. Appropriate car seats are in place to meet the needs of the ages of the children cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through the childminder's clear understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is fully conversant with local referral procedures and demonstrated the need to place the children's safety and well-being first.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and relaxed and enjoy an interesting variety of play experiences and opportunities that contribute to their overall development. They experience a broad range of learning and play opportunities inside and outside the home and socialise with other children at groups they attend. Children's independence is encouraged throughout the day especially at mealtimes and when using the bathroom.

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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 Children are encouraged to make choices and freely move around the home. Children's learning is supported as the childminder spends individual time with them each day. Their confidence is encouraged at all times and they receive praise and encouragement for all their achievements. Activities include art and craft, construction play, looking at books and playing with small world figures and animals. Play is planned to ensure children access a wide range of experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a firm understanding of the individual needs of the children she cares for and as a result ensures activities are tailored to meet those needs. Excellent relationships have been formed between the childminder and children and interaction is good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop their understanding of the wider world and diversity through discussion and enjoy a good variety of resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. They learn to appreciate and value each others similarities and differences because of the childminder's positive attitude and the opportunities to discuss issues as they arise. Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities the childminder is able to provide care which includes them in the life of the setting through discussing their needs with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to share and take turns and are aware of the 'house rules' which are consistently reinforced and displayed within the home. Behaviour is very good and children respond positively to the praise and encouragement they receive. Parents work in partnership with the childminder with regard to behaviour and the age and understanding of each child is always considered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents share information about their child to ensure their needs are known and wishes respected which ensures the needs of their child are effectively met. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents highlighting the ethos of the care provided. Children are offered a settling in period and gradual visits to encourage children's confidence and feeling of security. Parents benefit from detailed discussion each day ensuring consistency of care which contributes to an effective partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play in a relaxed, homely environment and move confidently and safely around the areas available to them. Well written policies and procedures effectively promote the welfare, safety and care of the children, who benefit from the strong communication that takes place between the childminder and their parents. The childminder’s practice meets the needs of individual children which are respected and valued.

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Organisation

All required information and consent from parents has been obtained and documentation is well-maintained, detailed and stored securely. The childminder understands the importance of keeping her knowledge and skills up to date and demonstrated a commitment to accessing ongoing training and development through the local authority. Parents benefit from time spent with them discussing the care they require and how their child's needs will be met. Overall the needs of the children are met.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and was also asked to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. A course has been completed and she holds a valid certificate. Consent has been obtained in written form from parents and is accessible at all times. Therefore, children's needs are met in the event of an emergency.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children now access a good variety of resources and experiences that promote diversity and encourage their understanding of the wider world. Therefore, their knowledge in this area is promoted well.

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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

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 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): • ensure blind pulls are safe or inaccessible to children.

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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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