Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510402 Inspection date 13 October 2005 Inspector Tracey Marie Boland

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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 has been registered since 1990. She lives with and cares for her mother in a house close to the City Centre. It is within walking distance of a local park and soft play area. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. One child was present during the inspection. The childminder visits local parks with the area. There are no pets.

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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 a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand simple health and hygiene practices because of appropriate hand washing routines and practices. Children's risk of infection passed on by other children is minimised because of a verbal policy that the childminder shares with parents. Most documentation is in place, however, no consent for emergency treatment has been obtained which may impact on the care received in the event of an emergency. Children are well nourished because their individual dietary needs are taken into account and they are provided with healthy snacks from their parents. Access to drinks throughout the day ensures they do not become thirsty. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities which contribute to their good health for example visits to the local park and soft play centre, where they are able to

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Helping children to be healthy

socialise with their peers. Children are developing skills and confidence during physical play activities when using the garden. They play with a variety of sit on toys, the play house and role play equipment. Using bats and soft balls encourages them to be active and develop control and they enjoy music and movement.

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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 and secure environment because potential risks have been identified and minimised. Their toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in a satisfactory condition and suitable storage enables children to safely access resources for themselves. Visual checks take place daily to ensure their continued safety. Children learn to keep themselves safe because of discussion and consistent reinforcement from the childminder. Children are well protected through the childminder's understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy, interact and learn from the range of activities provided by the childminder. Activities meet the needs of children at their different stages of development because they are aimed at an appropriate level, varied and maintain their interest. Children experience learning and play opportunities inside and outside and through visits and outings to places of interest such as the City Farm, local parks and shopping trips to look at the variety of foods from different countries.

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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 developing independence through everyday routines for example using the bathroom, using cups and feeding utensils and the use of art and craft resources such as scissors. Children have formed positive relationships with the childminder and good interaction was observed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children become aware of the wider world and learn to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences because of the childminders positive attitude and the discussion that takes place. Children choose from toys which reflect diversity, for example dolls reflecting different cultural backgrounds, books and non stereotypical toys and resources. Children are involved in discussion and celebrations at various times throughout the year. Children are aware of rules regarding behaviour and learn to share, take turns and consider others. Children’s behaviour is managed consistently because parents are involved in discussion and work together with the childminder. The childminder is a good role model and takes account of different levels of development. Children respond positively to encouragement and praise for their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Polices and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children and the childminder’s practice is effective in meeting the needs of the individual children she cares for. The childminder has all of the required information and most consent from parents. She is interested in training to keep her knowledge and skills updated and feels this is an essential part of her development. 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 continue to develop resources provided for children of all ages. She has purchased construction sets which are suitable for a range of ages, books, art and craft resources and a variety of animals. The children enjoy reading the books with the childminder, choosing their favourites and are able to access the other resources freely.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints to report.

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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

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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 consent for emergency medical treatment.

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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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