Heyes Avril Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 224036 Inspection date 24 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 1996. She lives with her husband and 1 adult child and 1 child aged 13 in Coventry, West Midlands. The whole ground floor and the first floor bathroom 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 at any one time and is currently caring for 3 children under 5, full days and 2 over 5 before and after school and school holidays. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family has 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 The childminder attends local childminder and parent toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children take part in activities, which contribute to their health. They use a slide, see-saw and have a ball pool at the childminder's home to help them develop control. They go to the local park to use the swings and run around to improve their physical skills. They attend toddler and childminder groups with the childminder where they take part in physical activities. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care. They learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating food, which helps them to understand the importance of keeping their hands clean. Children have lunches prepared by their parents and snacks of toast, biscuits and fruit are available at the childminder's. Children's dietary needs are met and they choose from a satisfactory range of drinks. They thrive on set routines for snacks and

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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 adequately addressed. Children use the lounge for play activities and are kept safe, for example by using the table for play activities to keep small parts away from toddlers. Satisfactory daily safety checks of the home and garden enable children to move around the home independently and safely. Children are adequately supervised when playing outside to help keep them safe. Children's safety is compromised by not practising regular evacuation procedures from the premises. Documentation and procedures are in place to keep children. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and all documentation to take children out in the car is up to date. Children are protected from risk of harm or abuse by the childminder's satisfactory knowledge of knowledge of local child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well in the childminder's home. They play well together and make good relationships with the childminder and each other. They improve their social skills through visits to toddler and childminder groups, where they mix with other

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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. They develop their physical skills during visits to the park and outside play. Children become independent as they choose from a satisfactory range of toys, which are easily accessed in the lounge. They play with toys and take part in activities, which are suitable to meet their different developmental needs. They make up their own play and games and children are happy to take part and join in. For example, the oldest child became the school teacher and read a story to the younger children present. Children have a planned activity such as cooking or art every day and are supported adequately by the childminder to try new activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children choose from a good range of resources, which help them to develop a positive understanding of different cultures and people with disabilities. For example, children use materials and books obtained form the Minority Resource Centre, which help them to develop a good understanding of people's differences. They make cards and puppets during festival celebrations. They play with dolls and figures representative of different cultures and abilities. Children learn to play together and how to respect each other's feelings. They are helped to develop a positive view of good behaviour by receiving reward certificates for being good, for listening well or just as a thank you from the childminder. Children value these certificates and are eager to achieve an award. Children share and take turns and show respect for each other by giving hugs and cuddles after disagreements. They respond well to consistent praise given by the childminder,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which builds their self-esteem. Good information exchanged with parents ensures that children receive appropriate care and keeps parents informed about their children's daily progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in a well organised homely environment. Children benefit from the childminder's good organisational skills, which promote a safe and learning environment. Children's records and information are kept to a good standard and the use of supplementary resources such as the Minority Resource Centre and the Toy Library improve children's understanding of the wider community. A very good range of written policies and procedures are used to keep children safe and healthy and ensure that parents understand the aims and objectives of the setting. Communication with parents is good. They have daily opportunities for discussion and consultation about their child's development and well-being. Attendance at training courses for the Quality First award and the gaining of a childcare qualification have enhanced the childminder's practice and developed organisational skills. This has good impact on the care of the children and as a result

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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 meets their individual needs well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the detail contained in records relating to accidents and medication administered to children. The childminder has obtained new documentation, which accurately records accident and medication information and obtains prior written consent for emergencies. This contributes 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): • ensure that regular emergency evacuations of the premises take place

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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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