Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510468 Inspection date 08 September 2005 Inspector Carol Johnson

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and five children aged twenty-one, eighteen, sixteen, eleven and five years. They live in the Allesley area of Coventry. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder attends local community groups and is currently working towards the

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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 National Childminding Association's accreditation scheme, 'Quality First'.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because children follow good hygiene practices and demonstrate an understanding of why they are necessary. They are learning to take responsibility for their own personal care and older children go to the toilet and wash their hands independently. Children are well protected from the spread of infection as the childminder has attended a food hygiene course and makes sure that her home is clean and hygienic. She also ensures parents are absolutely clear with regards to her sickness policy and do not send children who are unwell and could pose a risk to others. Children are well nourished as a result of the provision of a varied range of healthy meals and snacks. Parents are able to choose whether or not they wish to provide meals and the childminder talks to parents about healthy eating and their child’s needs. She records and respects their individual requirements. Weekly menus are

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Helping children to be healthy

displayed and they are carefully planned to offer a wholesome, nutritious and balanced diet. Children are offered fruit on a daily basis and meal times are used well to promote good manners and an awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet. Children have their physical development well supported as they enjoy regular physical activity through well-planned indoor and outdoor activities. They visit the park, community groups and go for walks in the local environment. They also dance and play out in the garden. Children are encouraged to take part in activities using both large and small equipment, for example, using scissors or climbing on the large play equipment in the local park. As a result children are developing confidence and acquiring a variety of skills including balance, co-ordination and control.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well protected as the childminder has thoroughly assessed and minimised all potential risks. Children benefit from plenty of space and can move freely and safely. They are provided with an excellent range of stimulating toys and activities that are regularly checked for safety and suitability. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including a safety gate, fireguard and socket covers. Good security precautions are in place and there are clear procedures to ensure children are only collected by authorised people. For example, passwords are used when necessary for extra protection. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe. They follow and demonstrate a good understanding of safe practices. For example, the childminder teaches children about road safety and they know that they need to hold hands, look both ways and

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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 wait for the childminder to say that it is safe before crossing the road. Children's safety in an emergency is a high priority and the childminder has taken effective steps to ensure children are aware of procedures and their best interests are served. The childminder and children are familiar with fire evacuation procedures because they are frequently discussed and practised. Older children are taught how to phone the emergency services. Appropriate fire safety equipment is provided and maintained. Children’s possible stress and anxiety in an emergency situation is reduced because the childminder has emergency cover arrangements in place with vetted persons known to both parents and children. Children are well protected with regards to child protection procedures because the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder clearly understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled. They are given access to a wide range of activities and experiences that help them to develop in all areas of learning. For example, they learn about how things grow by planting cress seeds and they take part in a variety of craft activities that help them to express their creativity. Children have an active social life and frequently have the opportunity to mix with other children and adults in group situations. This helps to increase children’s social skills and their range of play and experiences. However, although the childminder plans activities for the children based on their general needs and interests she does not formally observe and assess children's individual progress. Consequently, she is unable to accurately plan for their next steps in learning. Children have good relationships with the childminder and each other. They are secure and demonstrate good levels of self-esteem. Older children chat and are keen

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to share experiences and the childminder extends their learning by listening and asking questions. The childminder shows interest by maintaining eye contact and responds well to children's non-verbal communication. Children are developing their independence and they are encouraged to make choices. They are provided with an excellent range of resources that are suitable for all ages and abilities, for example, a large selection of books, role play items, puzzles, games and outdoor toys. The majority of resources are safely stored to enable children independent access and they are confident to ask for additional items that they cannot see or reach. Children explore and are able to initiate their own play. They are given plenty of time and encouragement to complete tasks and their efforts are well rewarded with praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have equal access to a meaningful range of activities and resources that

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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 promote a positive view of the wider world. They learn to develop a positive attitude towards others through discussion stimulated by everyday experiences and by regularly using resources that reflect diversity. During Chinese New Year children had the opportunity to listen to stories, taste Chinese food and take part in related craft activities. Children's individuality is valued. They are helped to feel good about themselves through frequent praise and encouragement. Children benefit from the excellent relationship that the childminder maintains with parents. Good quality information is shared and exchanged with parents on a daily basis. For example, she gives parents a daily record sheet that contains details of children's care, routines and activities. There are clear lines of communication and parents’ wishes are recorded and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

respected. Consequently, children receive consistency of care. The childminder has no experience of caring for children with special needs but she displays a very positive attitude and parents can expect any requests for such care to be carefully considered and support sought if necessary. Children behave well as a result of the childminder's calm and consistent use of an effective range of positive behaviour management strategies. For example, praise, distraction and explanation. Children are aware of rules and boundaries and know why they are in place. For example, children know that they should not run in the house because they might fall and hurt themselves or another child. Therefore, children are staring to take responsibility for their own actions and are learning to show concern for others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is enhanced as a result of being cared for in a safe and well-organised environment. The childminder ensures ratios are met and that her day is planned so as to provide time for each child to receive some individual attention. Children receive a good level of supervision and are confident to explore and initiate their own play. There is plenty of space within the childminder's home and resources are plentiful and generally organised to encourage children's independent and safe access. Parents and children benefit from the childminders professional attitude and commitment to further training and the improvement of her service. She has attended some training and intends to go on further courses to enable her to improve children's learning and enhance the good level of care she already provides. The childminder has developed an extensive range of policies, procedures and

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Organisation

documentation that she shares with parents. Policies and procedures work in practice and contribute to the safe and effective management of the provision and her good partnership with parents. Paperwork is well maintained, effectively organised and stored appropriately. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 a first aid course and she has since attended appropriate training. Therefore, she has increased her knowledge of how to care for children in an accident or emergency. She was also asked to provide smoke alarms at every level of the house and secure fireguards. Both of these have been fully addressed and as a result precautions to protect children's safety have been improved.

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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): • consider ways of observing and assessing children's progress to plan the next steps for their learning.

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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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