Childminder in CoventryOfsted inspection, 14 Dec 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY250687 Inspection date 14 December 2005 Inspector Hazel Christine White

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 11 and 10 years. They live in the Stivichall area of Coventry. 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 is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has a teaching assistant qualification and is a foster parent. She is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently caring for 2 children aged 1 year on a part

p.2

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 time basis and 5 school aged children before and after school.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children see the childminder follow good hygiene routines such as cleaning surfaces and washing toys and equipment. The childminder has completed a health and safety course. Children have their own face clothes, towels and potties. They follow their home routines for sleeping and rest times. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their physical health. Each day children walk to and from school. There is outdoor equipment to develop children's skills such as ride on wheeled toys and a swing. Children regularly visit a local park and enjoy dancing to music and action songs. They play games such as 'statues' and are encouraged to be active. Children do not discuss the benefits of

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

exercise, therefore, they are not increasing their awareness of the way activity affects their bodies. Children's dietary needs are met because they have packed lunches and food which is provided by their parents. They are encouraged to eat fruit and are offered drinking water and sugar free juices throughout the day. Parents' and children's preferences are taken into account. Children take part in cooking activities such as making sandwiches.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. They are able to move around safely, freely and independently because potential risks have been identified and minimised by the use of safety equipment. Children understand how to keep themselves safe inside and outside of the home because of clear guidelines and boundaries which are re-enforced by the childminder. For example children learn about road safety and understand the implications of talking to strangers. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Good storage enables children to safely reach resources. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's good understanding of her

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

role and responsibilities in child protection. For example, the childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place. She has attended child protection

p.3

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 training and has current literature on safeguarding children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They are confident and make themselves at home. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. They play with a good range of toys and activities which are stimulating and contribute to their learning. Children have free play and flexible routines to suit their individual needs. Resources are rotated to keep the children interested and to ensure that activities are varied. Children enjoy being creative such as dancing, moving to music, painting, cooking and model making. They have made clay models and cards for special occasions using glue, glitter and felt. Children are able to dress up and use their imagination when they play with play figures and animals. They listen and respond to stories and songs. Books, games and everyday situations are used to increase the children's knowledge and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

understanding of counting, shapes, letters and colours. Children relate well to the childminder and each other. They are shown affection and encouraged to develop new skills with support. Children socialise with other children outside of the home when they go to the park and use the library.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are provided with a meaningful range of activities and resources which promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the children talk about celebrations across the world. They have recently celebrated Diwali by making Indian sweets and modelling diva's from clay. Children understand it is a 'festival of light' and are gaining an awareness of the Diwali story. Children learn about their local community through going on outings to the library and local parks. Children of all abilities are included and activities adapted to enable them to reach their full potential. They play alongside one another and are well supported. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other, and play together co-operatively. They behave well and are responsive to

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

praise and encouragement. Children make themselves at home. They have time to relax as well as be active. Children develop a sense of belonging and their individual needs are met because the childminder fully includes parents in their care. Parents regularly share information about their children's needs, interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. They are provided with informative written information on all aspects of childcare and good communication exists.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and settled in a well-organised environment. Their individual needs are met through the good use of space and activities which promote play and learning. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. The childminder has all the required information and consent from parents. She is interested in training to keep her knowledge and skills updated. She has attended a health and safety and behaviour management course. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children she cares for.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve fire safety, improve behaviour management strategies and provide a range of activities and resources which promote equality of opportunity. She has provided a fire blanket which is easily accessible in the kitchen. Resources which promote positive images of race, culture, gender and ability have been added too. Children use the library and celebrate a range of festivals. The childminder has reviewed strategies for managing behaviour and has attended a course. Consideration is given to the age and stage of the child and incidents are dealt with in an appropriate manner. Therefore the provision promotes the welfare, care and learning of the children attending.

p.5

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 that those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should

p.5

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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • increase the children's understanding of the impact exercise and being active has on the body.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6