Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510529 Inspection date 23 February 2006 Inspector Hazel Christine White

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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 1996. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged 7 and 12 years. They live in the Coventry area. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house and the upstairs bathroom are 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. She is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently caring for 3 children on a part-time basis. Two of whom are under the age of 2 years. 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 childminder is a member of a 'care to learn scheme' which supports teenage mums.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where hygiene routines minimise the spread of infection. They learn the importance of hand washing after using the toilet and before meals. Children's individual personal care is satisfactorily met. They follow home routines as discussed with parents which reflects their individual requirements. All records and consent relating to children's health are in place. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and the first aid box is properly stocked. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their physical development. They are developing skills and confidence as they use a climbing frame, wheeled toys and a skipping rope in the garden. They have experienced playing in the snow. Children visit play areas which have large equipment such as play tunnels for crawling and rockers for balance. They are beginning to learn that

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Helping children to be healthy

being active promotes good health and the impact on their body is that it helps them to be fit. Children's dietary needs are met because parents provide all the food their own children need. They are encouraged to eat fruit and have sugar free juices. Children have grown melons, green beans and tomatoes and help to prepare them for food tasting sessions. Additional drinks are offered if the children get thirsty.

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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 home. Their risk to injury is minimised as the childminder carries out visual checks on toys and equipment to ensure that they are safe for children to use. Children move independently around the house and access toys and equipment that are in good condition. The majority of resources are stored at a low level so children can make their own choice, others are selected for them. Children are appropriately supervised both indoors and outside. They are learning about their own safety through clear explanation and discussion. They are learning the importance of holding hands when crossing the road and have discussions about not talking to strangers. An emergency escape plan is in place and children have practised the procedure, however, there is no working smoke alarm on the first floor, therefore, children may not be fully protected in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's sound understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well into the homely environment and have developed a good relationship with the childminder. Their development is enhanced by the activities and experiences that they are provided with. Children have a wide range of toys and equipment which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They are learning to make independent choices and are appropriately challenged. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and adapts play activities to enable younger children to take part. Children follow familiar routines and planning is flexible to include their current interests. Children have regular opportunities to be creative and examine textures such as clay, play dough, cornflour and jelly. They paint, glue and draw pictures. Cooking activities include making peppermint creams and icing biscuits. Children listen to stories and experience using musical instruments as they join in action

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

songs. Babies have 'treasure baskets' which enables them to explore natural produces such as those made of sponge, paper and wood. Children experience learning and play opportunities outside of the home. They visit museums, parks and libraries and socialise with other children in group situations at a parent and toddler group. Children have developed good relationships with the childminder and one another. They are shown affection and the childminder joins in with their spontaneous play to encourage their thinking and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards others through discussion. They celebrate some religious and cultural festivals and recently made lanterns for Chinese New Year. Children choose from a sufficient range of resources which reflect diversity and show positive images of people in society. Children of all abilities have access to the full range of toys and activities. They are encouraged to integrate and activities are adapted to enable children to reach their full potential. Children are learning to be kind and considerate to one another and are encouraged to share and take turns when playing. They have been introduced to house rules and are reminded of expected behaviour. Children respond positively to praise and encouragement and are well behaved. They are thanked for their efforts and told when they are doing well. Parents are encouraged to share information about their children's needs and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

interests. Children are helped to settle in and have a gradual introduction to develop their sense of belonging. Parents are regularly consulted with regard to their children's needs and good communication exists. Children follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and at ease in the childminder's home. Space is organised appropriately to enable children to experience a variety of play activities and follow daily routines which are familiar to them. Therefore their individual needs are met. Children show confidence within the home and freely choose from resources. Children's continuity of care is satisfactorily promoted through the information exchanged and regular discussions with parents. Children are cared for in an environment where parents' comments and views are valued. Records are kept up to date and securely stored. The childminder is interested in training to enhance her practice and has attended several short courses. 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 include the hours of attendance in the daily record of children looked after. Children have an individual attendance sheet which records their arrival and departure times, therefore, recording systems are appropriate in meeting the children's needs.

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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 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 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): • provide a working smoke alarm on the first floor.

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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 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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