Childminder in WarwickshireOfsted inspection, 15 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504782 Inspection date 15 September 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 and works with an assistant. She lives with her husband, 1 adult child and 2 children aged 11 and 14 in Coventry, West Midlands. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and all bedrooms are 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 when working alone and 11 when working with an assistant. The childminder is currently minding 5 children under 5 all day. The childminder drives to local pre-schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a toddler group regularly. The family has a

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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 small caged pet. The childminder holds an early years qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children take part in activities, which contribute to their health. They play on a slide, use bikes and wheeled toys at the childminder's home to help them develop control. They go to local parks and nature reserves, where they use the climbing equipment, run around and they feed the ducks. They attend a toddler group, where they take part in physical activities. For example, during a session children sing and dance to music. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care. They learn to adequately wash their hands after play and after using the toilet but their hands are not washed before having meals. This increases the risk of contaminating food if they touch it with their hands. Children have a nutritious range of hot and cold meals provided by the childminder. Children have healthy meals and snacks, which include meat, fresh vegetables, fruit

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Helping children to be healthy

and yoghurts. Children's allergies, dietary needs and parents' wishes are taken into account and lists of food children cannot have ensure their dietary well-being when offering meals.

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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 addressed. Children move around the home independently, using the playroom and garden for play activities. Children play confidently and adequately learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, they use appropriate sized car seats in the car, they learn about road safety and how to use swings safely when they visit the park. However, their safety is compromised by not practising regular evacuation from the premises, which means that children sleeping in upstairs rooms are at risk. Children's safety is adequately met through the childminder's procedures and documentation. For example, she 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 local child

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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 The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's home. They make good relationships with each other and the childminder and thrive on set daily routines, which help them feel secure. Children socialise frequently with other children. They attend regular organised activities and groups outside of the home. For example, they attend a toddler group every week with the childminder, where they try new art and craft activities and dance during music sessions. They benefit from a good range of outings and visits to farms, nature reserves and parks, where they interact with animals and learn about the wider environment. Children become independent as they choose from a good range of toys. They select toys and materials, for example jigsaws, developing their fine motor skills. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

use toys in a learning environment, for example they look at letters during one to one play with the childminder and they count objects whilst playing and tidying up. Children's language is developing well. They learn new words during their play and they can talk confidently about things that they know. They are inquisitive and ask questions to find out about their surroundings. Children play creatively and they can see their pictures and creations displayed on the playroom wall.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children attend groups with the childminder where they learn about other cultures and take part in festival celebrations. They choose from a satisfactory range of toys, which help children develop a positive view of differences. For example, they play with a talking doll speaking Spanish. Children repeat the words and learn to appreciate the use of different languages within the home. Children are respected and valued. They receive praise and happily seek cuddles and reassurance from the childminder and her assistant. They respond to requests from the childminder and behave satisfactorily. Children respond to distraction techniques used during potential disputes, which helps them return to meaningful play quickly. Children’s information is exchanged with parents verbally on a daily basis, which keeps them adequately informed of their child's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. They play in a dedicated playroom downstairs and make use of the space and toys available in the garden. They make choices of play and use accessible toys and resources developing confidence and self-esteem. Information regularly exchanged with parents helps to make sure that care meets their wishes and they know about their children's progress.

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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 Children's records contribute to appropriate care and provision for their welfare. Confidentiality is maintained and children's personal information is kept secure. 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 ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times. The childminder has reviewed the paperwork she uses and has added registers, which show the times of arrival and departure of the children. All other required documentation is readily accessible on the premises. This contributes to organisation. The childminder was also asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice with regard to disability. Children choose from a satisfactory range of play and attend activities at toddler group, which help them to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences. This contributes to children making a positive contribution.

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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 children wash their hands before and after meals • make sure that the first aid box is checked regularly and is adequately stocked at all times • ensure that children practise regular emergency evacuations from the premises.

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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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