Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357603 Unique Reference Number 17 March 2008 Inspection date Tracey Marie Boland Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2007. She lives with her child aged seven. They live in a suburb of Coventry. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding as well as the first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for one child.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of appropriate hygiene routines and personal care and are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. Clear measures are in place minimising the spread of infection and nappy changing procedures are appropriate. A stocked first aid box is accessible and appropriate procedures followed should any child become

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 ill or have an accident. Health records are shared with parents and the childminder demonstrated that she deals with accidents in a calm manner.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's risk of infection passed on by other children is minimised because of a written policy that the childminder shares with parents informing them of illnesses that will mean their child should not attend and that they will be contacted and expected to collect their child if they become ill. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs because the childminder follows their home routines as discussed with their parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because their individual dietary needs are discussed, recorded and taken into account. Parents provide a packed lunch for their child although the childminder provides breakfast. Drinks are provided throughout the day and regular discussions take place with parents to ensure that the childminder is fully aware of any changes to their dietary needs and is made aware of any new foods they have tried.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where potential risks to children have been identified and minimised through the clear actions of the childminder. Daily visual checks ensure that children can move around the home safely. Children learn to keep themselves safe because they are made aware of crossing the road safely, walking on the inside of the path with the childminder on the outside and understanding 'Stranger danger'. Children are encouraged to follow the 'Green cross code' and the importance of not crossing the road between parked cars is reinforced.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely because their toys, equipment and furniture are of good quality, clean and in a very good condition. They are kept safe through the clearly identified evacuation procedure that is in place and practised regularly with the children. A written record is maintained of all evacuations enabling the childminder to evaluate the procedure to ensure it's ongoing suitability. A fire blanket is readily available and smoke alarms are in working order and checked regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected with regard to child abuse and neglect through the childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, and her role and responsibility with regard to protecting children in her care. She is fully aware of local referral procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and strong relationships have been formed with the childminder. They enjoy an interesting variety of play experiences and visit places of interest, feed the ducks and visit local parks. Children are cared for as individuals and the childminder has a good understanding of their likes and dislikes. Daily discussion takes place to ensure parents are kept informed of any progress and their child's achievements. Play is planned to ensure their day is stimulating and fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children independently choose from a good range of toys which are very well maintained, easily accessible and stored in boxes that relate to children's ages and abilities. Resources include painting, chalking, glittering and children are involved in cooking activities. They enjoy construction sets, dressing up clothes, baby and soft toys, activity toys, board games, dolls and small world figures. Musical instruments are freely available and outdoor toys such as cars and bikes, a trampoline and a swing.

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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 are well supported throughout the day and their independence is encouraged. Clear routines throughout the day encourage their feeling of security and they are confident and relaxed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children choose from a variety of resources, which reflect diversity and the wider world. These include toys and books, puzzles, small world figures and dressing up clothes and role play equipment. However, resources that reflect positive images of learning difficulties and/or disabilities are minimal, therefore, children's understanding in this area is reduced. Children are involved in festival celebrations and have the opportunity to try foods from different countries. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents in detail. Any special requirements or information are discussed and consistent communication and information exchange takes place. Specific needs of children are recognised and met sensitively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to play together and how to respect each others feelings. Children are made aware of the 'house rules' which include no climbing on furniture, be kind to each other, walk indoor, play with balls outside, no swearing, name calling or rude words, tidy toys away. An excellent relationship has been formed between the child cared for and the childminder who is calm and consistent and is a good role model, taking account of different levels of children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong partnership with parents has been developed through the detailed discussion that takes place at the start of each child's placement. This ensures that their child's needs are known and met effectively through the childminder's practice. Children's feeling of security and sense of belonging is encouraged through a gradual settling-in period that takes place. Concise, written policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, relaxed, homely environment. Concise, written policies and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children she cares for and the childminder's practice continually meets their individual needs. Children's needs and preferences are known through the ongoing discussions that take place with parents and the practices she puts into place ensure those preferences are respected. The childminder takes account of individual needs and ages of the children attending and provides a varied range of activities and outings.

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Organisation

The childminder has all required information and consent from parents and stores all documentation securely and within the boundaries of confidentiality. The childminder demonstrated a commitment to keeping her knowledge and skills up to date through ongoing training through the local authority. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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 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): • develop resources that reflect positive images of learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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