Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY361672 Unique Reference Number 06 March 2008 Inspection date Hazel Christine White 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 partner and two children aged one and five years. They live in the Coventry area of the West Midlands. 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 and attends a local parent and toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a NVQ Level 3 childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for three children on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they follow consistent hygiene routines and develop an understanding of personal care. Children use pictures and visual clues which are displayed in the toilet to help them understand good hygiene procedures. Nappy changing

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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 practices are good which helps to protect children from the risk of cross-contamination. Children are appropriately protected in the case of an accident because the childminder has received training in first aid. However, the first aid box is not sufficiently stocked and as a result children's safety may be compromised in the event of a serious accident. Accident record and medication records are kept up-to-date and signed by parents. Written consent for medication and emergency consent has been obtained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are taken into account because parents provide their meals. These are either cooked food to be re-heated or a packed lunch. They have a good range of fruit to snack on; at present they have apples, bananas, pears and kiwi fruit because they have been listening to the 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' story and are familiar with the ones in the book. Children go to the supermarket to purchase fruit and as a result, are developing their understanding of healthy options. Good food hygiene practices are in place, children's food is stored on a separate shelf in the fridge and a temperature chart is completed daily. Children are offered or help themselves to drinks throughout the day depending on their age and ability. Older children have a sports bottle labelled with their name which is regularly replenished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide variety of activities which contribute to their physical health. They thoroughly enjoy visiting groups where they have the opportunity to use climbing and soft play equipment. Children get plenty of fresh air and use a variety of resources in the garden that challenge and encourage their physical well-being and development. They play ball games, use wheeled toys and bounce on the trampoline. They walk to recreational areas and to and from school. Children enjoy dance, action rhymes and singing activities, as a result their control and coordination is being developing effectively.

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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 safe and secure environment. Space is effectively organised to enable children to move freely between rooms. Written risk assessments are in place to ensure potential hazards are identified and minimised by the use of safety equipment. Daily visual checks are made and children are cared for in a home where all areas of the home and garden are secure. Toys and equipment are in an excellent condition and well organised in labelled boxes on low shelves. Consequently, children can safely select resources for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children know the emergency evacuation procedure because they regularly practiseit and can recall what to do with confidence. Fire drills are recorded and the emergency escape plan is displayed. A fire blanket is readily available and smoke alarms are in working order and checked regularly. A fire officer fitted the smoke alarms and offered advice on all aspects of fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective procedures ensure that as children grow they develop an understanding of their own safety when out, for example, crossing the road safely and understanding 'Stranger danger'. Parents give written consent for their children to travel on public transport. Emergency contact numbers are taken and a first aid kit. Children have clear boundaries and they are only taken to places that are known to be suitable for young children such as parent and toddler groups. Young children are securely strapped into pushchairs or use reins to make sure that they are safe. Children are always within the childminder's sight and frequently reminded of safety rules. An uncollected child policy is shared with parents.

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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 Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of the procedures to safeguard children's welfare. She is fully conversant with local referral procedures and has a child protection policy which is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish in the care of the childminder who is dedicated to providing a wealth of stimulating, enjoyable activities and experiences that enhance children's development and social skills. Children are treated as individuals, are valued and respected. They enjoy purposeful play, investigating and using their senses both in and out of the home. For example, children place carnations in water that has had food colouring added. They watch the colour of the flower change and competently use a camera to take photographs of each stage. Children offer their ideas and respond to challenges with great enthusiasm. Role play is a particular favourite with the children and they show great imagination. For example, they make various hospital departments by using junk models and dressing up clothes. A skeleton costume hung on a cupboard door makes an excellent x-ray machine. Children use the internet to find pictures of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

'real x-rays' which they photo- copy and refer to when making a diagnosis. The special care baby unit has a row of tiny dolls which are carefully handled and delicately fed to make them become 'big and strong'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's individual development is successfully promoted through the childminder’s use of her first-class knowledge of child care. They develop a huge amount of confidence and positive self-esteem through the interaction, care and attention they receive. Play is adapted for younger children to ensure that they are able to participate and become fully included. For example, they use finger paints and 'gloop' to explore textures whilst more able children use brushes and mix their own colours. Weekly plans provide children with optimum challenge and are flexible to ensure that they continue to be eager and keen to learn. Plans are evaluated to determine how successful the activity was and changes made to effectively engage children. The two main playrooms house an extensive variety of toys and resources that are excellently maintained and stored to enable maximum access to the children. Photographs reflect the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

exciting activities that children are involved in and are displayed for all to see, encouraging children to recall and discuss things they have done.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's social skills develop well as they have regular opportunities to mix in group situations. They thoroughly enjoy interacting with children of their own age at parent and toddler and childminding groups. Children are frequently taken to places of interest in connection with current topics and themes. They are very excited about purchasing fruit at the local supermarket as they have read the 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' story and are going to try all of the fruits listed in the book.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are extremely happy, confident and settled at the childminder's home and move freely around the rooms. They are treated as individuals and their language is encouraged and extended by the childminder through her skilful questioning. They are praised at all times for their understanding and achievements; excellent interaction was observed throughout the inspection.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s sense of belonging is fostered well through the warm, child-friendly environment and the childminder’s commitment to the children's needs. Their awareness and understanding

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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 of diversity and the wider world is positively promoted through resources. For example, dolls, books, puzzles, play figures and role play. Children enjoy celebrating various festivals and special days such as Holi, the Chinese New Year and Easter. They make dragons and talk about the animals mentioned in the Chinese Calendar. Children cook Easter biscuits and show excitement as they recall the egg hunt. They search the internet for information and have factual books for reference. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive good levels of support which ensures all children are valued and included. They receive individual attention so that their needs are effectively met. Illustrations in books and discussions help children to understand about similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is managed consistently through the effective partnership with parents. The behaviour management policy is shared with parents and the focus is on raising children's self-esteem by promoting positive behaviour. Children's understanding of acceptable behaviour is developed through the clear boundaries that are set. For example, listen, think about what you do, be polite and remember that we are friends. As a result children behave well, play cooperatively together and are learning to respect one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents regularly share information about their child’s needs, interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. Good communication exists on a daily basis and discussions regularly take place to update this information. Parents receive copies of all policies and procedures and an extremely informative hand book. Consequently, they are kept thoroughly informed of all aspects of their child's care. The childminder has collected a variety of leaflets which are readily available in a box by the parents notice board. These provide parents with advice on topics such as road safety, childhood illnesses, siblings and safety in the car. Each child has a daily diary which informs parents of their daily routines. Therefore, this practice effectively promotes children's well-being, development and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Space is well organised to enable children to experience a wide variety of play opportunities in specific areas. Policies and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. These are shared with parents and regularly reviewed to ensure their ongoing suitability. A comprehensive parent handbook reflects the service and care provided. All required documentation is completed correctly, kept up-to-date and held securely within the boundaries of confidentiality.

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Organisation

Children flourish because the childminder’s attention to detail ensures each child’s routines and requirements are continually met. She demonstrates a clear commitment to developing her awareness of childcare and has attended numerous courses on all aspects of childcare to enhance her practice. Overall children’s needs are met.

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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. The provider is required to

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Complaints 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 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): • ensure the contents of the first aid box are checked regularly and replaced as necessary.

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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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