Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504737 Inspection date 01 December 2005 Inspector Tracey Marie Boland

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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 April 1987. She lives with her husband and three adult children. They live in the Stoke area of Coventry, within walking distance to local shops and amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are no pets. The children regularly go for walks within the local area and trips to places of interest also take place. They also walk to and from schools in the local area.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean environment and learn the importance of personal hygiene through consistent everyday routines and encouragement from the childminder. The spread of infection is minimised through regular cleaning and daily encouragement of hand washing. Parents share information about their child and are kept informed about their day. Relevant documentation regarding medicines and health care are completed. Children's welfare is a priority and clear exclusion information is shared with parents, minimising the spread of infection through illness. They benefit from maintaining their own routines including sleep and mealtimes, reinforcing their feeling of security and well-being. A stocked first aid box is accessible and a valid first aid certificate held. Children's individual dietary requirements are known and respected. The childminder has an understanding of healthy eating and offers children drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move safely around the areas of the home used and potential risks to children have been minimised. They benefit from care within a safe and secure environment. Children learn road safety through discussion and reinforcement when out and understand the clear emergency evacuation procedure within the home which is practised periodically. The childminders vigilance when visiting places of interest, ensures their continued safety. Children access a range of well maintained resources which take into account their age and abilities. Toys are stored appropriately, are easily accessible and are checked regularly to ensure their continued suitability. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a range of suitable activities and experiences to encourage their development. They settle well into the home and individual time is also incorporated into the day. Children are involved in art and craft activities and enjoy construction play, outdoor physical play and music and movement, role play, looking at books and completing puzzles. Children are developing increasing independence through daily routines. Firm

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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 relationships are apparent between the childminder and the children and affection is readily given and received. Children's individual needs are well known and their development is supported well. Encouragement and support is given throughout daily routines and children are involved in tidying away the resources when they have finished an activity. Parents benefit from the time spent sharing information about their child's progress and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are gaining a knowledge about the wider world through festival celebrations, discussions, food tasting and through accessing a range of resources which reflect positive images of society, including disability. Children's needs are discussed with parents and respected and children benefit from their individual needs being incorporated into the day. Parents are encouraged to share information about their child and are kept informed of their progress. Children display good behaviour and are encouraged to share and show consideration to each other. The childminders consistent approach to behaviour and her understanding of the individuals in her care ensures that behaviour is dealt with appropriately. The children respond positively to praise. Parents are encouraged to share all relevant information about their child, which enables their individual needs to be met. Both parties benefit from daily verbal

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Helping children make a positive contribution

feedback, keeping each of them up to date with the children's progress and achievements. Any documentation completed within the day is shared, regarding health and medication.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Most documentation is up to date and held confidentially. However, the children's arrival and departure times are not included within the daily register which may compromise the safe management of the children and their welfare. Records completed are shared with the parents to ensure they are kept fully informed about their child's day and they are informed of any progress. Records are kept up to date and confidentiality is maintained. The childminder provides a relaxed environment for the children and a good range of resources are easily accessible to the children. Strong relationships have been formed between herself and the children. Overall, the needs of the range of children are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to increase the resources reflecting positive images of disability. Small world dolls and books have been purchased and regular visits to the library take place with the children, looking at books that positively reflect disability. Discussion also takes place with children about society, which increases their understanding further.

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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): • record the times of arrival and departure within the daily register.

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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

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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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