Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504764 Inspection date 04 November 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 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 1994. She lives with her husband and three children aged 8, 13 and 15. They live in a house within walking distance to a variety of local shops. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, as well as the first floor bathroom and two of the bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. This is a non-smoking household and the family have a pet corn snake and a budgie. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight at any one time, only

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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 three may be under five years. When working with her husband she can care for no more than seven children under eight of which four may be under five, two may be under one year. One minded child was present during the inspection. The childminder's husband is also a registered childminder and they work together at various times within the week. The children have the opportunity to complete a variety of activities and trips are taken to places of interest during school holidays.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, well maintained home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand the need to wash their hands after using the toilet, at mealtimes and after messy play. They receive good support with personal care when needed, for example, toilet training and are supervised appropriately. Toys and equipment are in good condition and well maintained. Children are well protected by the childminder in the event of an accident because she has an in date certificate and demonstrated through discussion that she deals with accidents in a calm manner. A well stocked first aid box is available for use at home and when out. Documentation relating to health and medical needs are well maintained, up to date and signed by parents. Children’s risk of infection is minimised because a clear, concise written policy is shared with parents detailing exclusion at

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Helping children to be healthy

times of illness. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. They walk to and from school and regularly visit places of interest such as the local park, the ambulance station and access a good range of outdoor play equipment in the garden, including a caravan filled with role play equipment. They benefit from a range of foods which take into account their specific dietary needs and preferences and learn about healthy eating through everyday discussion. Drinks are provided throughout the day to minimise the risk of dehydration.

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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 because potential risks have been identified and minimised by the use of safety equipment, both in the home and when using the car. The home is secure, which enables children to play safely. Children learn to keep themselves safe because they are made aware of potential dangers such as not having small items when babies are present. They are encouraged to think about their own safety including crossing the road safely, understanding stranger danger and protecting themselves. Children are safe

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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 because the toys and equipment are safe, clean and in an excellent condition. Storage enables children to safely access resources for themselves. Children are protected in the event of a fire because the childminder has a written evacuation procedure and children practise the fire drill regularly. Children also practise how to evacuate the premises from a smoke filled room. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's good understanding of child protection procedures and awareness of her responsibilities with regard to protecting the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and confidently move within the home. They benefit from care that meets their individual needs and through play and experiences that are age appropriate and interesting. Children select from a wide range of toys and activities which stimulate and challenge them, developing new skills. The childminder supports them well and interaction is excellent. Children benefit from play experiences in and out of the home. They regularly visit parks and places of interest and are encouraged to develop their physical skills and their imagination in a large caravan within the garden housing a wealth of role play equipment and furniture. Children learn shapes and colours, the alphabet and the childminder is proactive in keeping parents informed of their child's day and any progress made. Play is well organised and relaxed and children rest when they need to.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are known by the childminder. They are cared for in an environment where they are valued and respected and all given equal opportunity to be involved and access the activities provided. Resources that reflect positive images of race, culture and gender are provided, although those that reflect disability are limited. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards others and are involved in celebrations throughout the year, promoting lots of discussion. Children behave very well and are encouraged to be kind and considerate to each other. They benefit from the childminder's clear and consistent strategies for managing behaviour and respond positively to the praise and encouragement they receive. Parents benefit from daily communication keeping them informed and up to date with any progress. Gradual settling in periods are agreed which ensures children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relaxed and develop a sense of belonging in the childminder's home.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Clear written polices and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder’s practice is effective in meeting the needs of individual children. The childminder has all the required information and consent from parents to enable her to meet their individual needs. Information is shared on a daily basis with parents contributing to continuity of care and a strong partnership. Clear, consistent routines are in place which compounds the feeling of security and enables children to relax into their day. Their independence is encouraged and the activities provided meet their individual needs well. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children she cares for very well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to continue to develop resources that reflect positive images of disability. Some resources have been purchased, but the childminder has struggled to access items she feels to be appropriate. She expressed an interest in continuing to develop this area further in order to enhance the service provided.

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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 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):

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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 • continue to develop the resources available that reflect positive images of disability.

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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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