Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364159 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2008 Inspection date Teresa Marie Taylor 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 was registered in 2007. She child minds in her mothers house and works with her mother, also a registered childminder and, occasionally with an assistant, who is also a family member. The childminder lives in the Longford area of Coventry. The whole of the ground floor, first floor bathroom and front bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time and, when working with an assistant or other childminder may care for a maximum of nine children of which five may be under five. Together the childminders currently care for 14 children of which seven are under five. Children attend for a variety of sessions. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools and pre-school groups. The family have fish and a tortoise.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 good. Children's health is protected well as the childminder has clear routines in place which are discussed with the children. This enables them to understand why they should follow good hygiene practises to prevent them becoming ill from germs. All children have individual towels at parents requests, for example, cleaning their teeth after meals, are all followed. The changing mat is cleaned every time it is used and this reduces the possibility of cross infection. The childminder has a complete first aid kit and holds a current first aid certificate which ensures she is able to respond appropriately to any accidents children may have.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to use the garden at every opportunity for physical play. The childminder understands the need for children to have outdoor physical activities and the garden is very well equipped, with a wide range of physical play activities and areas of shade. The childminder ensures the garden is secure and clean so that children are safe when playing.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides all meals for the children and also provides for babies being weaned. She is happy to use a blender to puree food and encourage children to try new foods. She has a good understanding of healthy eating, fruit and vegetables are provided daily. Agreements with parents for the provision of meals, all allergies and food preferences are recorded ensuring children are provided with appropriate and nutritious meals that meet their individual needs. Drinks are always freely available and appropriate drink containers are provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder ensures her home is safe and welcoming and that children are provided with sufficient space to explore and play. They are encouraged to use all of the play areas and toys and equipment are checked regularly to make sure that children are safe and would not come to no harm due to damaged equipment. All children use the trampoline although the manufacturers guidance states it is not suitable for children under six. Safety issues are discussed with the children ensuring they understand why tidying up helps prevent accidents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are well organised and appropriate storage ensures children can access all the toys and equipment safely. Outdoor play is always supervised to ensure children's safety. Children's understanding of general safety is promoted as the childminder discusses road safety and stranger danger with them prior to going on outings. She checks for general safety at all premises visited and takes parental contact details with her whenever out of the house. This ensures she could contact parents without delay. Children understand about fire safety as there are clear emergency exit plans which they practise monthly and the childminder records.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected within the house as the front door is always locked and the childminder requests ID from anyone who calls. This ensures they remain safe from strangers and could not leave the premises alone. Child protection information is not shared with parents but, the childminder is clear on recording any concerns and sharing them with parents. She is aware of contacting social services and Ofsted both about the minded children and, if any concerns were expressed about herself or any family member.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a wide range of both indoor and outdoor activities to choose from and are free to choose their own activities. This enables children to make decisions, develop their self-esteem and learn to share and cooperate. Their independence is actively encouraged and their decisions valued. Children can safely access all of the available toys and equipment as there is appropriate storage. The reasons for tidying up are explained to the children so that they understand about preventing domestic accidents and keeping themselves safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

When the children are taken on outings all settings are checked for safety and expectations of behaviour are discussed. This enables children to understand the reasons for rules when out and increases their understanding of personal safety. The childminder has obtained written consent from parents for transport and outings. She shares her plans with parents ensuring they are aware of their children's location at all times. Outdoor play is always available and the garden is very well equipped. Children are encouraged to climb, cycle, run and play with bats and balls. Shaded areas and drinks are provided so that children don’t become over heated.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder regularly praises children and encourages them to question and explore. This encourages the children to settle quickly. She actively promotes listening and language skills to enable the children to express themselves and learn to listen to others. Regular observations are undertaken to ensure activities are suitable and stimulating for the children and that children are given appropriate learning experiences. Play plans and observations are shared with parents so they know what their children are involved in while at the childminders.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is able to adapt play opportunities to ensure all children can take part. She has a good understanding of equal opportunities and ensures that all children and families are treated with equal concern and respect. Children have access to a wide range of toys, equipment and planned activities to support equal opportunities thereby increasing their opportunities to discuss and develop understanding of the wider world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good because the childminder provides clear and consistent management whereby the children know what is expected of them. They are encouraged to share, display good manners and take responsibility for their actions. Children get on very well and older children are careful and considerate to the younger children. This enables the children to develop appropriate strategies for cooperating and playing together and gives then responsibility for their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good relationships with parents which contribute significantly to children's wellbeing. Children are aware that the childminder discusses all aspects of their day with their parents and this encourages children to develop responsibility for themselves and others. The childminder ensures that all information on children is readily available to parents and kept up-to-date. There is an extensive portfolio of policies and information available for parents ensuring they are fully aware of all aspects of the care provided for their child. Information on how to make a complaint is readily available for parents should they need it and they are all provided with an individual set of all of the childminder's policies.

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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. There are appropriate clearances in place for all adults in the household and the childminder ensures that no unplanned visitors are given access to the house during minding hours. This ensures children are fully protected. Children have the use of all of the ground floor, first floor bathroom and garden and are encouraged to make good use of the space, spread out activities and play together or alone as the mood takes them.

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Organisation

Children are happy and settled in this child-centred and calm environment. Toys and equipment are easily available to them both indoors and in the garden and they are encouraged to make their own decisions regarding play. Their independence is actively encouraged allowing them to develop self-esteem and ownership of their actions. The childminder continues to undertake training to improve her knowledge and provide greater opportunities for children.

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Organisation

The childminder's documentation is all up-to-date, well organised and kept confidentially. Parents are provided with a detailed daily discussion on how their child's day has been and all verbal agreements with parents are recorded and acted upon. There is an extensive portfolio of policies and information for parents, with essential information, including how to make a complaint, clearly displayed. This provides consistency for the children and reassurance for the parents. However all the policies only contain the childminders co-workers name.

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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): • consider sharing child protection procedures with parents

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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 • ensure outdoor play equipment is safe for the children to use, with specific reference to the trampoline • consider including both childminders names on policies

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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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