Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY219887 Inspection date 06 May 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two young children aged five and six. They live in a house in Coundon which is close to a shopping area and is also within walking distance of a large park, which has a good variety of play equipment. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, as well as the first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a cat.

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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 The Childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a warm, clean environment. They are made aware of the need to wash their hands regularly. Clear hygiene routines minimise the spread of infection. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which promote their physical well being and develop their ability to control their bodies, for example riding bikes, climbing on appropriate equipment and digging in the sand. They regularly visit the local park and benefit from outdoor physical play within the secure garden. The childminder is developing her understanding of how children develop and encourages the children to try new experiences. Children benefit from being able to rest according to their needs. Children enjoy snacks that are healthy and take into account the specific dietary requests of the parents. Foods are presented attractively which encourages the children to complete their meals. Children's social skills are continually encouraged

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Helping children to be healthy

by sitting together at mealtimes, in a relaxed atmosphere. All medical records are maintained and shared with parents. Children are excluded from the provision with infectious illnesses to ensure the health of all the children is maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move freely and safely within three rooms using appropriately sized furniture when completing their activities. Resources are stored suitably and children's independence is encouraged as they are able to freely access a wide range of well maintained, age appropriate toys and equipment. Children benefit from the childminders calm and consistent reinforcement of safety issues within the home which promotes their feeling of security. Their understanding of road safety and keeping themselves safe is reinforced through daily routines and the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures is secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well into the home, relate well to each other and regularly socialise with other children at local groups. Children's independence is encouraged and they

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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 confidently make choices through play, accessing a wide range of toys, activities and equipment which are interesting and appropriate for their needs. Children thoroughly enjoy the individual time and attention which is given to them and enjoy a vast variety of activities such as sand, cooking, dressing up, construction and quieter time spent looking at books. Interaction between the children and childminder is very good and affection is given and warmly received. Children's development is supported well through the childminders understanding of their individual abilities and her encouragement and support in everyday routines i.e. counting, looking at colours and the alphabet. Parents benefit from the time afforded to them keeping them up to date on their child's development and achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder continually updates her knowledge in child development, through training. As part of her ongoing development, she has identified a need to increase her knowledge of care of children under three.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about the wider world and our diverse culture through activities and resources for example books, small world figures and through celebrations of festivals which take place throughout the year and dress from different cultures. Children are seen as individuals and their routines and needs are integrated into the daily routine. Children's understanding of disability is extended through clear, focused discussion and a range of positive image resources which are accessible at all times. Children are learning to share and take turns and behaviour is excellent, through the consistent, caring approach of the childminder. Time is given to relaxation throughout the day. A clear policy, shared with parents ensures they too are fully aware of the strategies in place throughout the day for dealing with behaviour. Parents are encouraged to share information about their child, to ensure their wishes

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are respected and the needs of their child are met effectively. Daily discussion between both parties ensures consistency of care and contributes to good partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children show confidence within the home and freely choose the activities and resources available. Procedures in place to share policies and procedures with parents ensures they are kept up to date with their child's development are involved and informed about the care they receive. Records are up to date and confidentiality maintained. On going training and assessment of her own development in the childcare field ensures that her knowledge and practise is enhanced and benefits the children's overall needs and development.

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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 The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has started to develop the range of resources which reflects disability in a positive way. This has included books and small world figures which are freely available to the children and promotes discussion.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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): • increase knowledge of the care of under threes for example by using the Birth to Three Matters framework.

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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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