Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340833 Unique Reference Number 08 August 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 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in the Coventry area of the West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor and an upstairs bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for two school aged children. She has an early years qualification to Level 2 and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where satisfactory hygiene routines minimise the spread of infection. They understand that they must wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet to prevent the spread of germs. Children follow their home routines as discussed with their parents. Accident and medication procedures are satisfactorily maintained and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. However, parents have not given their

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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 written consent for the childminder to seek emergency advice or treatment and the first aid box is not sufficiently stocked. Consequently children's health and safety may be comprised in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because they are provided with packed lunches which their parents have prepared. Discussions with parents means their individual dietary needs and food preferences are known. Drinking water is readily available throughout the day. Children sit at a table to eat their lunch and good manners are encouraged.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is sufficiently promoted. They have access to a garden in dry weather and enjoy playing in a small tent and crawling through a tunnel. During school holidays children use their energy in the park and develop their control and coordination as they play on climbing and balancing equipment. As a result, children are developing a positive attitude towards exercise and being active.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment because potential hazards have been minimised by the use of safety equipment such as socket covers and stairgates. Doors are securely locked to prevent children being able to leave the premises unaccompanied. Visual checks are carried out on toys and equipment to enable children to make safe, independent choices. Resources are in good condition and suitable for the age and stage of the children using them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning about their own safety through clear explanation and discussion. They know, for example, that they must not climb on furniture because they could harm themselves. The emergency escape plan is practised and smoke alarms and exit routes have been checked by the fire service to further ensure children's safety. They are beginning to develop an understanding of road safety because they listen to instructions and when possible use a patrolled crossing. Boundaries are clear when they use the park and children know not to approach strangers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an adequate understanding of role and responsibilities in child protection and would pass any concerns on to the relevant agencies. Contact numbers are readily available and she is familiar with the guidance booklet. Therefore, children's welfare is sufficiently safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They play with an appropriate range of activities which are fun and contribute to their learning. Most resources are easily accessible and organised so children are able to make their own choices, therefore, developing their independence. Children have a good relationship with the childminder and receive affection and support as she joins in with their spontaneous play. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and a good awareness of the children's individual needs and personalities. Children play with toys and equipment which are suitable for their age and level of ability.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have lots of free play and take part in routines which are familiar to them such as meal times. They enjoy being creative and are proud of their efforts. Children happily show adults what they make, such as photo frames and animal models. They are confident in asking for

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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 help and guidance, for example, when needing to tie a knot in a lace before they start a threading activity. Regular visits to the library encourage children's interest in books. They listen intently to stories and play educational games which help them develop an understanding of numbers, shapes and letters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive individual care according to their needs. Both boys and girls have equal access to resources, none are specifically kept for either gender. A general range of toys and equipment promotes positive images of people from different cultural backgrounds. A display board has photographs of people from around the world, for example, an African nurse, Arabic teacher, British policeman, American solicitor and Chinese builder. As a result, children are developing their understanding of diversity. Although there are no children currently attending who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder was able to demonstrate how activities are adapted to ensure that children of all abilities can take part. She shows a willingness to work in partnership with parents to enable children to reach their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of rules regarding behaviour and learn to share, take turns and consider others. Children’s behaviour is managed consistently and appropriate strategies are in place for handling challenging behaviour. Children behave well and play co-operatively together. They have been introduced to house rules and are reminded of boundaries. Good use of praise and encouragement helps to develop children’s self-esteem. They are eager to please and return compliments to adults.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents share information about their children's individual needs and interests. Children are helped to settle in by having a gradual introduction. They are relaxed and develop a sense of belonging. Parents wishes are taken into account with regard to their children's care and good communication exists. Photographic evidence of the activities that children take part in is available to parents to view.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Policies and procedures appropriately promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Information exchanged and regular discussions with parents ensure her practice is satisfactory in meeting the needs of individual children. Space is organised sufficiently to enable children to have reasonable access to a variety of play activities and follow their familiar daily routines. They make choices and have access to a general range of resources, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. Information regularly exchanged with parents helps to make sure that their views are respected and they know about their children's daily routine and progress.

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Organisation

Children's information is reviewed as required and records are securely and confidentially stored. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to continue her professional development by attending a range of relevant training courses which relate to children's learning and development. As a result, her knowledge and skills are regularly updated. Overall children’s needs 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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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 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): • obtain parents written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • ensure the first aid box is regularly checked and the contents 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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