Childminder in WarwickshireOfsted inspection, 17 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290244 Inspection date 17 October 2005 Inspector Brenda Turner

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 4 years and 9 years. They live in a house in Leamington Spa. There is a primary school, pre-school and toddler group within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding except the master bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are currently three children on roll. The family have some pet goldfish.

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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 age-appropriate children's groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate health and hygiene practices such as keeping kitchen food preparation areas clear and very clean. Children do not attend if they are sick and parents are contacted speedily to collect a child if taken ill whilst in the care of the childminder. With support young children begin to understand and practise simple good health and hygiene practices. An example of this is that they are encouraged and helped to wash their hands after using the toilet, after playing outside and before eating snacks and meals. Children are very well nourished with healthy snacks and meals for example, at lunchtime sandwiches made with brown bread may consist of cheese, or ham, followed by fruit or yoghurt. Drinks are freely available throughout the day. A cooked meal of pasta or meat and vegetables is eaten with the family at tea-time. Children's

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Helping children to be healthy

individual likes and dislikes and parents' wishes are taken into account when meals are planned. Children regularly learn about healthy living and keeping well because the childminder helps them to identify food that is 'good for you.' There are very good opportunities for children to take daily exercise. For example, visits to the park where they walk, run, jump and play. Individual rest and sleep routines are well organised according to children's needs and parent's wishes. Written parental permission for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment has not been requested for all children attending.

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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 welcoming, very secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment suitable for the purpose and risk assessed prior to the children attending. Children do not have unsupervised access to the stairs or kitchen and hazardous substances are securely stored. They learn to keep themselves safe and avoid accidental injury by following house rules for example, no running indoors and do not touch certain items. Children learn about the dangers of fire through pretend play resources such as fire engines. Children use suitable and safe good quality age-appropriate indoor and outdoor equipment and resources. These are clean well stored, regularly checked and well maintained. Floor areas are checked and cleared as appropriate to avoid trips and

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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 falls. Children are taught to keep safe when out and about. They learn how to cross the road safely, to stay away from the kerb and walk on the inside of the pavement. They follow the sequence of traffic lights and know that when showing red cars must stop and pedestrians should wait for the bleep and the green man to show before crossing the road. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder assesses safety risks before taking children to public places. Children are protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is suitably aware of appropriate procedures and what to do if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very confident, happy and well settled. The childminder encourages and praises them for what they do well, such as identifying colours, numbers and letters correctly. Children are regularly taken out to groups like Surestart 'Stop and Play'. They enjoy meeting people and make positive relationships by mixing and playing with other children. Children are interested in what they do and with adult support concentrate and persevere to finish jigsaw puzzles or look at a book. They enjoy pretend play as when making cups of tea and serving adults. They are interested and ask questions for example, about the computer. Children develop and acquire new skills through play activities like play dough as they find out about textures and develop finger control. They enjoy painting, experimenting with colour and seeing their work displayed on the wall. Young children begin to distinguish between right and wrong. The childminder has

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

clear rules that are consistently applied and mostly linked to safety, such as not to put things in their mouth. There are good opportunities for children to enjoy outdoor play in the garden or visit local parks or feed the ducks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are properly cared for by the childminder who works closely with parents to meet individual children’s needs and ensure they are included fully in the life of the setting. An example of this is that everyone eats together at family evening meal time. All children are well supported take part in age-appropriate outings and visits and have easy access to a good range of suitable activities and resources. Children are well cared for in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, they feel a sense of belonging and have a trusting relationship with the childminder. For example, the pre-school child says 'I love you' to the childminder who quickly responds 'I love you too.'

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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 Young children begin to understand responsible behaviour and what is expected of them. Their behaviour is good. It is suitably managed in an age-appropriate clear and consistent way. Children willingly help to put toys away and tidy up when asked. They show consideration for others such as learning to share and to understand the needs of children younger than themselves. Children begin to learn respect for others in the community by using some resources like books that show positive images of people who are different from themselves. Children's well-being and development is suitably promoted because an open working partnership is maintained between the childminder and parents. Information is regularly shared verbally with parents at the end of the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder knows the children well and has a high regard for their well-being. They are well cared for and supported to enjoy and benefit from their time with the childminder. Record keeping procedures work well in practice to support children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and the ability to make a positive contribution. Useful records are properly completed to ensure the work of the setting is carried out effectively. The childminder develops and maintains a good working relationship with parents by regular daily contact. Good organisation on the part of the childminder in respect of taking and collecting children from school and nursery at specified times during the day, ensures the individual needs of children and parents are well supported. The needs of all children across the age range are met.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • Request written parental permission for the seeking of emergency medical advice and treatment

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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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