Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 259176 Inspection date 06 September 2005 Inspector Jan Burnet

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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 2000. He provides a childminding service in partnership with his wife. Both are registered childminders. They live in a residential area of Coventry, approximately two miles north-west of the city centre. A "through" lounge, which could be divided into two rooms, and a conservatory are used as play rooms. A safely enclosed garden is at the rear. There are no pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children under 8 years at any one time when childminding alone and 10 children when childminding with his wife. They are currently minding 6 children aged under 5 years and 2 school age

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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 children, 1 of them during school holidays only. The childminder is able to walk to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's good health is assured due to the childminder's excellent hygiene routines. A very high priority is given to the nutritional value of children's food and they are unlikely to suffer stomach upset due to unsafe food because they benefit from the childminder's comprehensive food hygiene practices. Children are learning how to keep themselves healthy and are aware of good practice with regard to hand washing. The childminder provides anti-bacterial liquid soap. The risk of cross infection is minimal because parents are aware that their child should not attend if he/she has a contagious illness or sickness and diarrhoea and that they will be contacted if the child becomes ill. The childminder holds an in-date first aid certificate and ensures that the first aid box is very well stocked. Children learn about how to keep healthy and help to choose five fruits and vegetables each day. They regularly play a "Food Fun" game and they are learning

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Helping children to be healthy

about all sorts of vegetables and fruit, also protein and carbohydrates. Another magnetic game shows them foods from different countries. Children have grown tomatoes and strawberries and sunflowers and they know that plants must have water and sun to make them grow. Children learn about the dangers of eating too much sugar and make cakes and ginger bread men for their own occasional treats. The childminder is pro-active in ensuring that children benefit from a healthy eating programme with no additives or preservatives in any foods. Occasionally children drink fruit juice but usually water, which they can help themselves to. Children make their own bread from "cracked wheat" flour and learn why they are doing so. Children's emotional well being is totally assured. The childminder creates a lovely atmosphere and offers excellent support and encouragement. Children are confident, secure and happy. They are developing skills and confidence during physical play

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Helping children to be healthy

activities at home and at the park. The childminder has a "keep fit " bag containing bats, balls, bean bags and the children enjoy playing on swings, slides and, under close supervision, on the climbing equipment at the park. A favourite activity is kite flying.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play, eat and sleep in safe and healthy premises. Children's needs are thoroughly met with very well organised space; the front room for babies because all equipment suitable is stored in this area, middle area and conservatory for older toddlers and three year olds and if school age children attend, the conservatory is

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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 used by them with interaction between these and pre-school children in middle room. They easily select from a good variety of toys and equipment that are safe, clean and in a good condition. Risks to children are minimal because they play in a safe environment and learn how to keep themselves safe; for example, use of pedestrian crossings, road safety when crossing, behaviour rules. The childminder has identified and comprehensively addressed potential hazards inside the home and in the garden. Security is given a very high priority and the fire drill is practised every month. The childminder is alert to his responsibilities with regard to supervision at all times. Children are protected because the childminder has a working knowledge of abuse and neglect. He is aware of his responsibilities with regard to local referral

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, proud of their achievements and keen to learn. They enjoy their chosen activities, interact very well and support each other. Children are cared for as individuals with different needs and the childminder ensures that a good variety of activities are available for all. They are learning and developing as a result of stimulating and challenging experiences. Routines are good, consistent and include activities inside and outside the home, for example, a full range of messy and creative play, singing and dancing, cooking, listening to stories and developing an appreciation of books, gaining confidence and physical skills at the park, developing pencil control, linking sound and letter, counting and recognising shapes, colours and numerals. Children are developing independence as a good choice of resources is offered and they are able to make their own choices. They concentrate well and they are sociable

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s individual needs are fully known by the childminder. They benefit from good communication between the childminder and parents that ensures consistency of care. Admission forms are very thorough and information is shared daily. Children's emotional security is addressed well and begins with a gradual introduction for each child. The childminder produces a quarterly newsletter for parents identifying topics during the period. Children choose from a range of books and toys that reflect diversity and are learning to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences. They learn to respect other children's opinions and feelings and learn about each others' cultural differences when celebrating festivals. Children learn about food from different parts

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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 of the world, learn to use chop sticks and help to cook the food. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs and ensures that all children are valued and included. Children's self esteem is very well fostered. Consistency regarding management of behaviour between parents and the childminder is addressed well with good communication; a policy is shown to parents and states, "A child should be given praise and encouragement to promote appropriate behaviour" and "Distracting young children often defuses the situation." Children are expected to respect other people's feelings, to be kind to each other and to share. They may be excluded from an activity for a short period and an explanation given, dependent upon the child's level of development, why the behaviour was unacceptable. The childminder is a good role

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and made welcome in the childminder’s home. They receive lots of attention because the childminder and his wife always care for children together and adult to child ratios are good. Daily routines are consistent, activities are varied and resources and play space are very well organised. Children's independence is developing well, activities are organised to meet different needs and thorough admission information and verbal communication with parents ensures that individual needs are met. Contracts are forms originally provided by the local authority and although thorough, refer to local requirements and not the National Standards. Documentation is well organised and includes policies drawn up for parents on behaviour, fire practice and accident and illness. All required records are kept in good order. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend very well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection, the childminder was asked to continue to develop resources that reflect disability. This has been addressed as children now have access to books and jigsaw puzzles that reflect a positive image.

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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

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): • ensure that contracts with parents do not refer to local authority requirements.

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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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