Childminder in Coventry

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 504737 Inspection date 30/04/2009 Inspector Hazel Christine White

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1987. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a residential area of Coventry in the West Midlands. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. The premises are easily accessible and the whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. There are currently four children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. There are three children attending for various sessions before and after school.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a welcoming, child-orientated and inclusive environment where children are happy and settled. She is caring and knows their individual needs and personalities well. Their safety is protected through a general range of policies, procedures and everyday practices. Children's are making good progress in their learning and play because they access a wide variety of stimulating resources and there are clear systems in place for observation and assessment. Close partnerships exist with parents to ensure children’s individual needs are fully met. Documentation is well-organised although minor amendments are required to ensure that the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements are fully met. The childminder is committed to continually improving her practice and ensures that any priorities for future development are identified and acted on.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 share safeguarding procedures with parents  obtain prior written permisson for each and every medicine from parents, before any medication is given to children  practice the emergency evacuation plan.

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provision

Children are suitability safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and knows what to do should she be concerned. This knowledge is underpinned by a clear policy; however, it is not shared with parents which mean that may not be fully aware of the responsibilities in protecting children from harm. A risk assessment has been conducted and the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 carries out daily safety checks on her home and any resources used for minding. She takes a range of steps to protect children whilst on outings and these include the use of appropriate car safety seats and teaching children about road safety.

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provision

This childminder has formed strong relationships with parents. They chat on a daily basis and texts and e-mails are regularly sent to reassure parents that their children are settled. Home routines and family practices are discussed to ensure consistency which effectively helps children to feel a sense of belonging. The childminder ensures that parents are kept well informed about their child's day, care and activities, as well as their progress. Some of the children that she cares for also attend other childcare settings and the childminder has begun to forge links with these to ensure consistency of care. She asks children about what they have done and she checks the setting’s notice boards and displays to gain additional information about topics they are covering and things that they intend to do with the children. Consequently, she is able to use this information to help support and extend their learning whilst in her care.

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provision

The childminder is well organised and maintains accurate and up-to-date records and a selection of written policies and procedures which supports her practice well. She evaluates her practice and although methods to do this have recently been implemented, she demonstrates a good understanding of her own strengths and weaknesses. She is enthusiastic and shows a sound commitment towards continually improving her service.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, settled and secure because the childminder builds good relationships with them and provides comfort, praise and lots of encouragement. She has a calm and warm approach and children receive plenty of affection and a good level of interaction. All areas of learning are covered through a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities, both indoors and outside. Informal plans provide children with a variety of fun experiences that effectively motivate them and help them learn. The daily routine is familiar, therefore, children know what is likely to happen throughout the day. The childminder observes children during play and uses the information gathered to plan activities and experiences. Each child has their own book which contains a collection of observations, photographs and art work. Their individual progress and achievements are recorded and clearly linked to the early learning goals. This information is used effectively to plan for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

the next steps in their learning, consequently, their learning and development needs are fully recognised and supported.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Toys and equipment are plentiful and include those that help children gain a positive attitude towards diversity. Children's independence is effectively encouraged because a large selection of resources is accessibly stored in the main room used for play. Resources are rotated to keep children interested. Everyday experiences are used to help children develop and practise skills, for example, children are learning to match and count everyday items and compare numbers and recognise letters when playing games. They particularly enjoy the 'jolly phonics' set of books and can identify the sounds and letters of the alphabet. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 garden is well used and children go on lots of walks in the local environment. They also regularly attend ‘magic movers’ sessions which encourage children to move and dance to music, therefore, developing their confidence and physical skills as

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are taught road safety as they go out for walks and the childminder, through gentle reminders, makes them aware of rules necessary to protect their own safety within her home. For example, older children know that some toys are not suitable to have around when babies are present because they could put small pieces into their mouth. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place, however, this has not been practised which means that children do not know what to expect in the event of a real emergency situation. The childminder ensures she can respond appropriately if a child becomes ill or has an accident and she has completed a relevant first aid course. Medication procedures are in place and written parental permission is sought for prescribed medicines to be administered. This practice does not include over the counter medication and as a result children's health could be compromised. Everyday discussions help children to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

understand the importance of effective hand washing routines and the need to eat healthily. Parents provide packed lunches for their own children. These are suitably stored and prepared. Children seat at the table to eat and good manners are encouraged. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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