Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 224331 Inspection date 10 November 2005 Inspector Lynn Morris

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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 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 1991. She lives with 2 adult children in Coventry, West Midlands. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children under 5 years on a part-time basis. She walks or drives to local pre-schools to take and collect children and attends a local parent and toddler group. The family has 2 cats.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children take part in activities which contribute to their health. They play with wheeled toys, bats and balls and dance to music at the childminder's home to help them develop control. They go to the local park to use the climbing equipment and visit a local pond to feed the ducks. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn about hygiene and personal care. They learn to wash their hands with liquid soap after using the toilet, after playing or touching the family pets and before meals. This helps them to understand the importance of keeping their hands clean. Children have a range of sandwich meals and snacks provided by the childminder. Fresh fruit and yoghurts are always available and the childminder takes account of children's allergies and parents wishes when offering meals. Children's health is considered, the childminder has completed food hygiene training and they choose

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Helping children to be healthy

from sugar free squash, milk and water and children access drinks at any time.

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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 home where most risks have been identified and addressed. However, young children are able to access the stairs because the stair gate available is not in place. Children move around the home independently, using the lounge and the dining room for play activities. They play confidently with toys of satisfactory quality, inside and outside in the garden. Children's safety is adequately met through the childminder's procedures and documentation. For example, all documentation to take children out in the car is up-to-date and appropriate car seats are used, which means that children are transported safely. Children learn to keep themselves safe. They hold the pushchair when walking and learn to walk on the inside of the childminder away from the road. They talk about crossing the road safely by looking and listening. Children are adequately protected from risk of harm or abuse by the childminder's satisfactory

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

knowledge of local child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well in the childminder's home. They make good relationships with each other and the childminder. Children socialise with other children during visits to

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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 or from other local childminders and friends with children. They attend some organised groups outside of the home with the childminder. They benefit from learning and play opportunities in the home, during daily walks and through visits and outings. Children become independent as they choose from a general range of toys, which are easily accessed in the lounge and dining room and are changed frequently to add variety. They use toys available to develop their emerging skills. For example, children played with an interactive farm game. They learn the names and sounds of the different animals supported well by the childminder. Their emerging language is developing and they learn new words during their play. Children are cared for as individuals with different needs. Activities meet the needs of children at their different

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about other cultures and special needs. They choose from a satisfactory range of toys and books, which help children develop a positive view of differences. They celebrate different festivals throughout the year. For example, during Diwali they made hats and had the story of Sita and Rama. Children see adaptations made to the childminder's home to accommodate special needs and explore an interesting range of books with the childminder, which help children learn to appreciate and value similarities and differences. Children are respected and valued and receive individual care according to their needs. They have equal access to resources. They receive praise and they respond to requests from the childminder and behave well. They seek appropriate cuddles and reassurance, which are freely given. Children's information is exchanged with parents verbally at the end of each session

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Helping children make a positive contribution

attended. Children benefit from written information provided for parents, which includes policies and procedure documents. The childminder builds relationships with parents, who know they are welcome at any time, which helps children develop a sense of belonging.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. They play in rooms downstairs and make use of the space and toys available in the garden. They make choices of play and use accessible toys and resources, developing confidence and self-esteem. Information regularly exchanged with parents helps to make sure that care meets their wishes and they know about their children's progress. Children benefit from the childminder's organisational skills with regards to routines, which include a variety of activities to contribute to their learning and social skills.

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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 Children's records contribute to effective care and written policies and procedures ensure provision meets children's individual needs. Confidentiality is maintained and children's personal information is kept secure. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children she cares for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have access to a range of resources that promote positive images of disability. Children access a range of books and resources which help them appreciate and value similarities and differences. This contributes to their understanding of special needs.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • ensure that children cannot access the stairs at all times.

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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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