Muskett Lynne Valerie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510510 Inspection date 12 December 2005 Inspector Hazel Christine White

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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 has been registered since 1995. She lives with her adult daughter in the Coundon area of Coventry. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group. The family have a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is

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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 registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently caring for 2 children aged 3 and 4 years during the day and 3 children after school.

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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. Children's personal care is satisfactorily met. They follow home routines as discussed by parents which reflect their individual requirements. Toys and equipment are clean and in good condition. Children experience an appropriate range of activities, indoors and outside which promotes their physical development. Children walk to and from school and have equipment such as a tunnel and slide to use in the garden. They are beginning to learn that it is important to be active and sometimes have discussions about it. Children's individual dietary needs are satisfactorily met because they are provided with packed lunches that have been prepared by their parents. Drinking water and

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Helping children to be healthy

fruit juices are offered throughout the day. They are encouraged to sit at the table to eat their food and good manners are promoted.

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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 and secure environment because potential hazards have been minimised by the use of safety equipment such as socket covers. Children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised because doors are locked and fencing is secure. Visual checks are carried out on toys and equipment to enable children to make independent choices. Resources are in good condition and suitable for the age and stage of the children cared for. Children are appropriately supervised both indoors and outside. They are learning about their own safety as rules and boundaries are discussed. For example children are developing an understanding of road safety when walking to and from school. They are clear of the procedure and look and listen for traffic. An emergency escape plan has devised and children have been able to practise it. Fire safety precautions are in place on the ground floor, however, there is not a smoke alarm on the first floor

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

therefore children may not be fully protected in the event of a fire. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's satisfactory understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled at the childminder's home. They play with an appropriate range of activities which are stimulating and contribute to their learning. The majority of toys and equipment are easily accessible and organised so children can see what is available. They are developing increasing independence and self select activities. Children have developed a good relationship with the childminder and one another. They are relaxed and chat about past events that they have taken part in. For example the Christmas concert and party. Children have opportunities to socialise with other children outside of the home. They attend a parent and toddler group and frequently visit another local childminder who cares for young children. Children are provided with a range of activities according to their likes and interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They play with toys and equipment which are suitable for their different age groups. Children enjoy free play and are familiar with routines. They are appropriately challenged and show an interest in their chosen activities. Children have opportunities to be creative and take part in junk modelling and sticking activities. They show good concentration as they complete jigsaws and are proud of their achievements. The childminder has a good awareness of the children's individual needs and personalities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children play with a sufficient range of activities which promote a positive view of the wider environment and an understanding of others. For example, they play with resources such as play figures and books which reflect positive images of children from our multi-cultural society. They have discussions about festivals that have been celebrated at nursery and school. Children are cared for in an environment where they are encouraged to have a positive attitude towards others. Activities are adapted as necessary to ensure that children of all abilities can take part. Children are learning to respect one another and are encouraged to share and take turns when playing. They have been introduced to house rules and are reminded of boundaries. Children receive praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour. They are well behaved and aware of the expected behaviour. Parents share information about their children's individual needs and interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are helped to settle in by having a gradual introduction. They are confident, happy and settled. Parents wishes are taken into account with regard to their children's care and good communication exists.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment. Their welfare, care and learning are satisfactorily promoted. The childminder’s practice is appropriate in meeting the needs of individual children. Space is sufficiently organised to enable children to

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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 experience a variety of play activities and follow their familiar daily routines. Children self select resources and move freely between areas. Their continuity of care is satisfactorily promoted through the information exchanged and regular discussions with parents. Parents' comments and views are valued and taken into account. Records are securely and confidentially stored. The childminder keeps her knowledge and skills updated by attending short courses and reading literature on aspects of childcare. She is currently in the process of completing a 'Quality Assurance' scheme. 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 agreed to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Play people and books have been added to the resources. Therefore children are becoming aware of the wider world and learn to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences through playing with toys which reflect diversity. Written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment has been obtained for all children to ensure that they are satisfactorily provided for in the event of an accident or illness.

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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 that 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): • provide a working smoke alarm on the first floor which conforms to BS EN safety standards.

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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 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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