Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY243251 Inspection date 05 August 2005 Inspector Valerie Jean Edward

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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 is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children. She has been a childminder since 2003 and lives with her husband and 3 children aged 4 years, 8 years and 9 years. They live in a house on the outskirts of Coleshill town centre where there are schools near by. There is a park within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding with limited use of the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 family have two pet dogs and a cat. The childminder is currently caring for 3 children aged under 8 years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are keeping healthy because the childminder understands the importance of good daily hygiene practice, the home is very clean and toys and children's equipment are cleaned regularly. Children are beginning to understand the importance of personal hygiene as they wash their hands before meals and after visiting the toilet. To protect children's health further the childminder ensures she stores food correctly and keeps work surfaces in the kitchen clean. Children enjoy a variety of food which is healthy and nutritious and includes fruit on a daily basis. They are supplied with regular drinks throughout the day, which they can access themselves when they are thirsty. There are procedures in place for children with special dietary requirements. The children's physical development is supported well as they dance to music and visit the local play area where they have use of physical play apparatus. Children are

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Helping children to be healthy

regularly taken for walks and to the local field where they have plenty of room to run around. They play in the garden on a regular basis.

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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 welcoming environment which is suitable for the purpose of childminding. They have use of the whole of the ground floor where they can move around easily and can freely access resources, older children only use the first floor for play. Children have use of a secure outdoor play area when they are accompanied by the childminder. They use a good range of safe, developmentally appropriate resources that are easily accessible and which are checked regularly for safety. Overall children stay safe as the childminder has some understanding of safety issues and has managed to reduce hazards, for example safety gates are used appropriately, covers are fitted on electrical sockets, a fire blanket is fitted in the kitchen and dangerous substances are inaccessible. To protect children further, in case of emergency the childminder has devised a written evacuation plan. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

outdoor play area is secure, however the garden pond poses a risk for children when playing outside. Children are learning about road safety, for example they stop, listen and look for oncoming traffic before crossing the road with the childminder. Children's protection from abuse and neglect is promoted well through the

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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 childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of her role and responsibility and knows what action to take if there are concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are making progress in all areas of their development as they take part in a wide range of activities and experiences. They are developing confidence and self-esteem as they choose resources and play materials and are praised for their achievements. Children's language and understanding is skilfully developed through the childminder's good communication skills and interaction with the children. She frequently talks to the them and asks them questions. Younger children are learning to count and to recite simple rhymes, they listen to stories and select and look at books. Children have plenty of opportunity to use their imagination, for example through role play, painting and playing with small world toys. Children are taken on outings to the library for story time and to the park when they feed the ducks. They go for walks when they collect natural materials to make collages.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play well together and are happy in the childminder's company. She displays warmth and affection which increases the children's well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for as individuals with any differences being respected. Their specific needs are taken into account and children with special needs are welcomed into the provision when the childminder works closely with the parents to ensure the appropriate care is provided. Children are learning about people who are different through discussions with the childminder and access to a good range of resources that promote positive images. Children are learning right and wrong, to take turns and share. They are beginning to understand that some behaviour is not accepted through the childminder's explanations to the children and the strategies she has in place for dealing with unacceptable behaviour. Children's care and welfare is well supported by the childminder working well with the parents to ensure the children's needs are met. Parents are kept well informed about the provision and their children through daily verbal feedback and the sharing of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

written policies and procedures. Parents and their children are welcomed into the childminder's home.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder makes good use of space and resources to allow children to move around easily and to access toys and play materials. She organises the day to include a wide range of activities including outdoor play, outings and rest. She ensures the children are protected from persons who are not vetted by ensuring they are always in her company. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and has attended a general health and safety awareness course. To improve the childminding provision the childminder has recently commenced a Quality Assurance Scheme with the National Childminding Association. Most documentation is in place for the safe and efficient management of the provision. The daily attendance record is accurate and children's details are recorded appropriately. Confidentiality is respected and all records are confidentally maintained. The provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children. She was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. She was also asked to ensure the fire blanket is fitted in the kitchen as per instructions. Good improvement has been made with regard to the safety of children as the childminder has attended an appropriate first aid course to enable her to deal with minor accidents and has fitted the fire blanket in the kitchen as per the manufacturer's instructions. Through the childminder providing a range of resources that promote positive images with regard to people who are different, the children are developing a positive view of the wider world.

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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): • request written parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future • ensure the garden pond is made safe or inaccessible to children.

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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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