Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 223961 Inspection date 08 February 2006 Inspector Tracey Marie Boland

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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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband, 15 year old child and her father. They live on the outskirts of Coventry. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is 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 two local parent and toddler groups. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and holds the NNEB. The family have no pets.

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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 She is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently caring for 3 children under 5. All 3 were present during the inspection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand simple health practices such as washing their hands after using the bathroom, before mealtimes and after messy play. Clear hygiene routines maintained by the childminder minimise the spread of infection. All medical records are held and shared with parents. Clear policies relating to health are discussed and children are excluded from the provision with infectious illnesses, ensuring the health and well-being of all the children that attend. The childminder maintains a valid first aid certificate and follows appropriate procedures in the event of an accident. Children learn about healthy eating through daily discussion, play and topics. They are provided with a nutritious, well-balanced diet and foods are freshly prepared each day. Individual dietary needs and preferences are noted and respected. A menu is

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Helping children to be healthy

provided which takes account of these needs. Children's social skills are continually promoted by sitting together at mealtimes, in a relaxed environment. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activity which encourages them to control their bodies for example, on the bouncy castle, riding bikes and kicking balls. They regularly visit places of interest and local parks and are able to rest during the day according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in an environment where potential risks have been identified and minimised with the use of safety equipment. Children move freely and safely around the home. Through consistent reinforcement children have developed an understanding of personal safety for example, road safety and stranger danger. Clear procedures are in place in the event of a fire and the children practise evacuating the home. Children are safe because their toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in a good condition. Toys are rotated to ensure children's interest is maintained and they are able to choose items for themselves. Storage and good organisation of the resources enables children to access them safely. They are encouraged to take care of the toys and equipment. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and the need to

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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 maintain the children's welfare at all times. However, she expressed an interest in developing her awareness further to ensure she is up-to-date with current local procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy, interact and learn from the range of activities provided by the childminder. Pre writing skills, counting and colour recognition are encouraged and work completed with the children. They have their own pencil cases with pencils, rubbers and pencil sharpener in them. All work is dated and shared with parents. All are cared for as individuals with different needs because the childminder has a good knowledge of child development and is aware of their likes, dislikes and interests. Children are well supported in trying out new activities. The childminder talks calmly and caringly to the children, giving them lots of information and encouraging their thought processes for example, when talking about healthy foods and eating. Activities meet the needs of children at their different stages of development because they are appropriately challenging, varied and wide ranging. Children are interested

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and keen. Children develop independence and are supported appropriately through everyday routines for example, when using the bathroom, at mealtimes and by setting the table before lunch. Children have formed good relationships with the childminder and each other. Excellent interaction was observed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world through activities, resources and books. Celebrations take place of various festivals throughout the year and children try foods from different countries. Children are seen as individuals and their needs and preferences integrated into the day. Children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude to others through everyday experiences and activities that encourage discussion. Children learn to be kind, share and take turns and behaviour is excellent. Clear and consistent methods of dealing with behaviour are used throughout the day and children respond positively to praise and encouragement. Children benefit from the good communication which takes place between the childminder and their parents. Daily discussion ensures all parties are kept informed of changing needs, and consistency of care is maintained.

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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 are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Polices and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children and the childminder’s practice consistently meets the needs of the individual children. The childminder has all the required information and consent from parents and clear procedures are in place to ensure they are kept up-to-date and informed about the care they receive. All information is held securely and within the boundaries of confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure toys are appropriately stored. Toys are stored on both levels of the home and rotated to ensure the children's interest is maintained. Sturdy boxes are used and children are encouraged to choose the items they wish to play with, therefore developing their independence. The childminder was also asked to obtain written consent before administering medicines to children. This is a consistent practice that the childminder now undertakes for all medicines. Therefore, ensuring that their medical needs are adhered to and safety maintained.

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop awareness of the procedures for child protection.

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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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