Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 224021 Inspection date 13 May 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 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 1996. She lives with her three children aged two, four and nine years. They live in a terraced house in the Stoke area of Coventry. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a playroom with direct access to the kitchen. The bathroom is on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to Stoke Primary School to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group. The family have a dog and two ducks.

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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 and has an early years qualification to NVQ level 3. She is a member of the Community Placement Scheme and registered to care for four children at anyone time. She is currently minding six children all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children engage in regular activities which contribute to their physical development. They enjoy outdoor play daily and frequently visit indoor play areas where they experience using soft play and climbing equipment. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They benefit from clear routines such as washing hands after feeding the ducks and before eating food. Toys and equipment are cleaned periodically to reduced the risk of infection. Children enjoy mealtimes in a relaxed atmosphere. They have food and drink following their home routine and are encouraged to make healthy choices. Children sit at the table when they are eating and mealtimes are treated as a social occasion. More able children help prepare food and have baked bread and made various puddings. Water is always available and children have colour coded cups so they are

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Helping children to be healthy

learning to use their own. Children follow a daily routine which allows them to have a quiet time or sleep that reflects their individual requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where their needs are given priority. They are able to move freely around the house and garden because potential hazards have been minimised by the use of safety equipment. Resources are stored at a low level so children can freely and safely access them. Activities which require adult supervision are kept on higher shelves to protect younger children from harm. Older children demonstrate a good understanding of the dangers of leaving items such as scissors and beads lying around when babies are present. Children are closely supervised both indoors and outside and areas are safe and secure. Priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. They are involved in discussions about safety for example staying close to the childminder when out of the home. Children confidently cross the road safely when

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

walking to school and have clear boundaries when using parks and playgrounds. Children learn about fire safety because of good clear procedures. They practice fire drills and know the evacuation procedure.

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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 Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder's good understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and busy. They settle well in the house and have developed strong relationships with the childminder and her own children. They are cared for in a homely environment and follow familiar daily routines. Children are independent and go into different rooms to choose toys. They access a wide range of exciting, stimulating activities which contribute to their learning. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and challenges children according to their age and stage of development. Children socialise with other children through regular attendance of groups and close contact with other local childminders. They particularly enjoy art and craft activities and are proud of their creations which are displayed in the play room. The childminder interacts with children continually, sharing ideas and extending vocabulary by introducing and repeating new words.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy exploring and are becoming more interested in imaginative play. They play inside a tent with teddies and books and are encouraged to make up their own games. Children are learning about colours, shapes, letters and numbers in everyday situations and by playing games with the childminders support. The childminder responds to the children's particular interests and plans a purposeful range of activities with this in mind.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are comfortable in the home and parents are encouraged to regularly share information about their needs, interests and experiences. They are helped to settle in and develop a sense of belonging. Children receive sensitive individual care and are valued and respected. They have developed a trusting relationship with the childminder and show care and concern for each other. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. Children have clear guidelines and boundaries which help them understand right and wrong. They play co-operatively together and are responsive to praise and encouragement. Children are relaxed and confident in deciding what to do, younger children with the support of the childminder. They are becoming aware of diversity and are learning about differences and the wider world through discussion and the celebrations of some festivals. For example children celebrated the Chinese New Year and Diwali.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and at ease in the childminders home. They initiate their own play and explore readily accessible toys and resources which are stimulating

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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 and contribute to their learning. The childminder wishes to develop planning for younger children further, for example by using the Birth to Three framework. Time is organised sufficiently well to satisfactorily meet the needs of the varied age group. Information exchanged and regular discussions with parents help to promote the welfare and care of the children. Records are kept up to date and securely stored. 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 it was recommended that the childminder continue to develop resources which reflect gender to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity. The childminder actively looks for non-stereotypical resources and has added books and games which portray gender in a positive way. All children have access to the full range of toys and activities. Equality is discussed with parents.

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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): • further develop knowledge of planning for children under the age of three years, for example by using the Birth to Three Matters framework.

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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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