Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504739 Inspection date 15 February 2006 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 2001. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 5 years and 16 months. They live in the Coventry area. 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 family has a dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has an

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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 early years qualification. She is registered to care for 4 children at any one time and is currently caring for 3 children under the age of 2 years and 4 school aged children. One child attends on a full-time basis.

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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 that good hygiene routines minimise the spread of infection. They know that they need to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. More able children attend to their own personal care. Children rest and sleep according to their needs as discussed with parents. Travel cots and mattresses are in excellent condition and each child has their own bedding which is regularly washed. Children are well nourished because they are provided with balanced, nutritional meals. Their individual dietary needs are taken into account. Children choose from hot and cold snacks such as sandwiches, pasta dishes, casseroles, milky puddings and yogurts. Babies dietary needs are well met as they are provided with an alternative if the meal is unsuitable for them. A fully stocked fruit bowl is always available and children are encouraged to help themselves throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered drinks of water and juices and are reminded to drink regularly in hot weather. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their physical health. They frequently participate in activities indoors and outside, for example, they fly kites, ride bikes and use climbing equipment in the local park and visit soft play areas. Children are developing control, co-ordination and spatial awareness as they dance and play games such as 'statues' and 'jack be nimble'. They enjoy taking part in action songs and have discussions about the importance of being active.

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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 home. Risks have been identified and minimised by the use of safety equipment such as plug socket covers and a fireguard. Daily visual checks ensure that children move around the home safely. Children understand how to keep themselves safe inside and outside of the home through discussion and having clear boundaries. They know that they need to be careful of babies crawling when they are playing, and small toys must stay on the table. When out of the home they learn how to cross a road safely and who they should and should not talk to. Children choose from toys and equipment which are in good condition. They make independent choices from resources which are stored downstairs and can make specific requests for toys which are not already out. Resources are regularly checked to ensure that they are safe for the children to use. Working smoke alarms are fitted

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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 in every room, however, children may not be fully protected in the event of a fire as they are unfamiliar with the emergency escape plan and have not practised the procedure. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's sound knowledge 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 settle well in the home and have developed good relationships with the childminder and her own children. They are cared for in a relaxed environment and follow routines that they are familiar with. Children choose from a broad range of toys and activities which support their development and learning. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child development and plans activities which are stimulating and fun for children of all ages. Topics and themes link to home and the community. Children grow plants and seeds and talk about people who help us. The home play area is changed regularly to fit in with the theme and has recently been a café which enables children to use their imagination. Children have a colour table and are encouraged to find items in their own home which are the same colour, such as clothing, toys, books and household products. They are well supported when trying out new games and activities. Older

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children are involved in the preparation and are helped to understand the instructions. For example, before playing a bingo game, children were given a role such as separating the counters and numbers. One child read the instructions and with the childminder's support the aim of the game was worked out. Everyday situations and educational games extend children's knowledge of letters, numbers and shapes. Children frequently visit parks and places of interest where they learn about the environment. They go to the Sea Life Centre, Twycross Zoo, West Midlands Safari Park, soft play areas and local parks. Photographs record the wide range of different activities that the children have taken part in. Children thoroughly enjoy recalling and reflecting on these activities and regularly sit and look at the albums.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and receive individual care according to their needs. They have equal access to a good range of resources and activities which help them appreciate the wider world by showing positive images of people in society. For example, children have access to books, dolls and play figures. They celebrate special days and multi-cultural festivals by making a card or picture and talk about the story to extend their knowledge. They have experienced tasting foods from different countries and are already involved in the planning of Easter celebrations. Children of all abilities play alongside one another and activities are adapted to ensure that they can

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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 fully integrate. The childminder has experience of caring for children with specific needs and works in partnership with parents to help children to reach their full potential. Children learn how to respect each others feelings and are encouraged to be kind. Children receive spontaneous cuddles and are responsive to praise and encouragement. They are told when they are being good and unacceptable behaviour is clearly explained to them. Children know the 'house rules' and are encouraged to behave well. The childminder is consistent in her management, a good role model and takes account of different levels of children's development. Parents' regularly share information about their children's interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. Children develop a sense of belonging by having

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Helping children make a positive contribution

introductory visits until they are settled. Children's information is sought and exchanged with parents verbally at the end of each session. Parents are provided with written information on all aspects of childcare and receive a progress record which details their child's achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in a homely environment. Their individual needs are met through the satisfactory organisation of space and a balance of planned activities and free play. Children explore readily accessible toys ands resources which are stimulating and contribute to their learning. Time is well organised to meet the individual needs of the varied age group. Polices and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder has all the required information and consent from parents. She has developed a progress record for individual children and a daily diary sheet for babies. The childminder has attended training to keep her knowledge and skills updated. 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 incidents and complaints were recorded and that written permission for emergency medical treatment was in place for each child. The childminder has developed and implemented a system for recording complaints and incidents, therefore, the recommendation has been satisfactorily addressed. Each child has written permission from their parents for seeking emergency treatment or advice, therefore, appropriate measures have been taken when children are ill or have an accident.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 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): • devise and practise the emergency escape plan.

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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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