Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY266076 Inspection date 19 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 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 2003. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged 13 and 7 years. They live in the Green Lane area 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 a local parent and toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for 4 children at any one time and is currently caring for 3 children under the age of 4 years and 2 school aged children. One child attends on a full time

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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 basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They understand simple routines such as washing their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. Children see the childminder follow satisfactory hygiene routines. Toys and equipment are in good condition and cleaned periodically to reduce the risk of infection. Children engage in regular activities which contribute to their physical development. They enjoy outdoor play and have opportunities to use climbing equipment and wheeled toys. Children move to music and dance indoors. Walking is encouraged, however the importance of being active and the effects that exercise has on the body is not sufficiently developed. Children are appropriately nourished because they are provided with food which is prepared by their parents. They are offered fruit, juice, milk or water at snack times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy their meals in a relaxed environment. They sit at the table to eat their food and good manners are encouraged.

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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. 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 in good condition and age and stage appropriate. They are stored at a low level so children can freely and safely access them. Good organisation and low storage of most toys and equipment enables children to easily make independent choices. Activities which require adult supervision are kept out of reach to minimise the risk to children. Children are closely supervised both indoors and outside and areas are safe and secure. Children are learning the importance of staying safe because of the childminders consistent approach to reinforcing rules and boundaries. Children have practised the emergency evacuation procedure and can recall what to do in the event of a fire. Older children are involved in discussions about safety and understand how

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to keep safe both in the home and when out and about. Children colour in safety sheets as an activity. This reminds them of things they need to do when out and about, such as staying with a grown up, holding hands and using a patrolled crossing. Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder's good understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and settled. They are cared for in a homely environment and have developed good relationships with the childminder and each other. Children follow familiar daily routines, move freely around the home and select from resources independently. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and provides activities which are age and stage appropriate. Topics and themes reflect the children's interests and contribute to their learning. They access a wide range of exciting, stimulating toys and equipment which ensure that there are challenged. Children frequently visit the local park for picnics and other places of interest such as farms. They socialise with children of a similar age when they attend parent and toddler groups. Children show enjoyment as they play with art and craft materials and have recently recreated their favourite story books using collage materials and paint. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder interacts with children continually, sharing ideas and encouraging children to ask questions and problem solve. Children enjoy exploring and are confident learners. They play with the full range of resources and spend their time purposefully. Children are learning about colours, shapes, letters and numbers in everyday situations and by playing games with the childminders support. Children's progress is recorded and shared with their parents. This information is used to help plan their next stage of learning. The childminder uses websites and current information from childcare organisations to develop play and keep children's activities varied.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, respected individuals who 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 a variety of people in society. Children have been involved in making a scrap book and posters which reflect race, culture, gender and ability. They are developing a positive attitude towards others by the use of books, jigsaws and play people which stimulate discussion. Children have celebrated festivals and special days such as Christmas, Easter, Diwali and Remembrance Day. They are familiar with using the library and reference books to help them understand the purpose of the celebration. Children of all abilities play alongside one another and are well supported. They are encouraged to feel good about themselves and enjoy activities that will encourage them to reach

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their full potential. Children have developed a good 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. Positive behaviour is encouraged and children are

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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 rewarded for good behaviour. For example they receive a sticker or choose a favourite toy to play with. Partnership with parents is good. Children develop a sense of belonging because they are offered a settling in period and gradual visits. Parents regularly share information about their child’s needs, interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. They have developed an open relationship with the childminder and their opinions and comments are valued. Parents receive a folder which contains policies and procedures on all aspects of childcare. Young children have a daily diary and parents are asked to complete a questionnaire every six months. This enables the childminder to review her practice and make any necessary changes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely, well-organised environment. Polices and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder’s practice meets the needs of individual children. The childminder has all the required information and consent from parents. The childminder is interested in training to keep her knowledge and skills updated. She has attended a childcare conference and is in the process of completing 'Quality First'. Children have a good balance of planned activities and free play. They explore readily accessible toys and resources which are stimulating and contribute to their learning. Time is organised well to meet the individual needs of the varied age group. 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 the childminder agreed to ensure appropriate equipment was in place for nappy changing and extend the range of resources, which represent equality of opportunity. Nappy changing facilities are satisfactory. Changing mats are used and cleaned with anti-bacterial spray. Soiled nappies are hygienically disposed of. Therefore positive steps have been taken to promote the good health of children and prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has added to the resources which portray positive images of equality of opportunity. They include books, play people, dolls and the celebration of festivals and special days. Therefore children have access to a wide range of toys and activities which reflect our multicultural society.

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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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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

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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): • increase children's knowledge of the effects exercise has on the body and why it is important to be active.

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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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