Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504743 Inspection date 06 January 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 1993. She lives with her husband and 4 children, 3 aged over 18 years and 1 aged 15 years. They live in the Longford area of Coventry. The two older children are named childminding assistants. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house and the double bedroom 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 childminder attends a local parent and toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She 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 NVQ childcare qualification to level 3 and has recently successfully completed 'Quality First' to level 3. She is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently caring for 3 pre-school children, 2 of whom attend part time and 4 school aged children all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children engage in a broad range of activities which contribute to their physical development. They enjoy outdoor play in all weathers and have experienced playing in the snow. Children freely access a good range of outdoor play equipment in the garden such as swing, slide, climbing frame, wheeled toys, bats, balls, sand and water play. They have opportunities to use soft play equipment at a parent and toddler group. Children are encouraged to be active and learn that exercise makes strong muscles and a healthy heart. They follow a daily routine which allows them to have quiet or active times that reflect their individual requirements. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they understand the importance of hygiene and personal care. They know hand washing routines such as after using the toilet and before eating. More able children take care of their own personal needs

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Helping children to be healthy

and use the toilet independently. They are encouraged to clean their teeth after meals and have their own individual face clothes and towels. Toys and equipment are in excellent condition and cleaned regularly to reduced the risk of infection. Children are well nourished. They are provided with a good range of nutritious home made meals which are freshly prepared. Individual dietary needs are catered for and parental preferences and children's likes and dislikes are taken into account. Children help themselves to fruit and raw vegetables at snack times and are regularly offered drinking water. They sit at the breakfast bar when they are eating and meal times are a social occasion and not rushed.

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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 excellent condition and age and stage appropriate. They are stored at a low level so children can freely and safely access them. Good organisation and the use of storage boxes enables children to easily identify toys and equipment. Children are closely supervised both indoors and outside. The garden is fully enclosed to prevent children leaving. Children are learning the importance of staying safe because of the childminders consistent approach to reinforcing rules and boundaries. Children are involved in making house rules and have discussions about safety. They understand how to keep safe both in the home and when out and about.

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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 For example they are learning to fasten themselves into safety seats in the car and know the journey cannot begin until everybody is secure. Children are made aware of possible dangers such as crossing the road and talking to strangers. Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder's good understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection. The childminder has attended training and has literature on safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are confident, happy and busy. They settle well in the house and have developed excellent relationships with the childminder and her family. Children are cared for in a homely environment and follow familiar daily routines. They show a high level of independence, move freely around the home and self select from resources. Children are engrossed as they play with a wide range of exciting, stimulating activities both indoors and outside. They offer ideas and respond enthusiastically to challenges. Plans are very well thought through to support children's learning. They are linked to the Foundation Stage for pre-school children and 'Birth to three matters' for younger children. Children's interests are included in the planning and play is well balanced in all areas of development. Children frequently visit the local park, places of interest and a parent and toddler group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show curiosity and imagination as they play and interact with the childminder and others. They are continually being encouraged to share ideas and good questioning enables them to think through situations. Children are keen to explore and are confident learners. They are currently making bird feeders and can identify and name birds that come in the garden. They look at pictures of birds in a book and confirm that their choice is correct. Photographs record the excellent range of different activities that the children have taken part in. Each child has a progress record which is shared with parents and identifies their strengths and weaknesses. This information helps to ensure that children are making progress.

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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 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 are developing a positive attitude towards others by the use of everyday experiences to stimulate discussion. Boys and girls have equal access to all toys and equipment, however, resources which promote gender are limited and therefore do not fully extend the children's learning in this area of equality. They celebrate multi-cultural festivals such as Diwali, Eid and Christmas and visit the local community. Children of all abilities play alongside one another and are well supported. They are encouraged

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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 to reach their full potential and activities adapted to ensure inclusion. Children have developed an excellent 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 move freely around the home and separate well from their parents. Children develop a sense of belonging and their individual needs are met because the childminder fully includes parents in their care. Parents regularly share information about their children's needs, interests and experiences to ensure

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Helping children make a positive contribution

continuity of care. They are provided with informative written information on all aspects of childcare.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are happy, settled and confident in a well organised homely environment. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of the children's personalities and provides purposeful activities which provide high level of challenge. Resources are appropriate for children's age and stage of development. 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. Children are cared for in an open and honest environment where their parent's opinions and requests are valued and adhered to. Information is exchanged and regular discussions take place. Records are kept up to date and securely stored. 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

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Organisation

parents and has developed a comprehensive range of information folders to improve the quality of her practice and assist parents with child development queries. Reference books and information from web sites and childcare agencies are well organised and easily accessible. The childminder is committed to training to keep her knowledge and skills updated. She has attended various courses and successfully completed 'Quality First' to level 3. 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 make the stair way inaccessible to the children. The childminder has assessed the risk and has a stair gate which is used when young children are present. Children are encouraged to use the upstairs toilet independently and manage the stairs confidently, some with support. Therefore positive steps have been taken to promote safety and minimise risks to the children.

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Improvements 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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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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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): • continue to increase the range of resources which reflect gender in a positive way.

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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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