Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510515 Inspection date 05 January 2006 Inspector Lynn Morris

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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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, 1 adult child and 1 child aged 15 years in Coventry, West Midlands. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time when working alone and 7 children when working with her husband. They are currently minding 6 children under five part time during the day and 2 school age children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The

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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 childminder attends a variety of toddler and childminder groups. The family has no pets. The childminder holds level 2 and 3 in childcare and education. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children take part in activities, which contribute to their health. They use a see-saw, climbing frame, slide and wheeled toys at the childminder's home to help them develop control. They go for walks to the local park and local farm to see the birds and animals. They attend a range of regular groups where they take part in soft play activities and socialise with other children. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care. They wash their hands after using the toilet, before meals and after playing, and benefit from the childminder's satisfactory arrangements for changing nappies. Children have meals provided by their parents, which are adequately stored by the childminder. They have set routines for meals and snacks and the childminder takes account of children's dietary requirements and parents wishes when offering snacks.

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Helping children to be healthy

They choose from juice, milk and filtered water and can make themselves understood when they want to have a drink.

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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 home where most risks have been identified and addressed. However, children are not always prevented from accessing the stairs and can also access the cupboard, which houses chemicals, in the kitchen. They move around the home independently, using the lounge and secure garden for play activities and play confidently with toys of good quality. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, they use reins and wrist bands when out walking, learn about road safety and know they have to stay close to the childminder. They practise emergency evacuation procedures and know what to do when the childminder signals a fire practise. Children's safety is adequately met through the childminder's procedures and documentation. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and all documentation to take children out in the car is up to date. Children are protected

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

from risk of harm or abuse by the childminder's secure knowledge of local child protection procedures.

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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 settle well in the childminder’s home. They make good relationships with each other and both adults present. They socialise frequently with other children and attend regular organised activities and groups outside of the home with the childminder. They try new activities there, such as painting, play dough, cutting and sticking and they develop their physical skills using soft play equipment. Children become independent as they choose from a good range of toys. They confidently select toys and materials and enjoy music, dance and reading stories with the childminders. They use toys in a learning environment, for example they can see posters with letters and numbers displayed on the wall. Their progress from their planned themes is assessed and recorded to share with parents. Children's language is developing well. They learn new words as they enjoy stories with an adult. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

benefit from regular daily routines, which meet their different stages of development well and encourages independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children choose from a good range of resources, which include toys and books to develop positive understanding of different cultures and people with disabilities. For example, children join in festival celebrations at toddler groups and the childminder's home. They use stories and books to learn about the festivals and make models and pictures associated with the festival. They play with dolls, figures and books representative of different cultures and abilities and they learn to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences. Children learn to play together and how to respect each others feelings. They share well and are encouraged to be kind to each by saying sorry and giving each other hugs and cuddles after minor disputes. They respond to the childminder's kindness and spontaneous cuddles. They know the 'house rules' and are encouraged to behave well. The childminder is consistent in her management, a good role model

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and takes account of different levels of children's development. Children's information is sought and exchanged with parents both written and verbally at the end of each session. Parents are provided with an effective home to school link to pass on messages about children. They receive regular written information about their children's progress and activities they have taken part in.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. They play in rooms downstairs and make use of the space and toys available in the garden. They make choices of play and use accessible toys and resources developing confidence and

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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 self-esteem. Information regularly exchanged with parents helps to make sure that care meets their wishes and they know about their children's progress. Children benefit from the childminder's organisational skills with regards to routines, which include a wide variety of activities to contribute to their learning and social skills. Children's records kept contribute to satisfactory care and procedures followed ensure provision for children's individual needs. Confidentiality is maintained and children's personal information is kept secure. 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 continue to develop resources that reflect disability. A number of toys, books and figures have been added to the resources, which help children learn to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure that the stairs are inaccessible at all times when young children are present • ensure that the chemical cupboard can not be accessed by children.

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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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