Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504787 Inspection date 25 May 2005 Inspector Benita Catherine Hart

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged 9 and 14 years in a suburb of Coventry city, which is approximately one and a half miles from the city centre. The premises is a three bedroomed end terraced property with a secure rear garden which is suitable for play. She uses the lounge, kitchen and garden on the ground floor and toilet facilities on the first floor for childminding. The location is close to local schools, pre-schools, toddler groups and recreational areas. The family have a dog.

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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 register to care for a maximum of six children under eight. She is currently minding four children, all part time. There is no overnight care provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand that they must wash their hands after handling the dog, going to the toilet and after messy play. Children are protected from infection by the childminder's awareness of good hygiene standards in the home and a verbal sick children's policy which all parents are aware of, protect other children in her care. All accident and medication records are up to date and the childminder has a current first aid certificate. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health which involves movement and exercise, indoors and outside. For example, there is a range of climbing equipment and wheeled toys in the garden and children go for regular walks and outings. They also have opportunities to use music for dance and exercise. The children's dietary needs are well catered for and children are provided with

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Helping children to be healthy

healthy snacks and meals either by the parent or childminder. They have a choice of water, juice or milk which is available at any time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment. They are aware of areas in the house where they can play. They understand about safety on the stairs and in the garden and how to behave towards the dog with regard to safety and hygiene. Toys and resources are kept clean and in good condition and the children can independently choose activities. Equipment is suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder has all required documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, appropriate childminding insurance, a current first aid certificate and information on child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee. However, a working knowledge of child protection procedures would develop the childminder's understanding and confidence in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They benefit from a good range of activities which are meaningful and stimulating and capture the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 interest. Resources and toys are easily accessible. They enjoy outdoor and indoor activities which are suitably planned for their age and stage of development. The childminder plans her daily routine but is flexible to children's overall needs. They have good opportunities for creative play, for example, play dough, painting and cooking. She encourages their independence and they benefit from her consistent and attentive interaction. The children have a close relationship with her and relate well to each other. They enjoy each others company in the relaxed and caring atmosphere of the childminder's home. They spend their time purposefully and are chatty and friendly. They also have good opportunities to socialise with other children at toddler group and nursery school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which promote their understanding of their wider environment. They are becoming increasingly aware of diversity within society through books, outings and small world resources. They are learning about festivals and special days through activities and resources. For example, the childminder uses food and craft to develop the children's understanding of events such as Chinese New Year, pancake day and making cards for Easter and Mother's Day. Children benefit from the childminder's good relationship with their parent's. Regular information is exchanged on a daily basis about their child's day and how both the childminder and parent's can meet the children's overall needs. The children's behaviour is excellent and they are very much at home at the childminders, independently choosing activities and having a sense of belonging. They show care

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. The children always respond positively to the childminder's requests and she in turn provides continuity of care in a relaxed and homely environment.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All documentation required for the safe management of the children is in place. The children are happy and content in a well organised and child orientated environment and they have good opportunities to initiate their own play. Regular information is shared with parent's and this contributes to the children's continuity of care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to continue to enhance resources to promote positive images. She has provided a wider range with an emphasis on disability and also uses the library for information, ideas and activities to promote positive images of children's wider environment.

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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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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): • improve knowledge of child protection procedures.

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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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