Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY258610 Inspection date 13 March 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 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 12, 6 and 16 months. They live in the Coventry area. 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. She attends a local parent and toddler group. The family has no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is

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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 registered to care for 4 children at any one time and is currently caring for 2 children who are 3 years old and 2 school aged children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where hygiene routines minimise the spread of infection. They learn the importance of following hand washing such as after using the toilet and before meals. Children's individual personal care is satisfactorily met. They follow home routines as discussed with parents which reflects their individual requirements. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and records relating to accidents are satisfactorily recorded. Consent to seek advice or treatment in an emergency has not been obtained from parents, therefore, children may not be fully provided for in the event of an accident. Children have regular opportunities for physical play. They enjoy walking in the local park and are developing balance and co-ordination as their use climbing equipment and wheeled toys. Children use the garden in warm, dry weather and visit a soft play

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Helping children to be healthy

area. They are beginning to learn that it is important to be active and sometimes have discussions about it. Children are appropriately nourished as they are provided with a sufficient range of hot and cold snacks which take into account their individual dietary needs. They are offered fruit and drinks throughout the day. Children sit together at a table to eat in a relaxed environment which enables them to socialise and learn good manners.

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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. Their risk to injury is minimised as the childminder carries out visual checks on toys and equipment to ensure that they are safe for children to use. Children move independently around the house and access toys and equipment that are in a satisfactory condition. Resources are stored on the floor so children can safely make independent choices. Children are appropriately supervised both indoors and outside. They are learning about their own safety through clear explanations and being made aware of the boundaries. For example they are beginning to learn the importance of holding hands when crossing the road and have discussions about not talking to strangers. Children are protected in the event of a fire because they have practised the emergency escape plan and smoke alarms are checked monthly. The childminder has a basic knowledge and understanding of her role and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

responsibilities in child protection, however, referral procedures are less clear, therefore the children's welfare may not be fully safeguarded.

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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 into the homely environment and have developed a good relationship with the childminder. Their development is enhanced by the activities and experiences that they are provided with. Children have a good range of toys and equipment which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They are learning to make independent choices and toys and activities are rotated to keep children stimulated and busy. Children's likes and interests are well known and play is planned around familiar routines. They are able to be creative, for example, they decorate biscuits, make cakes and prepare cold desserts for tea. Children paint, play with dough and experiment with water. They are learning which objects sink and float. Children make cards for special occasions such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. They listen to stories and join in action songs. Children experience learning and play opportunities through visits and outings. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy being active in soft play areas and visit the transport museum. Children are learning to socialise in group situations as they attend a parent and toddler group. They have their own scrap books as well as a group one which shows examples of the activities that they have taken part in. Children use these books to recall and reflect on their experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards others through discussion. They celebrate some religious and cultural festivals and recently made dog and dragon masks for the Chinese New Year. Children play with a satisfactory range of resources such as play figures and books which reflect positive images of people in society. Children of all abilities are encouraged to integrate with others and have access to the full range of activities. Children are learning to be kind and considerate to one another and are encouraged to share and take turns when playing. They have been introduced to house rules and are reminded of the boundaries. Good behaviour is praised and rewarded. Children are thanked for their efforts such as helping to set the table and tidy toys away. Parents are encouraged to share information about their children's needs and interests. Children are helped to settle in and have a gradual introduction to develop

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their sense of belonging. Parents are regularly consulted with regard to their children's needs and good communication exists. Children follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. The childminder has developed some basic policies and procedures which parents are welcome to read.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and at ease in the childminder's home. Space is organised appropriately to enable children to experience a variety of play activities and follow daily routines which are familiar to them. Therefore their individual needs are met. Children show confidence within the home and freely choose resources. Children's continuity of care is satisfactorily promoted through the information exchanged and regular discussions with parents. Children are cared for in an environment where parent's comments and views are valued. Attendance records do not include the date that children were cared for, therefore it is not clear which days children are present. 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 that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder has added some books and play figures to the resources. These reflect race, culture and ability in a positive way, therefore children are gaining a sound knowledge and understanding of the wider world.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency treatment or advice • develop knowledge of child protection procedures • ensure daily attendance records include the date children attend.

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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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