Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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224346 Unique Reference Number 19 May 2006 Inspection date Hazel Christine White Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2001. She lives with her eight year old child. 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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for two children, one of whom attends 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where satisfactory hygiene practices minimise the spread of infection. Children are developing an understanding of hand washing routines such as before eating and after going to the toilet. Older children are becoming independent in their personal care. They follow home routines as discussed with parents which reflect their individual requirements. Positive steps have been taken when children are ill or have an accident. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and accident and medicine records are in place. The first aid box is appropriately stocked and readily available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities which contribute to their physical development. They use the garden in dry weather and have access to some wheeled toys. The use of climbing apparatus and large equipment in the local park and parent and toddler group develops the children's balance and confidence. They enjoy dancing to music and are learning that being active makes the body healthy and keeps them well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because parents provide their food, therefore, their individual dietary needs are catered for. Children are offered or help themselves to water throughout the day. Meal times are social occasions because children sit together to eat.

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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 before they are used. Potential hazards have been identified and safety measures are in place. Children access toys and equipment which are in good condition and well maintained. They are appropriately supervised indoors and outside and are made aware of safety issues through clear explanation. For example, not running indoors. Children are developing a satisfactory knowledge of road safety and listen to instructions when out and about.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a written evacuation procedure and children practise the fire drill. The fire blanket is readily available, however there is no working smoke alarm on the ground floor, therefore, children's safety may be compromised in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's sound understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in a homely environment and have developed a good relationship with the childminder and her own child. They play with a satisfactory range of activities which are stimulating and contribute to their learning. They have some planned activities and free

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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 play which take into account their current interests. Children make independent choices from a wide range of activities which are age and stage appropriate. Toys are rotated to keep children interested and occupied.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to be creative as they regularly paint, draw, cut and glue. They use their imagination as they dress up and also experience taking part in cooking activities. Board games and everyday situations are used to encourage children to learn colours, shapes and develop their counting skills. The childminder joins in with the children's spontaneous play and makes suggestions if they become disinterested.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have learning and play opportunities outside of the home. They are taken to parks to have picnics and visit other childminder's who care for young children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children play with a sufficient range of activities which promote a positive view of the wider world and help them to develop an understanding of others. They have access to some play figures, dolls and books and celebrate the Chinese New Year. Parents share information about their children's individual needs to ensure that they are known.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, however, she encourages children to have a positive attitude towards others and activities are adapted as necessary to ensure that children of all abilities can fully participate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respect one another and are encouraged to share and take turns when playing. They are aware of expected behaviour and have been introduced to house rules and boundaries. The childminder focuses on positive behaviour and children are responsive to praise and encouragement. Children are well behaved and play co-operatively together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents' share information about their children's individual needs and interests. Children are helped to settle in by having a gradual introduction. Parents' wishes are taken into account with regards to their children's care and good communication exists. Daily diaries are kept for babies and some policies and procedures have been developed for parents' to view.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Their welfare, care and learning are satisfactorily promoted. The childminder’s practice is appropriate in meeting the needs of individual children. Space is sufficiently organised to enable children to experience a variety of play activities and follow their familiar daily routines. Children self-select from toys and equipment and move freely between areas. Their continuity of care is promoted through the information exchanged and regular discussions with parents.

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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 Records are securely and confidentially stored. The childminder keeps her knowledge and skills updated by reading childcare literature and learning from established childminders. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to continue to develop resources which reflect culture, disability and gender and to complete a first aid course. Play people have been added to the resources and the library is used to enhance the selection of books. Therefore, equality of opportunity is satisfactorily promoted. Positive steps have been taken to protect children when they have an accident because the childminder has completed a first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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): • provide a working smoke alarm on the ground floor

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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