Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY437779 Inspection date 24/05/2012 Inspector Tracey Boland

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2011. She lives with her children aged three and nine years in Coventry, close to the city centre. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is direct access to the setting. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family has pet fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, both of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of how children learn and develop and uses the Early Years Foundation Stage as a reference tool to enable her to plan for their future learning needs. Parents share concise information about their child giving a clear outline of their needs and preferences which are incorporated into their day. Children enjoy a wide variety of interesting, challenging activities both indoors and outdoors, encouraging their learning. They are encouraged to understand similarities and differences through discussion, cultural celebrations and the resources that are readily available. Systems for self- evaluation are good and the views of parents are actively sought and used to enhance the service provided. Safety has been addressed and risk assessments cover most areas of care. The childminder demonstrates good capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve the recording of risk assessments to include the use of the car.

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the early years provision

Children enter a welcoming, child-focused environment where they are not left unattended with unvetted adults. Records are maintained for all visitors to the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 home. The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to protecting children from abuse and neglect. A well written policy is in place and shared with parents. The childminder keeps her knowledge of legislation and practice up-to-date through training courses and literature that she accesses. Risk assessments are in place identifying most potential risks and the steps taken to minimise them. The childminder ensures children are safe when on outings. Trips to places of interest are included in the risk assessment, but the use of the car is not included. This potentially compromises children's safety. Daily visual checks are completed before children

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the early years provision

arrive to ensure all areas of the home are safe and suitable. Documentation is very well maintained and all required policies are in place and shared with parents, ensuring they are fully aware of the childminder's ethos of care. The childminder has obtained consent for various aspects of care, such as applying sun creams, attending places of interests and use of the trampoline. Children are aware of the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency and they practise the fire evacuation drill regularly. To ensure that the procedure remains suitable, the childminder records and evaluates the practices, making changes as needed.

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the early years provision

The childminder actively seeks the views of parents about the care she provides and values self-evaluation as part of her ongoing development. Parents speak highly of the care the childminder provides, expressing their delight at the service she provides, how they are kept informed about their child's day and that their children are happy and settled.

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the early years provision

The childminder actively seeks training to keep her knowledge and skills within the child care field up-to-date. She holds a valid first aid certificate enabling her to deal with medical emergencies appropriately. Health records relating to accidents and the administration of medicines are countersigned by parents. Children are encouraged to feel safe and secure in the care of the childminder through the gradual settling in period that takes place. This enables a good understanding to be gained of the children's individual needs and their day planned accordingly. Children's dietary needs are known and respected and mealtimes are a social occasion. Parents provide packed lunches for their children which are stored appropriately. Drinks are freely available throughout the day.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to caring for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and understands the importance of working cohesively with other professionals involved in children's lives enabling her to effectively meet their needs. She provides positive reinforcement and experiences that encourage children's feeling of value and inclusion within the setting. Children's understanding of diversity and the wider world is continually encouraged through cultural events, festival celebrations and the positive images that are reflected through the activities and play experiences. Dual language books, visual timetables and routines are used to ensure the inclusion of children where English is an additional language. Relationships are formed with other settings who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure continuity of care and consistency at all times. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in their learning and development; enjoying a good variety of interesting age-appropriate activities that encourage their interest and natural curiosity to learn. Children's developmental needs are very well known by the childminder and at the forefront of her planning. Resources and activities are appropriate for their abilities and are stored at child height enabling them to make informed choices with regard to their play. Children are happy and relaxed and excellent relationships have been formed between the childminder and the children. They become familiar with the daily routines which encourage a feeling of security and sleep patterns and personal care needs are very well met. Clear rules and boundaries are in place for children and the childminder is a good role model. Lots of support is given and children receive praise and encouragement. Appropriate strategies are followed relating to behaviour, such as distraction,

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and outcomes for children

discussion and positive reinforcement. As a result, behaviour is good.

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and outcomes for children

Children's independence is encouraged throughout the day and their personal needs respected and sensitively met. Nappy changing routines are sensitive to the needs of the child and their dignity and comfort maintained. Hygiene routines within the home are good. Children are encouraged to wash or wipe their hands at appropriate times throughout the day to minimise any cross-infection and the childminder is proactive in maintaining a clean, tidy home where they can relax. Children's social skills are continually encouraged as they meet with other children at groups and places of interest. They enjoy walks in the local community and visit places of interest, including the local duck pond and parks. Their physical skills are encouraged through the use of the trampoline, small climbing equipment, bikes and trikes developing their coordination and confidence. Children's smaller muscles are enhanced when enjoying art and craft activities and building using large

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and outcomes for children

Children play in a safe environment and follow good routines relating to their own safety; for example, following good practices with regard to road safety and discussing stranger danger. The childminder encourages children's language development and extends their thought processes through her questioning and encouraging them to recall the activities they have been involved in. For example, children recall using their creative skills to make paper mache Easter bonnets and painting them. Photographs enable children to look back at the activities they have enjoyed and share them with their parents. Children of all ages are involved in daily routines, such as shopping where they use pictures to identify foods on the shopping lists they have made. They learn about the living world through the planting of fruit and vegetables and are monitoring the growth of the tomatoes they have recently planted. They encourage them to grow through watering them

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and outcomes for children

and compare the sizes and talk about the changes they can see. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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