Unique Reference Number EY347197

Inspection date 17 August 2007  

Inspector Myra Lewis

Type of inspection Childcare

Type of care Childminding

 

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.

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.

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT? The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband, adult child and children aged 15 and 14 years in Nuneaton. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet dog and cat.

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll. She walks or drives to and from local schools to take and collect children and attends local toddler groups on a regular basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION Helping children to be healthy The provision is good. The good health of children is actively promoted through established daily routines. The childminder encourages children to learn the importance of hand washing after toileting and before eating. Children develop their independence and self-help skills with good support from the childminder. They are provided with individual flannels and towels which helps minimise the risk of cross-infection. Nappy changing arrangements cater for children's individual care needs, and the general routine is flexible to take account of the individual needs of young children. They are able to rest or sleep according to their specific requirements. All necessary action is taken to ensure the family pets do not pose a risk to children's health.

Children have many opportunities to play outside. They are regularly taken to activities outside the home as the childminder makes full use of the local area. This provides children with a broad range of different play experiences to further their development. It also enables them to get plenty of fresh air and provides children with opportunities to observe their local environment. The outside garden is well used so that children can play outside on a daily basis, with a good variety of suitable outdoor toys to support their physical development.

Children's good health is fully protected as the childminder has a good understanding of first aid and holds an appropriate first aid qualification. All children's minor accident and medication records are in place and accurately maintained. A well-stocked first aid box is available and its contents checked on a regular basis. A clear sickness policy is shared with all parents. Therefore, prompt action is taken if children are unwell.

All aspects of children's individual dietary requirements are discussed with the childminder and parents' wishes are respected. Children are provided with healthy meals and snacks that take account of their individual likes, dislikes and preferences. The childminder actively encourages children to try new foods such as fruit and raisins. She talks to the children about making good food choices through a variety of different play activities to promote healthy eating. Mealtimes are flexible to accommodate children's individual routines and drinks are made readily available throughout the day.

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming environment. All necessary steps have been taken to identify and minimise any potential hazards so that children can play safely within the home. This means they can move around freely, safely and independently. However, the use of the outside play area has not been sufficiently risk assessed to ensure their safety when playing in the front garden, which potentially compromises their safety. Toys and resources are made easily accessible for children. They are suitable for their purpose, in good condition and well-maintained. Toys are checked routinely as they are used and cleaned on a regular basis.

Children are well supervised by the childminder. They can play safely because she carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are age and stage appropriate. Attention to fire safety is good. The children are beginning to understand the boundaries in place to keep them safe through discussion and practise with the childminder. Clear contingency arrangements are in place to ensure children's overall well-being is maintained.

Children's welfare is further protected because the childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities regarding child protection and knows who to contact, if she should be concerned. The childminder uses effective procedures to manage the safe arrival and collection of children. Therefore, children's safety is actively promoted.

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They are eager to participate in the activities made available to them. They have easy access to a broad variety of suitable toys and resources and receive individual support from the childminder. Children select toys from large toy boxes and become independent as they choose between a good variety of craft activities, games, books, construction toys and role play resources.

Children are forming good relationships with the childminder who is attentive to their individual needs. They are purposely occupied throughout the day because the childminder spends her time playing with them, talking and listening to what they have to say. They benefit from being taken out and about on a regular basis. They regularly attend local parent and toddler groups, where they can socialise with other children and adults. They participate in a wide range of different play activities and enjoy visits to places of interest such as 'The Play Pit', where they enjoy physical activities in a safe environment. There are regular trips to the local park where can play on the large static equipment and have plenty of space to run around and exercise.

The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and ensures younger children receive appropriate support and guidance in their play. Children's work is positively displayed on the conservatory wall which helps them to develop their self-esteem and feeling of belonging.

Helping children make a positive contribution The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met because the childminder works closely with their parents and follows their normal daily routines. They have equal access to all toys and resources, that are age and stage appropriate. However, there are limited toys and resources that reflect positive images of diversity in society which restricts children's understanding of the wider world. The childminder positively supports children for whom English is an additional language. She uses conversations, gestures and everyday activities to extend their understanding and confidence.

The children respond to praise and encouragement given by the childminder. This promotes positive behaviour and helps build children's self-esteem. The childminder is consistent in her approach and ensures behaviour management is fully discussed with parents. Children are encouraged to share, take turns and play together.

All aspects of children's care is fully discussed with parents and their wishes are respected. Parents are made welcome and the childminder makes time available each day to discuss all aspects of their children's care, enabling parents to feel confident in the knowledge that their children are being well cared for. She has some clearly written policies and procedures which are easy to read and effectively shared with parents.

Organisation The organisation is good. Children are well supported by the childminder who makes good use of her home and local area. Children are able to access toys easily and are encouraged to make independent choices about their play activities. Children develop a good sense of belonging and are secure in their surroundings. The daily routines include plenty of opportunities for children to enjoy trips and activities outside the home. This helps and supports their overall learning and development effectively. They participate in a wide range of different play experiences. Therefore, children enjoy their time spent with the childminder.

All legally required documentation is in place, well-maintained and stored appropriately. The childminder has some well-written policies which are shared openly with parents and good relationships established. The childminder provides both written and verbal information for parents on a daily basis. Therefore, parents are kept well-informed about the service provided and their children's daily activities. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to further training to develop her knowledge and skills in supporting children's play and learning whilst in her care.

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

Improvements since the last inspection Not applicable.

Complaints since the last inspection Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any further action to meet the national standards. 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.

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT? 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 children can play safely outside and that reasonable action is taken when playing in the front garden
• extend the range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of diversity.

Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the procedures 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