Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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317958 Unique Reference Number 31 August 2006 Inspection date Lynn Masterman 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 good. 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 registered in 1977. She lives with her husband in a house on the outskirts of Doncaster town centre. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden and drive area available for outside play. The family have a rabbit and two guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under the age of eight and one over the age of eight who attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. She takes children on outings and visits local play areas and amenities within the area. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. The childminder implements effective hygiene practices, such as, ensuring that food preparation areas are suitably clean. Children learn about good hygiene practice. For example, they know how to use water and soap to wash hands correctly. They have access to paper hand towels and are beginning to understand the importance of cleaning their teeth after meals. This helps to promote good personal care. The childminder has good knowledge of childhood illness and incubation periods. Clear policies about children who are sick or have infectious diseases ensure the risk of cross infection is minimised.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to be followed when administering medication and recording accidents. However, some accidents records have not been signed by parents. This compromises children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children make good progress in their physical play through well-planned indoor and outdoor activities. They regularly walk to the park and visit places of interest. The childminder uses this opportunity to promote children's awareness of the environment. For example, they listen to the trees rustling, look for small insects and different trees and coloured flowers. They experience different weather conditions, such as walking in the rain and jumping in puddles. Incorporated into the daily routine is a range of gentle exercises linked to music such as mini press ups, reaching and stretching movements. This helps to enjoy moving their bodies with control and makes exercise fun.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is promoted by a nutritious and balanced diet, which takes into consideration the dietary needs of all children. Meals are freshly prepared using a variety of fruit and vegetable. The childminder promotes meal times as a social occasion and children sit at the table and eat together. They are able to make informed choices about their food and encouraged to develop their independence. For example, children peel their own fruit. Menus are produced on a weekly basis to provide parents with information about meal choices and nutrition. For example, the nutritional value for each meal is recorded. Water and low sugar fruit drinks are offered and easily accessible throughout the day. This helps to promote an awareness of healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe in a secure environment. Safety posters help children to learn about safety both inside and outside the premises. Good procedures are in place for fire safety. For example, children know when they hear the whistle they have to leave the premises quickly and safely. Children are beginning to become aware of their safety; they know how to fasten seat belts correctly in the car. Good use is made of opportunities to promote road safety. Children know to look and listen, that the red man means you must stop and the green man means it is safe to cross. The helps children

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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 have a positive approach to safety. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to keep children safe and makes good use of risk assessments to assess potential hazards on a daily basis. This ensures children can move around safely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a good range of play resources and equipment, which are easily accessible, well maintained and meets the required safety standards. For example, resources are checked on a regular basis to ensure play resources are safe and do not pose risk to children. Resources are stored at child height, which promotes their independence, confidence and the opportunity to make informed choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding about her role and responsibilities. She has attended child protection training and has comprehensive documentation to support her should she have any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are at ease with the childminder. She has a warm caring approach and provides children with reassurance through hugs and facial expression. Children experience a good range of freely chosen activities, which promote their development. They are stimulated to build on existing skills as the childminder takes an active role in their play. The childminder uses appropriate questions to initiate conversation and extend their learning. For example, children playing at shop. 'Shall we have some cake from the shop with our tea and what sort of cake do you like'?. The childminder assisted the children to look for the teapot and cups to serve the tea. This helps children to use their imagination, develop language and make links with home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to be independent, make informed choices and have fun through play. They have access to a good range of planned activities which promotes their learning and development. Consideration is given to children's age and stages of development with a view that all children are included and can participate. Play provision is rotated to ensure children remain interested, motivated and stimulated. Activities are purposeful which supports their language, mathematical thinking and imaginative development. For example, when children played a game about measurement, they had to measure each other and decide who was the shortest and who was the tallest and who had the smallest feet and who had the largest feet. This helped children to learn about number, take turns and work together cooperatively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the stages of children's development. She makes effective use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to ensure young children develop their existing skills and learn new ones. She provides a range of activities, which provides opportunity for young children to develop their sensory skills through natural materials, such as sand, water, paint, play dough and clay. The positive use of children's observation records ensures all children have access to activities, which are age appropriate and provide opportunities to extend their learning.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a calm environment where children are happy and settled. They show a strong sense of belonging. For example; they know where to hang coats and bags. They are very familiar with daily routines and have formed good relationships with each other, the childminder and her family. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure. Children are treated with equal concern. The childminder knows the children extremely well and spends her time talking and listening to children. For example, she is able to recognise children need lots of cuddles and reassurance when their routine is changed. She works effectively with parents to ensure children's individual needs are successfully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn right from wrong in a very warm and caring environment in a way that is appropriate to the child's age and stage of development. They are given clear explanations when they are asked to conform, or in the case of younger children distraction techniques are used in an effective way. The childminder is sensitive to children's feelings and has an ability to turn negative situations into positive experiences. They are expected to share, take turns and be respectful towards each other. For example, when two children want to play with the same teapot, the childminder defuses the situation successfully by introducing another teapot. This helps children to learn to accept clear boundaries for acceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of the local community is promoted positively through a range of well planned outings. They go on daily visits to local parks, farms, museums, and shops. Children have equal access to all resources and are beginning to learn about the wider world through the use of good range of equipment and activities, which reflect diversity. They take part in planned activities which increase their knowledge of festivals and celebrations around the world. For example, children make candle holders out of clay for Diwali. This fosters children's awareness of the wider world through play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close partnership with parents and carers. This contributes to the children's overall well being. Effective communication systems and informative written observations ensure parents are kept informed and up-to-date about their child's care. Children are clearly benefiting from a positive partnership with parents. This ensures they are secure and happy.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and has good daily routines, which contribute in promoting good outcomes for children. Space, resources and time are used successfully to enable children to access a wide range of play opportunities and experiences. This ensures children receive good quality care.

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Organisation

The childminder shows a high commitment towards developing her practice through attending a wide variety of relevant training. For example, she has completed the Introductory course to childminding, Extended childminding practice, Developing childminding practice and Quality First kite mark. This results her practice having a positive affect on the care offered to children.

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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 Documentation meets the requirements of the National Standards and is stored securely to maintain confidentiality. However, some accident records are not signed by parents. Required adult ratios are met; this provides good levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported in their learning and care. There are a good range of well written policies and procedures, which are shared with parents and contribute to the effective organisation of the setting. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to establish a written agreement with parents that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the activities provided and improve fire safety precautions by ensuring the fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards, is accessible in the kitchen.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the initial visit, parents are provided with a written list of daily play activities, which the childminder intends to provide. They sign contracts to confirm they agree and are satisfied with the childcare service provided. This ensures children's developmental needs are appropriately met. The fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen and conforms to BS EN standards. This ensures children are safe.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 good. 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): • ensure accident records are signed by parents.

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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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