Holmes, Claire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319856 Inspection date 05 June 2006 Inspector Angela Howard

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and five years. They live in Cantley, an area on the outskirts of Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor, plus toilet facilities and two bedrooms on the first floor of the premises, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She currently has three children under eight years on roll. The childminder walks to take and collect children from Hawthorne Primary school. She is willing to meet

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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 children from the Saint Peter's school bus.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in clean and well-maintained premises and the importance of good hygiene is reinforced in everyday routines. For example, children are encouraged to take care of their own personal hygiene, such as the washing of hands after using the toilet and before eating. This effectively reduces the risk of cross infection and helps them to understand simple hygiene practices. The childminder actively promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging children to access a varied range of activities outdoors. They visit local parks, go on walks daily and access a wide range of equipment when using the outdoor play area. Children enjoy worthwhile daily physical exercise. They play base ball, throw and catch balls successfully, jump with skill on the trampoline and use the appropriate leg movements to ensure they can keep the swing moving. The childminder has a good attitude towards physical exercise and recognises the importance of fresh air and

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Helping children to be healthy

exercise. Therefore, children are beginning to develop their physical skills in a positive manner. Children enjoy a well-balanced, healthy and nutritious range of snacks and meals in accordance with parents' wishes. Clear records show dietary requirements; children's and parents' preferences are catered for well. Meals are freshly cooked and provide a balanced range of healthy foods. For example, at lunch time children choose from apples and yoghurts as a desert. This results in children being well nourished as they develop an understanding of the importance of healthy eating. Drinks are always accessible, which allows them to have a drink when they are thirsty. This effectively promotes their physical well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in secure premises and benefit from the use of an appropriate range of safety equipment. The childminder regularly checks for hazards and appropriate steps are taken to minimise them to allow children to move around freely and safely. For example, socket covers and safety gates are in place and low level cupboards are free from hazards. However, the swing is not secured to the ground and the bathroom door has a bolt fitted which children can easily access. There are appropriate fire precautions in place but the fire blanket is not wall mounted. The childminder talks to the children about safety issues and supervises them appropriately. For example, children understand the consequences of jumping off the trampoline and gentle reminders from the childminder, for instance, 'be careful walking in front of the swing so you don't get hurt' result in children developing some

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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 All toys and equipment are of good quality, conform to safety standards and are presented appropriately to allow children freedom to access them safely and independently. Play provision is checked on a regular basis to ensure they remain suitable and present no hazards. This gives children the opportunity to self-select equipment and enjoy a wide variety of different play experiences safely. The childminder has a reasonable awareness of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. Children's welfare is adequately safeguarded as she recognises some potential indicators of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children share a warm and caring relationship with the childminder as she is kind and caring towards them. This ensures that they feel happy, settled and secure. They are given appropriate support and encouragement which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. For example, children are frequently praised 'well done' and 'can you show me how you did that' which effectively builds their confidence. Children are listened to attentively, fun is encouraged and the childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and preferences. She asks questions, listens to what they have to say and plays an active part in their play. For example, when playing base ball, she encourages children to count how many times they can hit the ball. An interesting and age related range of activities and experiences are offered. The childminder responds to the children's requests and ensures activities and equipment

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

provide acceptable levels of challenge. For example, when children bounce on the trampoline they play Simon says. This develops their physical skills as they jump on one leg, turn around and jump back onto two feet after bouncing on their bottom. A vast amount of craft activities are offered which includes the making of friendship bracelets, Easter boxes, Mothers day cards and free access to paints, glue and play dough. Young children are developing good communication skills as the childminder actively listens and responds using every day routines to encourage them to vocalise. For example, when she puts shoes on she counts them and talks about their size and colour. They are very eager to participate in all activities and shout excitedly when they have completed the tasks during the game Simon says. This results in children developing their language and communications skills effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content and are showing a strong sense of belonging. This is due to the very warm and caring approach of the childminder. She obtains plenty of information from parents to help children settle in her care. This shows that the childminder is aware of the children's emotional needs and aims to make the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 transition from home to the setting a secure and positive experience. Children are familiar with daily routines and have formed good relationships with the childminder and her family. She gives them her full attention when they speak to her. She talks to them about events that they have enjoyed at home, which they recall with enthusiasm. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self confidence, a belief in themselves and healthy self-esteem. Children learn effectively about their community and are introduced to the wider world through resources, visits around the local area and planned activities, such as the craft activities offered throughout the year to celebrate festivals from around the world. Children learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. They are given

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Helping children make a positive contribution

clear instruction and guidance and this results in them knowing what is expected of them. The childminder provides clear explanations and supports children to manage their own behaviour. Like providing opportunities for children to learn how to cooperate and take turns. For example, they learn how to take turns when playing base ball. The childminder suggests they take turns having three attempts to hit the ball before passing the bat on. She gently reminds them of the house rules and uses distraction to successfully promote positive behaviour. For example, she finds more balls when all children want the same ball. The childminder promotes the use of manners and as a consequence, the children are polite and well mannered. A successful relationship with parents and carers ensures that the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of children's individual needs. Ongoing verbal communication ensures that parents are kept up-to-date about their child's care. Due

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to this positive relationship children's needs are continually met and children remain settled in the childminder's care. This clearly contributes to the children's overall well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises space and resources well and follows children's individual routines to promote their welfare and development. Children feel at home and at ease in their surroundings. This means that they can initiate their own play and learning, promoting their independence. Space is used effectively to maximise play opportunities for children. They move around the home confidently and are clearly happy and settled in the environment, which contributes to their overall well-being. Documentation is kept in a well-organised and professional manner and a high regard is given towards maintaining confidentiality. However, the medication records are not always signed by parents. Required adult-child ratios are met and provide appropriate levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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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): • ensure the fire blanket is wall mounted • ensure the swing is secured to the ground and the lock on the bathroom door is inaccessible to children • improve documentation with regards to administration of medication.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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