Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319550 Inspection date 20 June 2006 Inspector Lynn Masterman

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and two sons aged 16 months and four years old. The home is situated on an established housing estate on the outskirts of Doncaster. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. Children only access the first floor to sleep in the designated front bedroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children under the age of eight years old who attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school.

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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 She takes children on outings and visits local play areas and amenities within the area. She is a member of National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a clear understanding of personal hygiene. They are familiar with the daily routine and learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. This helps to promote healthy practices, prevents cross-infection and contributes to their personal care and comfort. Appropriate procedures ensure that sick children are cared for sensitively, and that the risk of infection to other children is minimal. Children enjoy a range of well balanced meals and healthy snacks. They have the opportunity to make choices and are encouraged to access low-sugar foods and drink. This helps children to develop an awareness of healthy eating. The childminder works in partnership with parents and has clear information regarding the dietary needs of all children. This ensures that children have a nutritious diet and takes into

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Helping children to be healthy

consideration their individual needs. Children have access to a variety of regular fluids throughout the day and are encouraged to express their needs. For example, they are confident to ask for specific drink preferences 'I would like some juice'. This helps children to recognise their own needs for a drink. Children have access to regular physical exercise to develop their physical skills and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Appropriate use is made of the outdoor play area and children have access to a variety of suitable outdoor play equipment; such as bikes, scooters, skipping ropes, balls and hoops. This helps to promote their well-being and a positive attitude to exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder offers a welcoming and secure environment for children, where most potential hazards have been addressed to minimise risks. For example, she is aware of the risk posed to younger children by small pieces of toys and equipment. Fire evacuation procedures are shared with children, however, they are not routinely practiced and the fire blanket is not appropriately sited. Therefore, children are unaware of how to evacuate the premises safely. Children are well supervised, and the childminder has a good understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and safe limits. This provides children with the opportunity to move around safely, freely and independently. They are beginning to become aware of their safety inside and outside the home; for example, they know and understand why simple rules help to keep them safe. This helps children to take responsibility for their own

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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 Children have access to a good range of play resources, which are clean, well-maintained and meet safety standards. They are easily accessible and well-organised in clear storage units. This helps children to freely select resources independently and make informed choices about their play. The childminder has sound knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. She is able to recognise signs and indicators of abuse and act appropriately to protect the welfare of children. This ensures that children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed and child-friendly environment. They are confident in their surroundings and make themselves at home. Children warmly greet the childminder when they are collected from school and they converse about their day with enthusiasm. The childminder has developed a positive relationship with the children. They chat happily with the childminder and each other. Her relaxed approach helps the children to feel comfortable and at ease. This helps children to develop meaningful relationships. They are confident to seek support and are frequently given positive praise and encouragement. This helps children to feel safe and secure. Children spend their time purposefully, they play happily and welcome the childminder's involvement. Her knowledge of children's development ensures that they are provided with opportunities to become independent and develop their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

language and communication skills. Children are able to choose from a satisfactory range of activities, in addition planned creative activities are always available. For example, children were given the opportunity to decorate their own shirts linked to the world cup. The childminder provided a variety of coloured pens and suggested some ideas. They were given a chart with different flags around the world. The children were able to describe the Swedish Flag and how it is slightly off-centre. This provides opportunities to support learning and develop their creative skills. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the needs of young children. She provides opportunities for children to explore and investigate the environment. They benefit from routines, which are consistent with home; for example, eating, rest time and play. This helps children to make links with home. The childminder encourages young children, to develop their communication skills during play by

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

echoing their speech and encourages them to communicate their needs. For example, children enjoy singing rhymes and actions songs. They are provided with opportunities to build on their existing skills; for example, a ball-pool provided the opportunity to develop physical skills, such as climbing, reaching, coordination and negotiating space. This provides children with the opportunity to take supervised risk in a supportive environment.

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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 Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet children's needs. For example, dietary and health requirements are always followed. Detailed information received from parents ensures that children's individual needs and preferences are appropriately met; for example, information about home routines are discussed during the first visit. Children are happy and settled and have a strong sense of belonging; for example, they know where to hang coats and bags, and this helps children to feel valued and included. The childminder has a warm caring approach and listens to the children attentively. They are encouraged to express themselves freely; this helps children to gain confidence and voice their opinions successfully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to develop an awareness of equality of opportunity. Play is delivered in a non-stereotypical way and children have equal access to all resources. However, resources to promote children's awareness of the wider world through play are limited. Children are well behaved. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to management of children's behaviour. They receive support and encouragement throughout their play, which actively fosters their self-esteem. Children are beginning to take responsibility for their behaviour. Rules are simple and provide clear guidelines for acceptable behaviour in the home. For example, children know and understand shouting and being unkind towards each other is not permitted. This helps children to understand how their behaviour affects others. Children are beginning to learn right from wrong in a supportive environment. They are expected to share and show consideration for others; for example, they listen to each other

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Helping children make a positive contribution

when speaking. This helps children to be respectful towards each other. The childminder has developed a good relationship with parents. Children's individual needs are fully discussed and agreed with parents; for example, they are required to provide detailed information regarding all aspects of their child's care. This ensures that children's needs are met effectively. Parents have access to a good range of polices and procedures, which are signed and stored with children's records. This ensures that parents have a clear understanding of the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, well organised environment. Space is used appropriately to allow children to explore the environment and play safely. Toys and resources are easily accessible and provide children the opportunity to initiate and extend their play. The childminder has a daily routine, which evolves around children's individual needs. This helps children to become familiar with the daily activities and feel secure. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. The childminder has a sound understanding of the National Standards and provides parents with written information of how the standards will be implemented. This ensures continuity in children's care. All statutory documentation

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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 is in place and stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 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 fire evacuation procedures are practised and the fire blanket is appropriately sited • ensure children have access to a broad range of resources and activities, which reflect diversity.

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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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