Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320299 Inspection date 18 August 2006 Inspector Jennifer Anne Marsh

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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 in the village of Carcroft, near Doncaster and works with a co-childminder. Minded children have access to the ground floor of the three storey premises, plus a bathroom and bedroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. She is currently minding two children under eight years for various sessions during the week. The childminder has access to a car for local outings and regularly walks children to local parks. She is a member of the National

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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 Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home, where a good standard of hygiene is maintained. They learn the importance of good hygiene by following regular hygiene practices. Regular and appropriate discussion about germs and tummy aches, helps children gain an understanding about the possible effects of infection. After washing their hands young children enjoy sharing the fresh smell of soap with the childminder. Children experience a good and varied range of outdoor activities which develop their physical skills. For example, the childminder recognises fully the importance of fresh air and children enjoy regular walks to the local park where children can practise their climbing and balancing skills on the large apparatus. The childminder plays an active part in encouraging fun, physical activity with the children. For example, they enjoy playing 'hula hoop' together and splashing around in the paddling pool in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's rest and sleep needs are supported well by the childminder. Children benefit from a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their good health. The childminder encourages children to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables daily. They are actively involved in growing and eating their own strawberries to enhance their understanding of healthy eating. Children's likes and dislikes are taken into account when the childminder provides a healthy diet of homemade fresh food. For example, on a warm day children enjoy teddy bears picnics consisting of salad and tuna sandwiches made by the children. Home cooked hot meals of lasagne are fully enjoyed at teatime by the children. Children's medical needs have been carefully considered as the childminder implements and shares with parents her safe procedures for caring for children who become ill. These include medication procedures and exclusion periods of common

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Helping children to be healthy

diseases. The childminder has appropriate first aid qualifications to care for children after an accident or in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure environment where the childminder takes positive steps to ensure children are safe at all times. For example, safety gates in place around the home prevent children accessing the stairs and kitchen. They are escorted by the hand up the steep stairs to the bathroom and children follow instructions to come down the stairs on their bottom to prevent any accidents. Children feel secure in the welcoming environment and space and resources are organised well so that children can independently choose their play. The childminder implements appropriate safety precautions to protect children in the

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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 case of an emergency. A fire evacuation procedure has been practised to maintain their safety and children are starting to become familiar with the sound of the alarm. On outings the childminder ensures children's safety by using appropriate safety equipment such as, reins, safety car seats and secure buggy fastenings. Through careful instructions from the childminder, children are beginning to learn how to keep safe when crossing the road and playing near water. For example, they understand to stop at the end of the road, hold hands and press the crossing button. Children identify to the childminder when it is safe to cross the road. The childminder carefully instructs children about such dangers as not to follow a ball that has been kicked into the deep water. The childminder has adequate knowledge of procedures to follow should she have

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

concerns about any of the children's welfare. Although, further training to raise her confidence in this area is beneficial to ensure children's welfare is fully safe guarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and stimulating home. The converted playroom provides a welcoming environment which stimulates children's curiosity to explore the toys and equipment. Children settle well with the childminder and feel comfortable in her care. A flexible and carefully planned settling in period allows children to build on their relationships with the childminder. This enables them to feel secure when leaving their parents. They regularly receive cuddles and the childminder is active, involving herself fully in the activities which creates a sense of fun for the children. The childminder adapts the activities very well to suit the differing needs of the children ensuring children enjoy learning and developing new skills through play. Children's creative skills are enhanced as they eagerly explore the texture of the play dough, rolling, prodding and squeezing. Their imagination is developed well when the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children are provided with opportunities to act out first hand experiences. For example, dressing up with hats and handbags and pretending to visit the shops to buy provisions for the childminder. Children recall their enjoyment as they describe their interesting visits to the local water park to feed the ducks. Young children's language skills are enhanced during the visit as they learn new names, such as geese. Children enjoy learning new nursery rhymes and action songs. They enjoy practising singing their new rhymes to an audience using the 'flashing light' microphone. The childminder supports children's understanding of colour, shape, size and number through everyday activities such as books and large floor jigsaws. This is enhanced as children are starting to build on their skills with the computer through appropriate interactive 'play and learn games'.

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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 show good self esteem and sense of belonging as the childminder ensures she listens and responds to the children. This allows them to feel valued. Their needs are suitably met as they follow their normal routine as agreed and discussed with parents. Children have suitable time to relax and be active. They feel at home quickly as a flexible settling in period meets their individual needs well. Children are beginning to learn acceptable behaviour, because the childminder is consistent in the way she manages the children. She ensures children are regularly praised which raises their self esteem. Children are being encouraged to hang up their coats, put on shoes, tidy away toys, cups and plates and to be helpful. This helps children become responsible for their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about the world around them. For example, a recent visit to the local power station initiates questioning and introduces children to how electricity is generated. There is a commitment to ensure all children are included. However, there are limited resources and activities which help children to learn about other cultures, beliefs and disabilities. Children benefit from the friendly and professional relationships being developed with parents. Parents views are sought before the care commences which helps promote the continuity of care. Information on the setting is shared well with parents within a colourful handbook which is discussed at initial meetings. Written policies are in place to inform parents of the procedures to follow should they have any concerns. Children's progress is currently exchanged verbally with parents on a daily basis which contributes to the children's continuity of care and well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and enjoy themselves within the childminder's home that has been organised well to support their needs. The playroom, decoration and arrangement of resources are stimulating and welcoming to children. Space and furniture are safely organised and encourage children to freely move around the home making free choices about their play. The childminder works closely with the co-childminder to ensure the safe management of the provision. They equally plan together activities for the children and have taken an equal role in devising policies and procedures. These are presented in a well written format, which is shared with parents, and are beginning to work effectively in practice. The childminders are beginning to identify each other's strengths and plan to build on these to ensure continuing improvement of the service. The childminder shows commitment to attend further training to improve her

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Organisation

knowledge of childcare. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Not applicable.

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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 children have access to a broad range of resources and activities which reflect diversity • increase knowledge and understanding on procedures to safe guard children.

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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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