Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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317986 Unique Reference Number 04 September 2006 Inspection date Jennifer Anne Marsh 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 has been registered since approximately 1994. She lives with her husband, adult son and two teenage children in the village of Branton in Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding seven children for various sessions during the week. The childminder takes children on walks to the local park and woods. The family have a pet dog and two cats. The childminder 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's health and development is enhanced by a regular healthy and nutritious diet. Children enjoy a wide variety of homemade meals and snacks that are appealing and often introduce them to new tastes. For example, children enjoy a mid morning snack of raisins and a lunch of homemade soup and fresh bread. A wide variety of healthy options are provided daily at main meal times such as, chicken, pork and fresh vegetables, which ensures children have a warm and appetising meal during their stay. The childminder is successfully introducing children to the benefits of home-grown fresh fruit and vegetables when they are actively involved in picking apples and growing tomatoes from seed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm and comfortable family home. All Children independently follow familiar routines, without prompts from the childminder, that help prevent any risks of cross contamination. For example, children know to remove their outdoor shoes on entry to the home. They independently use the soap dispenser and know how to wash their hands thoroughly after visiting the bathroom. Children talk about germs and understand that if they get into their tummies they could become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience lots of outdoor physical exercise on a daily basis which supports and develops their physical skills. For example, children put on coats and boots, whatever the weather to enjoy daily walks with the dog to the local park and wood. They enjoy regular spurts of exercise in the garden during the day to disperse excess energy. This includes racing round playing catch, riding bikes and learning balancing skills on the mini stilts.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder accurately maintains accident and medication records to ensure children are carefully supported should they become ill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the family home which is a secure and safe environment. Areas of play offer children freedom of movement. They move around with confidence between the rooms and garden, independently accessing toys and resources safely. The childminder implements appropriate fire safety precautions, which ensures children are well protected. For example, the written fire procedure is practised on a regular basis and written records of smoke alarm tests are maintained on a monthly basis. The written risk assessment of any possible hazards regarding children hurting themselves on the hearth is regularly reviewed to ensure this does not pose a hazard to young children and babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively supervised at all times. At the same time the childminder is skilled in managing the children to ensure they experience freedom whilst maintaining safe limits. For example, on outings children are taught to cross roads safely and not to talk to strangers. When visiting the woods children successfully learn safe boundaries, they are told how far to run ahead and when to stop and wait for the others. When children do not adhere to these

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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 boundaries, then the trip is ended and everyone returns back to the childminder's house. This has been implemented twice and now children follow the rules to keep themselves safe and have fun in the woods.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded well. The childminder understands the appropriate procedures to take should she have any concerns about the children's welfare. The written safe collection procedure, which includes details about passwords, protects children from unauthorised persons.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and comfortable at the childminder's house. They have excellent relationships with the childminder, who joins in the play when appropriate, supporting and extending their development. The good questioning techniques and detailed conversations used by the childminder positively extends the children's vocabulary. Children's memory and concentration skills are enhanced well during a game of matching pairs. During this activity children learn to share and although excited that they can remember where the matching cards are, they are learning successfully to patiently wait their turn.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have lots of opportunities to enjoy books and listen to stories with the childminder. They snuggle up together as a small group and children's literacy skills are enhanced. For example, during the story called 'Just A minute' the childminder asks appropriate questions about the story, the pictures and what's going to happen next. The children successfully predict and join in with the repeated words of 'Just a Minute'

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children fully enjoy the freedom of being outdoors in the garden. They show curiosity at living creatures when they find a spider in the garden. They play well together and enjoy each other's company on the seesaw. Lots of emphasis has been built on children's interest in growing. They have planted tomatoes from seed and understand how to care for the plants to make them grow; resulting in an abundance of tomatoes which the children are excited to pick and eat for their lunch. Children's interest in the natural world is enhanced further by growing summer flowers. They are currently interestingly planting and watching 'cat grass' grow; learning how this is beneficial to the family pet cats.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging as they demonstrate an easy going friendly relationship with the childminder. The individual needs of children are valued and there is a commitment to ensure all children of all abilities are included. The childminder has practical experience of caring for children with learning disabilities and supports them well. Children are learning about the world around them mainly through daily activities and walks within the local community. There are adequate resources which help children to recognise and value diversity in the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning well and understand acceptable behaviour. This is because the childminder is consistent in the way she manages children. She ensures all children understand the boundaries

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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 in place with gentle regular reminders. She remains calm and makes sure children are regularly praised and cuddled. Methods for dealing with behaviour are sensitive and appropriate to the children's level of understanding. For example, children causing behaviour that may harm themselves or others are gently taken away from the group. A sensitive explanation as to why the behaviour is unacceptable resolves the situation, without damaging the children's self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children and parents are warmly welcomed. Priority is given to developing good relationships with parents to ensure children's needs are met. A verbal daily exchange of information allows parents to see how their children are settling and developing. A recent written policy has been put in place for dealing with any concerns the parents may have about the service. However, this is not at present available to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and enjoy themselves at the childminder's home. They are confident to initiate their own play, choosing freedom to play outside or indoors. The organisation of the resources within a number of drawers encourages children's independence to self-select. The childminder effectively organises her time to ensure all children receive individual attention and that their needs are met. Children benefit from the childminder's good experience and knowledge of childcare. The childminder recognises the importance of training to improve the service she provides to children. She is currently updating her policies to ensure children's safety and welfare are met. All children's information is up to date although, at present it is not stored sufficiently to maintain confidentiality.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete checks on household members over 16 years to establish their suitability. All checks are now complete and family members and are suitable to have access to children. This maintains children's safety and welfare.

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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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints 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

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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 details of the complaints procedure is available to parents • ensure children's records are stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality.

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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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