Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY248337 Inspection date 22 April 2005 Inspector Pauline Garfield

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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 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 was registered in December 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged three, six and eight years. The family live on the main road through Carcroft, near Doncaster. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding with the addition of the bathroom upstairs. There is a small enclosed rear garden. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and nine children when working with an assistant. The childminder is currently minding nine children for a variety of times. She collects children from local schools.

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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 The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group, takes children to the local library, Wacky Warehouse and local park. The family have pet dog. The childminder is the Area Coordinator for the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to promote their physical development. For example, they ride on wheeled toys and kick balls and regularly visit local parks and attractions. They become increasingly aware of the way activities affects their bodies and know when they need a drink and a rest. The younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder promotes independence. She has a good understanding of the Birth to three matters framework. This understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives them confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of cleaning hands before snack and after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to drinking water from a water cooler and a range of milk and juice through the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choice to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a spacious home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children know and can exit the building safely in the event of a fire although keys to the front door are not readily available. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meets safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection

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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 procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminders house. They are confident in their relationship with the childminder and her assistants. Children play happily together and with adults enjoying using resources such as multicultural jigsaws, games, role play, crafts and outdoor equipment. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children cooperating, taking turns and sharing. The childminder is aware of the early learning goals and Birth to three matters framework and uses these to plan activities and adapt them appropriately to the age and stage of development of the minded children. The childminder and assistants have a secure understanding of the experiences which enable babies and young children to make greater use of their senses. Children's activities include counting games and promoting colours which contribute to children's developing mathematical skills. All children spend their time purposefully and are motivated and interested in a broad

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which promote good levels of challenge. Children enjoy a range of planned events such as picnics outside and outings to local attractions and parks. They can regularly run, ride bikes, pedal and scoot in the outdoor play area which contributes to their well being and physical development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example they talk about the Chinese New Year, participate by dressing up and enjoy food tasting. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest as well as routine outings to the library and local park. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They behave very well. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do for example helping themselves to drinks and accessing resources. They have time to relax as well as be active. Children respond well to spoken words and activities which

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Planning systems are in place to ensure assistants understand their role and this contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved the range of activities and resources that promotes equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice. She has established a written agreement with parents that sets out the expectations of both parties. Children's safety has improved and the childminder has taken steps to ensure the safety of children and adults when transporting in a vehicle.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there have been three complaints relating to Standards 1 and 6. Visits have been made by child care inspectors to investigate the concerns. Actions were agreed between the child care inspector and the provider to improve standards. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 keys are readily available to the front door.

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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 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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