Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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317693 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2006 Inspection date Angela Howard 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 was registered in 1989. She lives with her husband and two adult daughters. The premises are in Sprotborough, a suburb on the outskirts of Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently has nine children under eight years on roll. The childminder walks to take and collect children from the local school. She regularly attends the local carer groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and comfortable home. The childminder promotes the health of children and takes some positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, toys and equipment are cleaned regularly and children follow simple hygiene routines, such as washing hands after using the toilet and before eating. However, this is not consistently applied because not all children wash their hands after using the toilet or before eating a biscuit. Children are protected from infection as parents are clearly informed that sick children cannot be cared for. Arrangements for administering medication and first aid meet requirements. This further protects children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are appropriately nourished because they are provided with a wide range of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. For example, children help to make fish cakes and sponge pudding for desert using wholesome fresh ingredients. Meals and snacks take into account children's individual dietary requirements and parents' wishes. This results in children developing a good understanding of the importance of healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children love using the outdoor play area. They freely access a wide range of equipment each day. They swing, jump, climb, pedal and ride on bikes, tractors and scooters with skill and confidence. The access to a wide range of physical activities contributes to the children's good health and ensures they develop their physical skills.

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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 very safe and welcoming environment. The childminder completes comprehensive informal risk assessments and takes positive steps to minimise any risks identified. This means children can move around freely and safely. Children's understanding of safety is promoted well because the childminder discusses limits and boundaries with them. For example, they know where to ride bikes outdoors away from the swing and that only one child is allowed on the trampoline at a time. These gentle reminders help children to begin to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a very good variety of toys and equipment which are safe and of good quality. Children can easily access resources as they are stored at a low level or presented on low level sturdy tables. This encourages free choice and independence safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding about her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. She recognises signs and symptoms and has contact numbers readily available. However, she only has a basic understanding of the safeguarding children procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, content and confident in the welcoming environment. Free play is carefully balanced with focused activities, such as making pompom spiders, painting activities and outings to parks or the swimming baths. Children show high levels of interest in what they do. For example, they are engrossed in making pompom spiders and concentrate when bending the pipe cleaners for spiders legs. Children are consistently challenged and as a result have direction and are motivated.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy being in the warm and caring environment. They share a very warm and affectionate relationship with the childminder, her family and other children in her care. As a result, children are happy and settled. Children make their own choices from a good range of resources. They are encouraged to access resources themselves, so developing their sense of self assurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing good communication skills as the childminder actively listens and responds using every day routines to talk to and encourage children to vocalise. She is highly skilled in early 'conversations'. For example, young children point to toys and the childminder acknowledges this and responds by getting young children to converse with her; she shares in their discovery and values their words. Such as when babies say 'no' to a drink. She enthusiastically follows their lead as they explore their environment, people and resources. For example, she talks to them about the fluffy wool and the pompom spiders older children are making.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. 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 an abundance 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 transition from home to the setting a secure and positive experience. 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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. They are given 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. She gently reminds them of the house rules and uses distraction to successfully promote positive behaviour. The childminder promotes the use of manners and as a consequence, the children are polite and well mannered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 craft activities offered throughout the year to celebrate festivals from around the world.

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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 A successful relationship with parents and carers ensures that the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of children's individual needs. Ongoing verbal and written communication ensures that parents are kept up to date about their child's care and progress. Due to this very 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. Children feel at home and relaxed in the appropriately organised environment. They move around the home confidently and are clearly at ease in the environment. This results in children remaining settled and feeling secure.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Children's welfare and development are appropriately supported by the reasonable range of polices and procedures the childminder has in place. However, she has not obtained written permission from all parents to gain emergency treatment. The childminder is very experienced and is committed to further development of her practice. She attends relevant training. For example, she has recently attended Birth to Three matters training, health and safety, first aid and introduction to activity planning training. Therefore, children's experiences are enhanced as the childminder uses her training opportunities to improve her practice.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints 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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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): • improve hygiene procedures by ensuring children routinely wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet • improve knowledge and understanding of the Safeguarding Children procedures • seek permission from all parents for emergency treatment consent.

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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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