Childminder in DoncasterOfsted inspection, 8 Jun 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY291113 Inspection date 08 June 2005 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 2004. She lives with her husband and four children aged between 9 and 14 years. They live in the village of Thorne on the outskirts of Doncaster. Registration is for 4 children and there are currently three children under eight years on roll, attending on a part time basis. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with the addition of the bathroom and main bedroom. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have two pet dogs.

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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 has access to a car for local outings and school collections. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are encouraged to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, children arriving early in the morning enhance their self help skills by brushing their teeth and hair. Frequent hand washing before food and discussions about germs, helps children to gain an understanding of the possible effects of infection. However, appropriate measures to be taken if children become ill are compromised, due to the lack of written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children's likes and dislikes are taken into account when the childminder provides a diet of mainly freshly made meals. For example, children enjoy a lunch of shepherds pie, peas and carrots. Healthy eating is also encouraged when children are given regular opportunities to have a mid morning snack of apple, grapes and yoghurt.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular drinks of cool water and juice, providing satisfying refreshment on hot days.

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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 welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised and children's safety is carefully considered. All children are fully involved in keeping themselves safe. For example, the childminder uses regular discussion to teach children about keeping safe within the home and outside. The detailed fire evacuation procedure is always practised during the children's first week of care and regularly there after. On outings the safe control of children whist walking is fully maintained. Children learn the importance of holding the childminder's hand at all times, especially when crossing the road. The possible risks of talking to strangers and shouting 'hello' to people the children do not know, are carefully explained to the children. Children independently select from a suitable range of good quality and well maintained toys. When children play outside in the garden they are well protected

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

from the lively family dogs by a purpose built, enclosed play area. Children enjoy safe play within an area that provides good shade in the hot sun and the surfaces are well protected by foam safety mats. Children are suitably protected by the childminder. She understands well, her responsibilities regarding child protection and has an awareness of first aid 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 satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They relate well to the childminder, feel comfortable in her care and are welcomed as part of the family. New children settling in have familiar comforters from home close at hand until they feel secure enough to cope without them. Young children enjoy playing with a suitable range of toys that they can self select, encouraging their own choices about play. These include self selection from a row of coloured drawers containing various types of paper, colouring books and utensils helping to stimulate children's creativity. The childminder talks to children to discover their interests, likes and dislikes. She then aims to provide flexible activities to stimulate and maintain children's interest, helping them to develop. This includes regular visits to local parks to enjoy large physical play and to enjoy picnics in the fresh air. Often toys are rotated to introduce new

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

challenges and children are able to socialise with others through regular visits to the playgroup.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy relaxed relationships with the childminder. Their needs are met well as they follow their routine as discussed with parents. Children have time to relax as well as be active, they make themselves at home and quickly feel secure in their new surroundings. For example some new children in their first week gain sufficient confidence to leave the dummy on the shelf and comfort blanket on a chair. Thank you cards from parents and children praise the care the children receive. Children begin to learn acceptable behaviour which is enhanced by providing children with a regular routine. For example, children regularly help tidy away five minutes before going home and ensure they hold the childminder's hand to meet parents at the door. Children's progress and development are recorded in a daily diary and shared with parents to help provide some consistency. Children are beginning to learn about the natural world around them. This is helped

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Helping children make a positive contribution

by children seeing a family of ducks regularly walking down the childminder's street. The addition of duck eggs left in the childminder's garden prompts interest and curiosity amongst the children. Children have limited accessibility to a full range of multicultural resources. This means children have little opportunity to gain an understanding of other family customs and beliefs. The childminder has a good understanding of the requirements for children with special needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and enjoy their time in the suitably organised home. The well

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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 written diaries provide parents with useful information about their child's progress and development. Although the childminder is still developing opportunities for parents to verbally share information on a regular basis. Some of the children's individual information to maintain children's welfare is disorganised. For example children's attendance is not always accurately recorded. The typed policies and certificate of registration are presented clearly and provide parents with suitable information about the care provided. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency advice or treatment • complete an appropriate first aid course, that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • increase children's access to a range of multicultural activities and resources • keep an accurate record of children's attendance.

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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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