Ducksbury, Jane Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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500644 Unique Reference Number 03 October 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 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 2000. She lives with her two adult children. They live in Maltby, a large suburb in the borough of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor, plus toilet facilities on the first floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two dogs.

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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 three children under eight years on roll. However, there are no children present during the inspection. The childminder walks to take and collect children from the local school.

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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. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of promoting children's health. This is successfully promoted through daily routines. For example, children wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet and after stroking the dogs. She further protects children from cross infection by ensuring parents fully understand her sick child policy. The childminder has appropriate documentation in place for administering medication and the recording of accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

From discussion the childminder demonstrates a reasonable understanding of healthy eating. Careful attention is paid to meeting dietary requirements and parents' wishes. She indicates that she encourages children to try new foods and provides fresh, wholesome food.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder talks about encouraging children to access fresh air and exercise daily. The outdoor play area is adequately equipped with ride on toys, bats and balls and role play equipment. She walks to and from school daily and in school holidays takes children to local parks and walks to landmarks of interest in the community for picnics.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken appropriate action to ensure her premises remain safe and secure. For example, dangerous substances are stored out of reach, the use of safety gates and appropriate fire precautions allows children to move around the home safely. However she has not practised her fire evacuation plan with children. She explains how she helps children to learn about their own safety though discussion about strangers and road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through observations and discussion with the childminder, evidence suggests children have access to a reasonable range of resources that are easily accessed allowing children to make choices in a safe manner. Toys and equipment are carefully monitored to make sure they remain safe and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder discusses the indicators of abuse confidently which ensures children are safeguarded. However, she is not fully aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder describes how she provides a wide variety of experiences which are age and stage appropriate. For example, children can access a wide range of craft materials, read books, play board games and enjoy visiting the new foal nearby. Role play and imaginative play are encouraged through a varied selection of role play equipment, such as the kitchen with pots, pans and pretend food, cars, bricks and dolls with an abundance of clothes and accessories. The impact of this range of experiences on children's development is not clear as there are no

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 records of what children can do. The childminder informed me that she takes an active part in children's play. For example, she plays alongside the children at board games, tastes the garlic bread they have made and involves herself in craft activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder indicates that she allows children to follow their own interests or simply relax and watch a video after a busy, structured day at school. Play resources are appropriately organised to help children's free choice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder talks about the importance of children feeling valued and respected. She aims for children to have a sense of belonging and uses appropriate settling in procedures to ensure they feel safe and secure. She describes her daily routine as being flexible and responsive to children's needs. She stressed the importance of children knowing and feeling comfortable with the daily routine.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to a very basic range of books and toys that promote positive images of diversity. The childminder demonstrates through discussion that she has limited knowledge of equal opportunities. She is very confident in discussing and promoting non stereotypical play but lacks sufficient detail and resources to promote diversity. Evidence suggests that children have opportunities to learn about their local community through regular visits to parks, shops and local landmarks for picnics.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder verbally demonstrates that she promotes good behaviour and places a strong emphasis on politeness and good manners. She provides children with clear and consistent boundaries so that children learn right from wrong in a caring environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder talks about keeping parents well informed about their child's care. Ongoing verbal communication ensures she is able to respond to children's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Documentation shows that the childminder has a well organised approach to her childminding role. Most required documentation and record keeping systems are in place. However, there is no system in place for the recording of complaints. Space is used effectively to maximise children's play opportunities and evidence suggests the childminder uses her time sufficiently well to ensure she supports children's care and well-being.

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Organisation

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the National Standards. This promotes children's safety and welfare. Overall, evidence suggests the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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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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 emergency evacuation procedures are practised • improve knowledge and understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures • improve knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and ensure children have access to a broad range of resources and activities which reflect diversity • develop a system for the recording of complaints.

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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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