Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333781 Unique Reference Number 06 November 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 2006. She lives with her son aged nine years. They live in Cusworth, a large village in the borough of Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is no access to the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. She currently has one child under eight-years-old on roll. The childminder is willing to walk to take and collect children from the local school. The family has a fish. 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 home is very clean and well maintained and the childminder has appropriate hygiene practice in place. For example, when changing nappies she uses a changing mat and uses anti-bacterial spray to clean it afterwards. Children stay healthy and are protected from infection because they are taken care of appropriately if they have an accident or become ill. Accident and medication forms meet regulatory requirements are well organised and up-to-date. This further protects children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is promoted well by the childminder. She is committed to providing a healthy and nutritious range of snacks and meals. She actively encourages children to try new foods, such as Satsumas. Records show that children's dietary requirements and parents wishes are adhered to. This results in children being well nourished as they develop an understanding of the importance of healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a reasonable range of physical activities. Regular visits to parks, such as the local pond to feed the ducks, and daily walks allow children to develop their all round physical skills. For example, young children enjoy using the swings, climbing the steps of the slide and being allowed to run freely in open spaces chasing a football. Therefore, they are developing a positive attitude towards physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are child friendly and positive arrangements are in place to ensure that children are able to move around the designated play areas independently. Effective safety measures are in place like socket covers, safety gates, fire guards, low-level glass has safety film applied and the premises are kept secure. This ensures children are cared for in a safe environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Equipment is of good quality, suitable design and meets the required safety standards. Children independently select toys from a good range of resources which are carefully presented at low-level to encourage independence. This gives children the opportunity to self-select equipment and enjoy a wide range of different play experiences safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a basic understanding of the indicators of abuse. She is aware of the responsibility to protect children and has systems in place to safeguard their welfare. However, the childminder's understanding of the procedures to follow should she suspect abuse is limited.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and secure in the welcoming, child friendly home. They explore and investigate as they choose freely from a good range of stimulating resources and activities which support their development. For example, children explore noise making toys, pressing

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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 buttons and delight at the noise it makes, return again and again to read books and enjoy putting toys in and out of the boxes used to store them. Children are very independent as they choose between toys that appeal to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate very well to the childminder. They share a very close and caring relationship where cuddles are a regular feature. For example, children enjoy the physical closeness with the childminder, seek her out to share books with and look to her for approval when they try something new. Children gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence as the childminder consistently supports them to learn and reinforce what they can do. Toddlers communication skills are fostered very well as the childminder consistently talks to the children about what they are doing, linking words to actions. She listens and encourages them to communicate by repeating words, such as cat and duck when reading books. Therefore, children are developing positive relationships with the childminder and develop good communication skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a strong sense of belonging at the childminder's. She obtains plenty of information from parents to ensure she can meet their individual needs. The childminder has a very warm and friendly approach. She is sensitive, gives them reassurance and stays physically close to help them feel secure. Children are confident and play happily.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are encouraged to take part in activities appropriate to their needs and abilities which successfully creates an inclusive environment for all. Children have access to an acceptable range of resources which reflect diversity. They regularly visit places of interest in the local community, such as parks, shops and farms and are regular visitors to the local carer groups. Therefore, children are beginning to become aware of the wider society and develop appropriate social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive strategies to manage children's behaviour. Children learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. They are given clear instruction and guidance, for example, not to throw the orange on the floor. This results in children knowing what is expected of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers are sound. Ongoing verbal communication ensure that parents are kept up-to-date about their child's care. Children are clearly benefiting from this positive partnership and are very settled in response to this.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space and resources are appropriately organised to meet the needs of children successfully. Children are happy and at ease in the surroundings, which helps them to initiate and extend their own play and learning. This effectively supports children's welfare, play and learning. The childminder is keen to further her development as a childminder and has attended some additional training, including basic food hygiene, policy and procedures and caring for children

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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 with downs syndrome courses. Further training sessions are planned to ensure she continues to develop and improve the childcare.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation is in place, is well organised and is stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. Children's welfare, care and learning are appropriately supported as the childminder's policies and procedures are effectively implemented and are readily available for parents. However, the complaints policy lacks details of the regulator, Ofsted, and there is no system in place to record any complaints received. 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

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): • improve knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • devise a system for the recording of complaints • review the complaints policy.

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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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