Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY152010 Inspection date 07 June 2005 Inspector Karen Ann Byfleet

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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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her partner and son aged eight, in the Balby area of Doncaster. The childminder lives close to schools, a park and the local library. All of the ground floor, the rear bedroom and the bathroom on the first floor are accessible to children. There is a secure outdoor play area to the rear of the house. There are currently five children on roll attending throughout the week. The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification level 2 in childcare and she 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 outstanding. Children have access to an excellent range of activities which contribute to their good health. They are able to move freely between the indoors and outdoors and the childminder regularly takes them to the local park. They use a range of equipment which promotes their physical skills and development such as, ball games, a trampoline, sit 'n' ride toys and a slide. Children have a very good understanding of personal hygiene. They wash their hands independently before meals and after using the toilet to reduce the risk of infection. An excellent nappy changing procedure is used and a thorough hygiene procedure followed. For example, the changing mat is cleaned after each use and nappies disposed of in sealed bags. Children are beginning to understand about healthy eating. They are provided with a nutritious menu for meals and snacks which include fresh fruit and vegetables. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder takes into account parental wishes and children's choices. This ensures children's individual dietary needs are well met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Premises are very welcoming to the children, clean and well maintained. Security is very good, the main entrance being kept locked. Children move freely around the environment in comfort and safety. They move between the rooms independently and also between indoor and outdoor play. Equipment is very clean and well maintained and children are able to self select form the excellent range of age appropriate toys and resources. Children are supervised very well and the childminder interacts enthusiastically with the children in their chosen play, ensuring their choice is safe and suitable for their age and stage of development. Well organised documentation is in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded. She holds a current first aid certificate and has sound understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures. A comprehensively written emergency evacuation

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

plan is shared with parents and is practiced regularly with the children, enhancing and developing their awareness of safety procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy, settled and content within the environment and form very good relationships with each other and the childminder. They are independent in their choice of activity and are able to self select from the broad range provided. Although

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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 the childminder plans activities she is very flexible in her approach taking individual needs and preferences into account at all times. Excellent interaction between the children and the encouragement of the childminder ensures they play well together and lots of positive praise for each others efforts and achievements is consistent. For example, when a six month old is successful in placing an object in the correct place, she claps and cheers and encourages the other child to clap with her. Comprehensive and detailed development records and evaluation sheets for individual children is shared with parents, ensuring children's individual needs continue to be met and their development is enhanced. Children explore a broad range of activities which contribute to their learning in all areas, such as planting

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

flowers, baking and creative activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have access to a very good range of toys and resources which promote positive awareness of diversity and children's understanding of others within the community. Children are very well behaved, responding positively to requests. They share and co-operate well with one another and use please and thank you where necessary. Children are extremely well valued and their individuality is consistently respected. Pictures and craft items they have made are attractively displayed, giving them a strong sense of belonging and raising their self esteem. Parental wishes are met around the care of their children. The childminder follows routines and works closely with parents on issues such as, toilet training, diets and sleep routines. She shares information on a daily basis around what children have been doing, what they have eaten and their sleep times. Children's development is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

monitored, recorded and shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very confident and settled within the very well organised environment. The childminder ensures children have equal access to the excellent range of activities. She is extremely flexible in her approach and very attentive to children's individual needs. Toys and resources are well stored in easily accessible storage units for children to access independently. Information is shared with parents and most documentation is in place. Written permission is obtained before the administration of any medication and accidents are recorded accurately, with parental signatures. However, the childminder has not requested written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment if required. All documentation is extremely well organised and readily available for parents to see at their request. Overall, the provision meets the needs of

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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 the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has attended training in child protection and has developed a good understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures, ensuring she is able to manage any concerns relating to the welfare of children in the appropriate way.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 Ofsted have received one complaint relating to Standard 9 - equal opportunities. Ofsted made an unannounced visit to discuss the concern and found the provider met National Standard 9. 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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