Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY263800 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2007 Inspection date Carolyn Gifford 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 August 2003. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder and her adult daughter, who works as a childminder assistant.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding seven children under the age of eight years and two children over the age of eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family live at Toll Bar on the outskirts of Doncaster. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there are fully enclosed front and rear gardens available for outdoor play. The family keep four small dogs and three guinea pigs as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and takes children to the library, local parks and play areas.

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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 is working towards a Level 3 qualification in childcare and education and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from illness and infection as the childminder maintains good standards of hygiene, which helps to promote children's good health. Children follow the good role model of the childminder and are beginning to understand the importance of personal hygiene, such as washing hands before eating and after toileting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Most of the relevant documentation and written parental consents are in evidence. However, in the medication record book, the childminder does not include the time of the last dose, the reason for the medication or whether it is prescribed or not. The childminder does not have written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment or to administer first aid. Also the existing written parental consent regarding medication allows the childminder to give non prescription medication only, which could compromise children's general health and welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied range of outdoor activities, for example regular walks to local parks and play areas, which helps them to develop their physical skills and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Time for rest and relaxation is incorporated into the daily routine, which means that children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of the importance of promoting healthy eating. She provides home cooked food, including fresh vegetables and offers children fruit for snacks and desserts. This helps children to learn to make good food choices and develop healthy eating habits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is given high priority by the childminder and is an integral part of the childcare provided. All safety precautions are in place and the childminder completes a daily risk assessment before children arrive, which helps to ensure the continued safety and welfare of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a varied range of good quality, age appropriate toys and resources, which are easily accessible to the children. The childminder encourages children to tidy up, which helps them to learn to share the responsibility for keeping the environment safe. Children's welfare and safety is also well promoted when on outings as, for example, the childminder encourages children to think about keeping themselves safe by discussing road safety and explaining how to cross roads safely.

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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 Children are effectively protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of her role regarding child protection and the procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child. The child protection policy ensures that parents are aware of the childminder's responsibilities with regard to protecting children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and relate very well to the childminder and to each other. They are familiar with the environment and demonstrate confidence as they choose to participate in activities of their choice from the good range of readily accessible toys and resources. This helps children to develop independent skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are actively involved in a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities that encourage all areas of their development. For example, when completing a 'fireman Sam' jigsaw, the childminder encourages children to extend their knowledge and understanding by discussing the role of the fire officer in keeping them safe and relating this to a recent visit from the fire officers, when they gave advice about safety in the home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are good opportunities for children to explore their immediate and wider environment, as they enjoy outdoor experiences, such as visits to local parks and play areas. The childminder considers individual children's ages and abilities when planning activities and outings, which ensures that activities are suitable, interesting and challenging. This helps children to make progress in all areas of their development and builds on their natural curiosity as learners.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Early communication skills are nurtured as the childminder responds to what young children say and do with smiles, eye contact and by echoing their words. Younger children are able to join in activities, for example, when singing repetitive songs and rhymes, as the childminder is effectively using the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show a strong sense of belonging as they are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home. They are comfortable and at ease in the familiar environment, where they can move around freely and choose what they want to do. The childminder helps children to feel valued and to develop a positive self-esteem by giving praise and encouragement for their attempts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is consistent in her approach to behaviour management and give clear explanations why certain behaviours are inappropriate. This helps children to learn right from wrong and to know what is expected of them in a caring atmosphere where they are valued and respected. The childminder encourages children to show concern for others and to appreciate individual similarities and differences. This is reflected in the resources and activities, which promote positive images in all areas of equal opportunities.

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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 Relationships with parents are effective as the childminder encourages them to be involved in their child's care by sharing information and participating in daily feedback about the days activities and events. The individual needs of children are met well as the childminder takes time to discuss relevant areas with their parents and to establish each child's likes and dislikes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and offers inclusion for all children. She has a very good understanding of the areas to consider to ensure she meets the needs of all children attending.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is generally effective in organising the childminding to support children's care ,learning and play. Children are able to make informed choices about their play and are able to express their individual needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has a sound knowledge of childcare and development, which is enhanced by the further training she has completed and is reflected in her approach to her work. A good range of policies and procedures are in place, which contribute to the organisation of the setting and ensures that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. However, the childminder does not have all the relevant written parental consents and does not record all the necessary information in the medication record book.

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Organisation

The childminder has established positive relationships with parents and they are well informed about the provision. There is a written agreement between the childminder and the parents for each minded child, which ensures children's individual needs are met.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to devise an emergency evacuation plan that includes the first floor of the premises. This is now in evidence and is on display for parents and children to see, which contributes to ensuring children's general welfare and safety.

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Improvements since the last inspection

It was recommended at the last inspection that the childminder ensure that there is a written agreement for each child and that parents are made aware of the procedure to follow if they have a complaint. The childminder does now maintain a written agreement for each minded child and there is a complaints policy in place, a copy of which is given to parents. This helps to ensure that children's needs are met and that parents are fully informed about the policies and procedures of the setting.

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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

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 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 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): • obtain prior written parental consent to administer prescribed medication and ensure that all of the relevant detail and information is included in the medication record book • request written parental consent to administer first aid and to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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