Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY339864 Unique Reference Number 12 April 2007 Inspection date Pauline Garfield Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and eight in a quiet area of Conisbrough, a suburb of Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding eight children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group, and takes children to the local parks. The family have a pet rabbit.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has sterilizing equipment which she uses on all children's feeding equipment if they are under the age of 12 months. The childminder has a health and hygiene policy, and the house is a smoke and pet-free zone. The pet rabbit lives in a hutch outside. Children's good

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 health is maintained effectively because the childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to providing care in a clean environment. Hand washing is encouraged after each visit to the toilet, before each meal and upon returning from outside. Young children wash their hands with liquid soap and dry them on paper towels. They know that washing hands gets rid of germs. This understanding helps develop good hygienic practice from an early age.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides food in consultation with parents. A sample menu is available and children's preferences and dietary needs are catered for. Children enjoy snacks of fruit, vegetable sticks and yogurts. They have regular access to drinking water, squash and milk.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy daily trips to the local park. They develop their physical skills as they play on the swing in the garden and ride on scooters. Children play with a range of other toys and equipment outdoors, such as a workbench and tools. Young children are provided with a carpet area to enable them to play outside. They eagerly reach for their favourite tin of pegs as they enjoy the fresh air. This access to a wide range of physical activities contributes to children's good health.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The environment is very warm and welcoming. Children are happy and settled. They know to put their shoes in a box, and hang their coat up on child-size pegs when they arrive. Toys and equipment are of good quality and changed each week. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety and tidy away an activity before they get another one out. The childminder has a monthly checklist to ensure, for example, smoke alarms are in working order. The childminder has an 'outings' policy, and young children know they are either in the pushchair, on reins or holding hands. The childminder has a fire escape plan which is displayed and practised every six weeks. Children talk about the fire plan and what to do. The childminder teaches children not to answer the door without an adult present, and has a sign at the front door to remind them. The front door makes an alarm noise when it is opened but it is not secure,

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a 'Safeguarding children's welfare' policy and explains to parents her responsibility to report any concerns. Parents are asked to inform the childminder of any accidents or injuries that might affect children's behaviour and these are recorded. The childminder has attended recent child protection training and has a good understanding of the procedures to follow.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access an interesting and stimulating range of activities and experiences. Activities provide good levels of challenge, are age appropriate and match the stage of the children's development. Children are totally engrossed in the activities and experiences provided.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children sing to themselves as they listen to music tapes. The childminder has attended 'Birth to three matters' framework training and has a routine of the day which includes planned activities. For example, puzzles and musical instruments. Holistic play and treasure baskets are available and include noisy materials and smooth wooden objects. The childminder sits on the floor with young children as they make a house from construction bricks. The childminder interacts appropriately asking open-ended questions, such as 'where shall we put the door?'.

p.3

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 Children benefit from the childminder's individual attention, support and encouragement which gives them confidence to acquire new skills and develop their self-esteem.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder develops children's mathematical learning as she interacts appropriately with children who are enjoying a counting jigsaw. Children are encouraged to predict what number comes next. Language skills are developed as children look at alphabet trays and sound out the letters. Craft activities are available and children enjoy baking once a week.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has equipment that reflects diversity and the wider world. For example, multicultural jigsaws and books. Children learn about their community as they visit places of interest, such as play areas and the local castle. They show a sense of pride as they put a tick on a reward chart for tidying up. House rules are displayed, and children are well behaved. Young children's behaviour is effectively managed and takes into account their level of understanding. Their achievements are acknowledged and praised. They learn right from wrong in a warm, caring environment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in partnership with parents and carers to provide good quality information. Parents sign to acknowledge policies and procedures. The childminder records daily sleep and nappy times on a slip of paper for parents and carers to take home. Ongoing verbal communication ensures parents are kept up-to-date with their children's progress. Parents are happy with the care provided and have written references and thank you cards.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very well organised. For example, the routine of the day flows well and allows for flexibility and children's individual needs. Space and resources are well presented both indoors and out. They are readily accessible to children enabling them to explore the environment with ease. This develops their sense of belonging.

p.4

Organisation

Documentation is very well presented and all the required mandatory policies and procedures are in place. Children's records are up-to-date and stored securely. Children's arrival and departure times are recorded, and adult to child ratios are met. The childminder has a keen commitment to improve practice through a programme of training. Many courses have been attended including first aid training for infants and young children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the front door is secure and keys are readily accessible.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5