Whittington Dorinda

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 302964 Inspection date 10 May 2005 Inspector Carolyn Gifford

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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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 13 and 11 years old at Brinsworth in Rotherham. The whole of the premises is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are schools and pre-school facilities for younger children situated in the locality and there is easy access to public transport, shops and children's 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 registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding five children. She attends local toddler groups and childminder drop-in groups on a regular basis. The family have two pet guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Association of Childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and dietary needs are met well because the childminder works effectively with parents' and shares information daily about all aspects of the children's day. Children learn about healthy living and understand simple good health and hygiene practices, for example the childminder explains the reasons why the children need to wash their hands. The children's clear understanding of this helps to reduce the risk of infection. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health, for example regular outdoor play, trips to local play areas and childminder drop-in groups provides opportunities for physical development, for children to enjoy fresh air and to socialise with other children. As children become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies, the childminder ensures there is provision for drink, rest and relaxation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder is vigilant regarding safety, which means that children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment, for example she conducts a visual risk assessment of the premises and the resources prior to children arriving. Children are helped to develop a clear understanding of the simple rules and boundaries inside and outside the home, because the childminder offers a high level of consistent and careful supervision and talks to the children about keeping safe. The furniture, toys and equipment are age appropriate, which enables children to move around freely and independently. Children have easy access to a wide range of activities and good quality resources, which meet safety standards and promote development. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has most of the required procedures and documents in place, for example, she has a current first aid

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

certificate and has a good understanding of child protection procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are confident at the setting and in their relationship with each other and with the childminder. They socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups and childminder drop-in groups. Children play cooperatively and enjoy positive feedback and encouragement from the childminder. When completing the stacking rings game, for example, the childminder extends knowledge and understanding by asking open questions about colours and numbers. The childminder has a good understanding of how young children learn and develop and adapts activities such as storytelling, singing and art and craft to promote younger children's learning. Children's independence is encouraged as they choose freely between a variety of books, toys and activities, which are all readily accessible and prepared ready for when children arrive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and enjoy coming to the childminder's home. They are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities, which provide good levels of challenge suitable to their age and stage of development. Resources promote positive images in all areas of equal opportunities which increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of the needs of others. Children are respected as individuals and their needs are effectively met as daily routines are discussed with their parents and information is shared on a daily basis. They behave well, make themselves at home and are confident in deciding what to do and in their interactions with the childminder. Appropriate behaviour management strategies are in place, which help children to understand the effect of their behaviour on others. For example when children argue

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Helping children make a positive contribution

over one piece of equipment the childminder intervenes with sensitivity and understanding of the needs of the individual children. Children show good levels of independence, curiosity and imagination. by being able to freely access appropriate resources.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease in the well organised environment, which helps them to develop confidence to initiate their own play and learning. Children benefit from the

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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 childminder's active involvement and links with other childminders, for example attendance at local drop-in groups gives children the opportunity to mix with other young children and broadens their range of experience. Effective procedures are in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Space and resources are organised to meet children's needs successfully and daily sharing of information ensures parents are well informed about their child's progress. Documentation is in place and stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved the systems for recording medication, accidents and incidents, which offers parents' security in the knowledge that there are adequate recording mechanisms to promote the safety and well- being of the children. The childminder now has all relevant written parental consents in evidence and continues to encourage parents' to sign the attendance register.The childminder has completed appropriate first aid training. Potential hazards are identified and minimised, which has improved the continued safety of children. The arrangements for preparing for when children arrive has greatly improved and activities are now prepared in advance, which means children have an interesting and stimulating environment on arrival. The range of resources promoting positive images in all areas of equal opportunities has been extended and the childminders understanding of the issues has developed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This ensures that children have a greater understanding of equal opportunities.

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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

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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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): • devise and implement a system to record existing injuries

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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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