Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY339739 Unique Reference Number 15 May 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Anne Marsh 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 has been registered since 2006. She is the parent of two children aged 10 and 12 years. The family live in Scawthorpe in Doncaster. All areas of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There is a secure garden and a patio area suitable for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are two children on roll who attend various sessions during the week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have pet dogs. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that is clean and tidy. Good hygiene is promoted and cross-infection minimised because suitable hygiene measures are in place. For example, children follow simple health and hygiene practice through their everyday routines, such as hand washing

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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 and through discussions about germs. The childminder prompts the young children to wash hands before food and children manage the taps and soap themselves. Children identify and use their individual towel which helps reduce the risk of cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met and they are suitably nourished with a variety of healthy snacks and lunches. Children enjoy a mid-morning snack of fresh fruit and benefit from regular drinks which they independently access throughout the day. Children's likes and dislikes are taken into account when the childminder provides snack lunches which include tomato soup with fresh bread, rice pudding, tuna and spread sandwiches.

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Helping children to be healthy

A varied selection of activities are offered to children, which contribute to their good health. They enjoy regular outings, picnics and visits to the park to develop and build on their physical skills. Children are suitably cared for should they become ill as medication and health issues are accurately recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe environment which is welcoming. The childminder has made her home safe to protect the children from hazards. For example, the premises are locked and children cannot leave unsupervised, electrical sockets are covered and smoke detectors checked regularly. However, an evacuation plan has not been practised and compromises children's safety in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

In the garden, hazards are minimized well to protect children from harm. For example, a secure enclosure protects children from the family dogs, a fence around the raised decking protects children from a fall and outdoor water activities are closely supervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning how to keep themselves safe when they talk about traffic and road safety. They understand the importance of holding hands and are learning the Green Cross Code. Children understand simple safety precautions around the home as they remember to close the safety gate preventing young children's access to the stairs. Children independently select from a varied range of good quality toys and equipment, which promotes their decision making skills. These are mostly accessible, although some toy storage in the adjoining garage requires the childminder's supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has basic knowledge of child protection and has suitable knowledge of procedures to follow to safeguard children, should she have any concerns about their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and settled and enjoy their play, making choices from the range provided. The childminder supports children's play, sitting with them, getting involved and talking to them. They discuss colours, shapes and numbers through everyday play activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children delight in being able to independently choose from a variety of age-appropriate, appealing toys and creative activities. Children's creative development is fostered well through different craft activities. For example, children enjoy colouring an animal mask which successfully introduces them to different colours. They talk about the elephant's trunk and identify where it should be positioned on the mask; they then reflect on their visit to the zoo and the elephants

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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 seen there. Other regular craft activities which enhance children's development include collage, paper plate faces and hand printing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are lots of opportunities for children to explore a range of different materials and textures as they eagerly investigate the bubbles in the water play, pouring, popping and watching the bubbles disappear on their hands. There are weekly baking activities which are thoroughly enjoyed by the children. This activity introduces them to a wide variety of learning experiences, such as simple maths. The children relate well to each other and have lots of opportunities to socialise with other children at the soft play centres and when visiting other childminders.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children show good self-esteem and a sense of belonging as the childminder places great emphasis on listening to the children, which allows them to feel valued. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal routines as discussed with parents and they have suitable time to relax as well as be active. Children make themselves at home, confidently making choices about their play. Children begin to learn acceptable behaviour because the childminder is consistent in the way she manages the children. For example, she remains calm, good manners are always encouraged and she makes sure children are cuddled and supported appropriately. Children are praised regularly which raises their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to develop an awareness of the wider world when they learn about their local environment through regular walks in the community. A recent increase in multicultural toys helps introduce children to some aspects of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the friendly relationships between the childminder and parents. The childminder and parents work closely together to ensure children's individual needs are met. Parents are informed verbally on a daily basis about their children's progress. This includes information about the children's activities, sleep and food. Parents comment positively about the progress their children are making and the care their children receive. Written information is in place to inform parents of procedures to follow should they have any concerns.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and settled within the welcoming environment. The childminder provides varied play opportunities and choices for children, enabling them to develop as individuals. Space is suitably organised allowing free space for the children to crawl and play to the full extent of their capabilities.

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Organisation

The childminder has a sound understanding of the importance of keeping records. She keeps all documentation organised and available. All the relevant children's information is in place, such as contracts and consent forms; this ensures the childminder can meet the needs of the children in her care. A children's register is completed, although this is not always an accurate daily recording.

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Organisation

The childminder has made good progress since registration to implement policies and procedures required to promote the care and welfare of the children. These are clear, detailed, shared with parents and are beginning to reflect the childminder's good practice. Although, not all written

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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 information for the safe management of the provision fully reflects what is actually seen in the setting.

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Organisation

The childminder shows continuing commitment to enhance her knowledge of childcare through relevant childcare training. 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 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 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): • practise the emergency escape plan • keep an accurate record of children's attendance • make sure all policies and procedures reflect the practice in the setting.

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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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