Baker, Sarah

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299038 Inspection date 13 June 2005 Inspector Catherine Julie Stainthorpe

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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 2004. She lives with her partner and child aged seven years in Greasborough in Rotherham. The ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is registered to care for three children under the age of eight years at any one time and is currently minding for five children who attend various times and days. The childminder cares for one child over eight years. The childminder has a pet dog who lives outdoors.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and supportive environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, the childminder encourages the children to develop self help skills and as a result of this they have a clear understanding of why they must wash hands after using the toilet and after handling the dog. This practice reduces the risk of cross infection. However the new toilet and cloakroom is situated directly off the kitchen and the fitting of a suitable door is outstanding. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. For example regular outdoor play in the garden provides good opportunities for physical development and gives children opportunities to enjoy fresh air and mix socially and play with other children. The younger children are included and join in all activities at a level appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the importance of a healthy diet. Regular drinks, snacks and meal times, where a variety of healthy and nutritious foods and drinks are provided, contribute to children's good health and nurture development. Parents are included in the planning of weekly party days where emphasis is placed on fun and the social aspect of enjoying a party atmosphere and eating together. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming childminding home where risks are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimize any known hazards. This means children are able to move around safely, freely and independently under the watchful eye of the childminder. The childminder talks to children about safety, for example they know if there are lots of toys left lying on the floor they may trip over these and hurt themselves. Arrangements for outings are good and the childminder has stringent measures in place which support children's safety. For example the childminder completes journey's alone prior to the outing to enable her to identify any risk factors along the way. However children playing in the garden have access to a large trampoline which can be a high risk activity. Children freely and independently select from the clean and well maintained toys and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

activities set out each day. Toys are rotated to maintain children's interest. The childminder carefully monitors children's choice of toys and resources to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. She ensures that areas used by the youngest children are safe and free from hazards. For

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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 example she picks up any small pieces of toy to reduce the risk of choking. The childminder gives important regard to keeping parents informed of child protection. She shares relevant policy information with them and ensures parents are made aware of the childminder's role and responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. Arrangements are agreed with parents and children are familiar and secure with the established daily routines which meet their individual needs and allow time to play, rest and eat together. The children relate well to each other and respond well to the childminder who is very caring and sensitive in her approach to them. The childminder is skilled at meeting the many needs of children and ensures each child has equal access to a stimulating balance of activities. For example the childminder includes the baby in all activities, she offer's physical reassurance, support and verbal encouragement. The baby responds well and shows interest and becomes playfully engaged and involved in activities. Children spend their time purposefully. They are involved in a good range of stimulating activities. For example children engrossed in home play, they count the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

cutlery and discuss the purpose of the knives, forks and spoons. They talk about the colours of the plates and cups and then set the table ready for tea. The childminder provides regular opportunities for children to enjoy the outdoors and good use is made of the garden. Children have space to run and move freely in a safe and supportive environment. For example they enjoy ball games and this helps develop co-ordination and physical skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources which promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example the multicultural dolls and play people families help children learn about peoples similarities and differences. Books which show positive images of race and cultural differences are freely used, and the childminder takes children on regular visits to the local library to choose books which extend their knowledge and understanding. Children's behaviour is managed in a sensitive and supportive manner. The childminder works closely with parents to agree appropriate behaviour management strategies for the children. As a result of this children are well behaved. They know what is expected of them as they go about their daily routines and this increases feelings of confidence and encourages high self esteem. Children know they are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

rewarded for being helpful and kind by lots of praise and they receive smiley face stickers and stars.

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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 The childminder has a sound understanding of children's feelings and is sensitive to changes in their behaviour, for example she identifies that the child becomes upset and cross because he has teething pain. She responds by offering the child cuddles and soothing words. As a result of this the child is reassured and comforted. The childminder completes daily diaries for the children and shares these with parents at the end of each day. Children learn about their wider community during regular visits by bus and on foot to town and parks. Trips into the local countryside and farm parks gives them an insight into animals, birds and nature. Photographs show children having fun and enjoying the outdoors.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures effectively contribute to the safe management of the setting and promote the care, welfare and learning of the children. Policies and procedures are shared with parents in verbal and in written form. Parents are kept well informed of their children's achievements and progress. Written daily diaries confirm children's daily routines and activities. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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):

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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 • improve the health and safety arrangements of the ground floor toilet and wash facility • obtain parental consent for children having access to the outdoor trampolene

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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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