Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY250648 Unique Reference Number 26 July 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 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and seven years in Bentley in Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There are toilet and wash facilities on the ground floor. There is a enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for three children under eight years for various sessions during the week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder helps run a local toddler group. She has access to a car for local outings and school collections. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Doncaster Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a warm, well maintained home. They stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene. For example, they understand to remove outdoor shoes as soon as they arrive. They regularly and independently wash hands and dry them on a fresh clean towel, after visiting the bathroom. Children's health and development is enhanced by a regular and nutritious diet. They access a good variety of fresh homemade meals and snacks, such as spaghetti bolognese and fresh meat dishes. Children willingly try different fruits that are offered and are encouraged to make healthy choices from a variety of snacks and drinks that are offered. The childminder encourages them to think healthily and gently steers them away from making too many unhealthy choices and biscuits are offered as treats.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have lots of opportunities to enjoy and develop their physical skills. Older children can access the garden independently and enjoy using a good selection of outdoor equipment. For example, riding bikes, playing ball and bouncing on the trampoline. They are able to enjoy the benefits of wide open spaces and develop specific skills through climbing, swinging and balancing on large play equipment at the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has appropriate qualifications in first aid and thorough policies and procedures which she follows to ensure children are well cared for should they become sick or require medical attention.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and secure environment. The childminder takes positive steps inside her home to promote children's safety. For example, she uses safety reins and chairs to support children whilst eating and anti-finger trapping devices on doors. Space and resources are appropriately organised, well maintained and in good condition. The childminder ensures all areas of the premises are safe by conducting regular, thorough risk assessments, being vigilant and supervising children well. Children are fully involved in practising the regular fire escape plan to maintain their safety in the event of an emergency. They understand that the large red sticker squares placed on doors are the exits to follow to outside. Children are protected as visitor's identification is checked and a written record made. If the purpose of the visit is not relevant they are asked to return outside childminding hours. Potential risks or

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

dangers are shared with children through regular discussions about road safety and reasons to maintain their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings. The childminder has a range of safety equipment, such as reins and wrist bands which display the childminder's telephone number. She takes a first aid kit, children's contact numbers and has devised a written lost children's policy should any incidents occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good knowledge of signs and symptoms that would raise her concern about the children's well-being. She has attended relevant training and has documentation guidance to ensure children are safeguarded. Although, some minor written details do not fully represent the Local Safeguarding Children Board 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. Children are happy and settled as a result of the childminder's warm relationships with the children as they are welcomed into the home as part of the family. Lots of reassurance and cuddles enable children to feel secure with the childminder and limits their anxiety when meeting new people for the first time. A stable routine and a close bond with the childminder results in children feeling secure and happy in their environment. Children benefit from a flexible settling in period which meet the needs of the children well. For example, children are supported well in their play and development because the childminder understands fully the importance of talking and interacting with the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's creative development is fostered well as they move freely between activities. For example they happily create creatures with pom-poms, feathers and wobbly eyes. They make patterns with sticky letters and manipulate glitter play dough. Resources available maintain children's interest and develop their learning. The childminder constantly introduces children to new language. For example, teaching games which help children identify lots of letters and words. Older children can develop some independence as they help choose their toys and equipment which enhances their choice and decision making skills. However, due to the stacking of some of the toys, this is more limited for younger children. All children benefit from exciting visits in the school holidays which include the zoo, farm and museum.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal routines as discussed with parents. Children have time to relax and be active, they make themselves at home, confidently making choices about their play. Children feel loved and very much part of the family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is developing successfully a range of meaningful activities and resources which introduce children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, children access toys and a small range of dressing up clothes, that reflect a positive image of other cultures from their own.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave appropriately, they understand the house rules and respond well to the childminder's methods of distraction and good use of positive praise and cuddles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents comment positively about the care their children receive describing a warm and loving environment, where their children learn a lot and is a wonderful part of the children's life. Good systems are in place with daily sheets informing parents about meal times, rest and sleep and importantly children's development and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home within the well organised environment. Continuity of children's care is well maintained through regular discussions with parents about their child's progress. The childminder effectively organises her time to ensure all children receive individual attention and that their needs are met. The comprehensive written policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of children. The childminder shows a positive

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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 attitude to training, extending her knowledge and understanding of child care issues to enhance the care given to children.

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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 agreed to make available information about younger children's routines and make safe an area of water in the garden. There is detailed daily information exchanged with parents about the children's routines and the water area has been removed. Therefore children's safety and welfare is maintained.

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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

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): • organise resources so that they are easily accessible to support children's play and independence skills.

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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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