Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY260143 Unique Reference Number 17 July 2007 Inspection date Carolyn Gifford 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children in Conisbrough, Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight years and is currently minding five children, who attend on a part-time basis. She walks to local schools and pre-school groups to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the library and the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a Nursery Nursing qualification in childcare.

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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. The childminder helps children to stay healthy as she has a clear understanding of the importance of good hygiene practices. Children learn about hygiene in everyday routines, for example, they know that they have to wash their hands before eating. Children's rest and sleep routines are flexible, according to individual children's needs. The childminder talks daily with parents, so she is aware of their wishes and each child's home routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are appropriate procedures in place to ensure sick children are comforted and that the risk of infection to other children is minimal. Signs and symptoms of illness are promptly recognised and parents are informed. Most of the relevant written parental consent is in evidence, which contributes to children's well-being. However, the childminder does not have consent from parents to administer first aid and she does not have a current first aid certificate, which compromises children's general welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have the opportunity to participate in a good range of physical activities and enjoy outings in the fresh air, which contributes to keeping them fit and well. The childminder plans suitable activities to develop children's abilities and supervises them well, while encouraging independence and confidence to try out new skills. Her clear understanding of the needs of younger children supports their good developmental progress.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for children, which helps them to learn to make healthy food choices. She uses documentation well to ensure that she meets children's dietary needs effectively and respects the wishes of parents. This contributes effectively to children's general health and welfare.

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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 safe and very child friendly home. The childminder organises space and resources well to reduce potential hazards and actively promote independence. Children use a broad range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, helping them to enjoy a wide variety of experiences safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant regarding the safety of children and she completes a visual risk assessment before children arrive and the majority of safety precautions are in place. However, external door keys are stored within reach of children, which compromises their safety. The childminder keeps children safe when on outings as she actively encourages them to think about road safety by talking to them about how to cross roads safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities within child protection procedures, which effectively safeguards and protects children. Recent additional training has extended the childminder's knowledge and understanding of her responsibilities, increasing her confidence in her own ability to protect children and keep them safe.

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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 very secure and settled in the childminder's care. They use resources and equipment very well, which encourages them to spend their time purposefully and to learn through play. Children enjoy many interesting activities using a wide range of stimulating resources that support and challenge their development. They develop confidence as the childminder talks to them and shows interest in what they are doing. She observes children's play carefully, so that she plans experiences based on their interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become engrossed in activities, for example when building a racing track. The childminder encourages children to think for themselves and begin problem solving, for example by asking what they think they will need to build a racing track. She uses opportunities during play to introduce concepts such as shape and number. Children's language skills develop well as they talk about what they are doing and are able to communicate their needs and ideas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder nurtures early communication skills as she responds to what young children say and do with smiles, eye contact and by echoing their words. Younger children are able to join in activities, for example when singing repetitive songs and nursery rhymes. This is as a result of the childminder using the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show good levels of independence, curiosity and imagination, which the childminder actively encourages by ensuring that appropriate resources are easily accessible. Children are able to progress because the childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and equipment, which increases their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective communication and welcoming routines show that there are positive and trusting relationships between the childminder and parents. The childminder respects children as individuals as she discusses their needs with parents, including daily routines, likes and dislikes. This contributes to effectively meeting children's needs and ensures that parents are actively involved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is good as children are aware of the house rules and boundaries. The childminder offers frequent praise and encouragement to re-assure children and to promote their self-esteem. Although the childminder does not have experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, she has a very good awareness of the areas she would need to consider to ensure she continues to meet the needs of all children attending.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is effective in organising the childminding to support children's learning and play. Children are able to make informed choices about their play and are able to confidently express their individual needs. The childminder promotes children's well-being, as there are procedures in place for sharing information on a daily basis with parents.

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Organisation

The childminder has a professional approach to childminding and has extended her knowledge and understanding of childcare by accessing appropriate further training, such as child protection

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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 and the Diploma in Nursery Nursing. However, whilst most of the required documentation is readily available, the childminder has not complied with the requirement to maintain an up to date first aid certificate. This could result in her not being able to offer the appropriate emergency treatment to children in her care.

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Organisation

There are a number of relevant policies and procedures that are readily available to parents and contribute well to the childcare service. 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 was asked to ensure that a fire blanket was sited appropriately in the kitchen and to provide a listening device for when children are asleep in other rooms. The childminder does now have a fire blanket and a listening device, which promotes the safety and general welfare of children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

It was also recommended, at the last inspection, that the childminder ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder does now have a good range of toys and equipment that promote positive images in all areas of equal opportunity. This effectively contributes to raising children's awareness of diversity and the wider world.

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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 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): • complete a first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • request written parental consent to administer first aid to children • ensure that external door keys are out of reach of children, yet nearby to aid emergency egress.

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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 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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