Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 317960 Inspection date 08 September 2005 Inspector Sandra Jean Russell

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and three teenage children. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder uses local amenities that include shops, a park and a playgroup. The family own a dog, two cats and a rabbit. The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years and there are currently six children on roll.

p.2

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 a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an environment that is very clean, tidy and well maintained. They are beginning to understand good hygiene procedures, such as hand washing and the hygienic use and disposal of tissues. They can play freely in the garden, as the childminder ensures that it is kept free of health hazards, in respect of her dog. The children enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities that actively promote their physical well being and develop their skills. These include valuable opportunities to play in the garden with wheeled toys, a tunnel, slide, balls and occasionally a bouncy castle. A trampoline is also available for older children. They enjoy frequent opportunities to engage in local walks, visit woods, playing fields and parks, extending their experiences and enjoyment of outdoor activity and exercise. The children's dietary needs are met very well, as the childminder has a sound

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

understanding of healthy eating and provides a well balanced diet. Meals include items such as pasta, salads, egg dishes, chicken, fish, fruit and vegetables. She is alert to the individual dietary needs of some children and is able to provide accordingly. For example, she may provide Quorn products for a vegetarian.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an environment that is very safe, where the childminder identifies and minimises risks, to ensure the safety of the children. Emergency evacuation procedures are in place, security is ensured and the childminder supervises the children at all times. However, the use of the large trampoline has not been sufficiently risk assessed. The children are kept safe on outings by the effective use of appropriate car seats and restraints, reins and buggies are also used and the children are taught road safety as appropriate to their stage of development. The children benefit from the childminder's up-to-date understanding of first aid practice and their welfare is safeguarded by her sound awareness of appropriate child protection procedures. The toys and equipment, used by the children, are of high quality, are in good condition and are age appropriate. They are able to access their resources easily

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

from a selection of items at floor level, encouraging their independence and ensuring their safety as they play.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy a wide range of activities that interest and stimulate. They show keen interest in a range of activities that include small world, dressing up, story time, outdoor play and a ball pool. They enjoy opportunities to engage in simple, purposeful household tasks such as pairing socks, passing pegs and preparing shopping lists that provide them with a sense of belonging and fosters their self-esteem. There are opportunities to engage in social activities such as visits to the library where they participate in story times, visit music groups and childminder drop-in sessions. Most children are happy and settled. However, where children are unsettled, due to returning after a long absence, they are positively supported by the childminder, who provides comfort and individual attention. Positive relationships are formed as the children interact well with the childminder and each other.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's individual needs are met well, as the childminder expertly responds to the different requirements and personalities of the children, being particularly alert to the differing needs of twins.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children feel a strong sense of belonging as they are cuddled, praised and thanked for their efforts. They demonstrate pride and self respect when they manage to put on their own shoes. They understand responsible behaviour as they help to tidy their toys away and demonstrate respect for each other as they patiently share and take turns. The children receive valuable support as the childminder attentively ensures that individual needs are addressed. For example, by providing individual attention and a change of activity if children become upset. By working closely with parents the childminder ensures that she meets all their requirements. Through the positive discussions of situations, as they arise, the childminder ensures that the children learn about and respect people with disabilities, of different cultures and backgrounds. The use of books about other cultures and craft activities around

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

different celebrations, such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween, ensure that the children begin to understand about the wider world and our diverse society.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for by a childminder who works closely with parents to ensure that all relevant information is gathered and recorded. She exchanges information with parents on a daily basis, ensuring that all parties are kept up-to-date with the

p.4

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 progress of the children. Her clear, concise policies and procedures work well in practice and promote the children's welfare. The environment is welcoming and the children are comfortable and relaxed. They move freely about the setting, demonstrating independence and confidence. The children benefit from the childminder's commitment to developing and improving her practice by attending relevant on-going training courses. The needs of the children are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve her documentation by ensuring that the attendance register was kept up-to-date, obtaining permission to seek emergency treatment and written consent to administer medication, ensuring that parents had details of activities provided and obtaining local authority child protection information. All documentation is now in place, ensuring the welfare of the children. She agreed to ensure that paving slabs in the back garden were inaccessible to children, these are now not in evidence and the back garden is a safe environment for children to play.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure that a thorough risk assessment is carried out with regard to the use of the large trampoline.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

p.5

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 concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.6