Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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317734 Unique Reference Number 23 January 2008 Inspection date Angela Howard 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 1991. She lives with her husband and two adult children. They live in Bessecarr, a large residential area in the borough of Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor, plus toilet facilities on the first floor of the premises are used for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently has five children under eight years and two children over eight years old on roll. The childminder walks to take and collect children from the local school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because they are well protected from illness and infection as they follow good hygiene procedures and are cared for in very clean and well maintained premises. They

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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 are encouraged to learn the importance of personal hygiene through good practice and daily routines. For example, they are reminded about the importance of washing hands before meals and after using the toilet. They are well supported by the childminder to take responsibility for their own hygiene. She makes sure children can reach such things as wipes and tissues independently. This results in children actively learning about the importance of personal hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of wholesome fresh food daily, which encourages them to have five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. They have free access to drinks of milk, water and sugar-free fruit juice. Children are well aware of their own bodily needs as they access drinks freely. They enjoy a variety of fruit or plain biscuits at snack time. The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet children's individual likes, dislikes and dietary requirements. This results in children being well nourished, and as a result they develop an understanding of healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well rested and alert and so enjoy their play. This is due to the childminder following children's individual eating and sleeping routines that have been agreed with parents. Children's rest and sleep routines are flexible, therefore, children are able to choose to rest quietly or play. This ensures children thrive as their individual needs are met successfully.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of opportunities to participate in a good range of physical activities. They access a well equipped outdoor play area which develops their gross and fine motor skills. They explore, test and develop physical control as they jump and balance, pedal bikes and use scooters. Children are very confident at catching and kicking balls and enjoy skipping and using hoops. They are keen to visit the local park to climb, run and jump on large equipment. The childminder ensures that children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise, which contributes to their good health in a very positive manner.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises the risks for children in the home, according to the ages of the children minded. This ensures she provides a safe environment in which children can move around freely and safely. There are effective safety measures in place, such as locks on low-level kitchen cupboards and sharp knives, scissors and the kettle are out of reach. Socket covers are in place and external doors are kept locked. Therefore, children can independently access all areas of the ground floor. Children are appropriately supervised as the childminder ensures they remain within her sight at all times. The outdoor play area is fully enclosed and the gate has a lock fitted. Good fire precautions are in place. For example, smoke alarms are in working order, the fire blanket is wall mounted and the fire evacuation practises are completed with the children. Therefore, children remain safe and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are actively encouraged to be aware of their own safety and how to avoid accidents. For example, the introduction of road safety procedures when off the premises and the clear explanations given to children about safe practice indoors. This results in children being given the opportunity to practise what they can do in safe surroundings and young children learn some sense of danger. They enjoy a good balance between the freedom to explore and the childminder's setting of safe limits.

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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 Good quality resources are easily accessed allowing children to make choices in a safe manner. Children's toys and equipment are very carefully monitored to make sure they remain safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and recognises the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. This ensures that the safety of children in her care is always a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Very warm and caring relationships are evident between the childminder and the minded children. They respond well to the childminder's calm, quiet approach and the clear explanations and support given. The childminder is kind and attentive and is sensitive to children's individual needs. Throughout the visit, she gives lots of reassurance and stays physically close to help them feel secure. This ensures that children feel happy, settled and secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of child development and uses this knowledge well. She provides a good range of activities that have good levels of challenge. For example, the range of equipment is linked to the age, stage and individual needs and interests of children attending. Therefore, children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided. They are encouraged to access resources themselves, so developing their sense of self-assurance. Children engage in concentrated imaginative play in which they extend their language, try out new ideas and select suitable resources as they build boats with small bricks, a train track and imagine they are cooking dinner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very settled in the supportive and secure environment. The childminder has a very good settling-in procedure and works extremely closely with parents to ensure daily routines meet children's individual requirements. Therefore, all children are made welcome and play a full part in the activities on offer. Children have a strong sense of belonging and are at ease in the childminder's care. She knows the children well and is able to respond to their individual needs successfully. All children are treated with equal concern and can take part in activities that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. However, the childminder only has a basic range of resources that promote positive images and diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. A clear and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. Children are given clear instruction and guidance and this results in them knowing what is expected of them. For example, they are given clear explanations when they are asked to conform, or in the case of younger children distraction techniques are used effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents and carers are good, which contributes to the children's overall well-being. Ongoing verbal communication ensures that parents are kept up-to-date about their child's care. Children are clearly benefiting from the positive partnership and are very settled in response to this.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment and structure of the day is well organised to allow children to make choices. This means they can initiate their own play and learning which promotes their independence and gives them ownership of their play. They are comfortable in the predictable environment and move around with confidence, promoting their sense of security and their emotional well-being. Clear aims for the children's care work very well in practice promoting their sense of security and their emotional well-being. The childminder clearly considers children's needs and it is very evident she has formed strong relationships with the children in her care.

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Organisation

All documentation is kept in a well organised and professional manner and far exceeds requirements. It is stored with a high regard for confidentiality. Children are kept safe and their welfare is fully safeguarded by the childminder's clear and comprehensive understanding and implementation of well written policies and procedures. This effectively promotes the welfare, care and learning of children. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities and organises her service effectively to promote children's care and well-being. 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 four recommendations were made. These related to documentation and safety of the boat trailer.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder ensures she records the children's actual arrival and departure times, has written records of medication administered and has written permission to seek emergency treatment. The boat has now gone from the premises. This promotes children's health and safety.

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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): • develop further the range of resources that promote positive images and diversity.

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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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