Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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317826 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2008 Inspection date Karen Cockings 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 1993. She lives with her husband in a village near Doncaster, within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. Most rooms in the house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a dog, three guinea pigs and a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She currently minds six children who are all of school age.

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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 satisfactory. Children have opportunities for fresh air and exercise, especially during the holidays when the childminder plans interesting walks and outings. Children enjoy visits to nearby places of

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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 interest, such as Cusworth Hall, and they describe going for 'walks on the hills'. The childminder finds out what is on offer locally so that children can join in with community events. For example, they visit the sports centre where they take part in games of football and hockey. Such activities help to keep children fit and well and promote positive attitudes towards exercise. Children also like to play in the garden and to have picnics in the summer.

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Helping children to be healthy

The environment is suitably clean and children are encouraged to wash their hands before they eat, after using the toilet or handling pets. They are involved in caring for some of the pets, which involves discussion about good hygiene practice. The childminder protects children from the spread of infection by talking to parents about the need to make alternative arrangements if children have an infectious illness. She keeps first aid training up-to-date so that she is suitably equipped to deal with any minor injuries. Information is shared with parents about accidents and they are generally recorded appropriately, although in some instances a full record has not been made in the accident book.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to eat healthy foods and develop an awareness of which foods are good for them. They are beginning to check the ingredients on packed foods to find out about levels of fat, sugar and salt. They have a 'treat day' during the week when they are allowed to choose something they like from the shop on their way home from school. This might include crisps or a sweet cake but they also have fresh fruit and yoghurts as part of their tea. They like to be involved in baking and food preparation activities, such as making their own pizzas. They are encouraged to have regular drinks and their labelled water bottles are all easily accessible in the kitchen.

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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 secure and welcoming home, where they are able to play in safety. The childminder assesses risk in relation to the ages of the children she currently minds and knows what action she would take if she was caring for younger children. She makes good use of opportunities to talk to children about potential hazards so that they develop a growing awareness of how to keep themselves safe. For example, during outings she teaches them how to cross roads safely. She takes them to quiet side roads where they practise waiting for instruction from the lollipop lady and looking all round to check for oncoming traffic. They know that if ever they lose sight of the childminder while in the park or shops they should stay where they are and call her name loudly so that she can find them. She talks to them about 'stranger danger' and the care they must take when playing near water. Children are protected

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

from fire hazards because appropriate safety appliances are in place and they practise evacuation procedures with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a suitable range of toys and play materials, many of which are stored in the playroom upstairs. The childminder supports the growing independence of older children who freely use most rooms in the house. However, she oversees their movements and children let her know where they are and what they are doing. She routinely checks toys to make sure they are clean and undamaged.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She has attended relevant training and has some guidance materials for reference, although information about local procedures is not readily available. She recognises the importance of keeping a record of existing injuries but

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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 records lack some important details, such as the action she has taken where concerns were identified.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and confident in the childminder's care. She knows children very well and is aware of their family circumstances, which helps her to understand their needs. For example, she knows that children moving house may be a little anxious about leaving what is familiar to them. She knows that children have recently been upset by the death of a respected teacher at their local school. There is lots of conversation with children about the activities they enjoy doing together and they recall special events, such as meeting members of the Doncaster Rovers team at the sports centre one holiday.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children feel at home in the setting. The childminder allows them to bring a friend to visit on certain days, which helps to promote a homely atmosphere. The guinea pigs and rabbit are seen as the children's own pets and they take responsibility for looking after them, including helping to take them to the vet's. They take part in a good variety of activities, including visits to museums, parks and libraries. They also go to the seaside during the holidays and have an outing to the pantomime at Christmas. Indoors, they make models with construction toys, draw and colour, play on the computer or just relax watching a favourite television programme.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play well together generally and have an understanding about the need to take turns and to be fair with each other. They have established a rota system for use of the computer and willingly take part in helping with setting the table and organising drinks. Interaction is warm and positive, which means that children have an enjoyable, relaxing time at the end of a busy school day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a good understanding of what is expected of them because the childminder establishes clear boundaries. They know that they have to 'earn' special treats, such as being able to have a friend to visit or to have a turn on the computer, and do so by helping to set the table for tea or getting ready promptly when their parents arrive for them. The childminder has a firm but kind manner and she knows individual children well. She acknowledges their achievements and lets them know when they have done well, which helps to build confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive and friendly relationship with parents. Information is shared appropriately with them and guidance notes about settling-in procedures are particularly helpful. There is friendly conversation with parents at collection times and relevant records, such as contracts and permission statements are maintained. The childminder encourages parents to share any concerns with her but is not completely familiar with current regulations related to the investigation and recording of complaints.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to make choices about their play. They feel a sense of belonging at the setting where they are familiar with routines and expectations. They develop responsibility as they help with the care of pets and with snack preparation. Children begin to understand that in a large group they have to show consideration for the needs of others and take turns. There are

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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 some resources that show positive images of different cultures and varying needs and the childminder discusses issues with children as they arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and comfortable at the setting. There is space for them to move around freely and to develop their own play ideas. For example, children who wish to draw quietly can do so comfortably at the table in the conservatory, while others may choose to play on the computer upstairs or to watch television. The childminder makes sure that required training, such as first aid is completed, but has limited time for other training now, although she has attended relevant workshops and conferences in the past.

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Organisation

Required record keeping systems are in place and are mostly used appropriately, although the attendance register is not regularly updated to ensure that an accurate record is available of children's daily attendance.

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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 review policies and procedures. She keeps her practice under review to ensure that the setting operates smoothly and children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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): • review accident records to ensure that they include details of all accidents • review and develop the information available about child protection, to include information about local procedures and contact points

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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 • develop knowledge and understanding of current regulations with regard to the investigation and recording of complaints • improve the recording of children's attendance to ensure that it is always up-to-date.

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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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