Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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317910 Unique Reference Number 07 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 1997. She lives with her two children aged 16 and 14 years in Armthorpe in Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor, plus toilet facilities on the first floor of the premises are available for childminding. There is secure garden 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 under the age of eight years at any one time. She is currently providing care for two children under eight years of age. Children attend for a variety of days and times.

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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 inadequate. Children's personal hygiene skills are fostered appropriately as they routinely wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder reminds them about personal care and makes sure they can reach items, such as tissues, independently. Children are cared for in

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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 a clean environment where the risk of infection is minimised. For example, parents are made aware that children must not attend if they are ill. The childminder's first aid certificate has expired, therefore, she is not sufficiently prepared to ensure children's well-being should an accident occur. This does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to sufficient physical activity to promote a positive understanding and attitude towards physical exercise. For example, babies enjoy going for walks, playing outdoors on the wheeled toys and rockers, and indoors crawling and toddling after balls and push or pull along toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents' wishes are adhered to so that children's health and dietary needs are catered for appropriately. Parents of young babies provide meals which are suitably stored. Children are well nourished as they enjoy a variety of fresh fruit for snack. They thoroughly enjoy roast dinner served with vegetables, pasta bake, soup, jacket potatoes and plenty of finger foods to promote independent feeding. This contributes well to children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children independently select resources from a satisfactory range of toys that are put out each day. All equipment is checked on a regular basis and meets safety standards. This gives children the opportunity to make some choices and enjoy a variety of different play experiences safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has adequate knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is aware of her responsibility to protect children and has appropriate systems in place to safeguard their welfare. For example, she records if children arrive with any injuries and is well aware of the procedure to follow should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. She displays the referral chart issued by social services in a prominent position in the home. This results in children being adequately safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder considers children's safety carefully and has taken reasonable steps to minimise potential hazards according to the ages of the children being minded at this time. For example, there are no trailing wires, low-level glass is kite marked and exits are kept locked to prevent children leaving unsupervised. Fire procedures are appropriate. There is a clear fire evacuation plan and smoke alarms are in working order. Therefore, children are cared for in a safe and secure environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Relationships are warm and trusting. The childminder plans her day according to the needs of the children. There are times for free play, structured and focused activities, as well as time to relax. Regular outings are offered, which provide children with opportunities to socialise and develop links with the community. For example, they enjoy visiting the local park, shops and soft play areas. The childminder is very caring and has utmost patience when dealing with very young children. Children seek out the childminder for reassurance and comfort, cuddles and reassurance are a regular feature. As a result, children are confident to explore their surroundings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Young children have the opportunity to access a variety of sensory play resources. They thoroughly enjoy pressing buttons on musical toys, shaking rattles and play peek-a-boo with the childminder with the pop-up toys. Children enjoy taking part in early conversations. For example, the childminder echoes the sounds babies and young children make and repeats words as she plays, linking words to actions. This encourages babies to become confident and competent language users.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home, which fosters their sense of belonging and security. They are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met appropriately. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure. Because of this, they develop self confidence, a belief in themselves and a healthy self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have equal access to all resources, which are not gender-stereotyped. There are plenty of opportunities to help children understand and learn about different backgrounds and beliefs. For example, throughout the year, as the children get older they have theme days from around the world, celebrating festivals and customs from different countries. This positively promotes children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn right from wrong in a caring and supportive environment. A clear and consistent approach by the childminder encourages children to behave well. They receive clear guidance and this results in them knowing what is excepted of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents and carers are good. This contributes appropriately to the children's overall well-being. Ongoing verbal communication keeps parents sufficiently well informed about their child's care and progress. The childminder recognises that this helps to support links with home and increases children's sense of belonging.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder organises her time, space and resources appropriately to allow children to make choices about the activities they wish to pursue. This allows children to initiate and extend their own play.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation is in place and is organised sufficiently well to ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times. There is a selection of user friendly policies and procedures in place which underpin most areas of practice. Therefore, children are kept safe and their welfare is safeguarded. Although some aspects of the children's care are satisfactory, the childminder lacks knowledge of the National Standards and the requirements of registration. This puts children's health, safety and well-being at risk. For example, due to the childminder not completing an appropriate first aid course children's health is at risk. This is a breach in regulations. Overall, the provision does not meet 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 five recommendations were made. All five recommendations related to improving documentation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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 has developed a written sickness policy to share with parents. She has developed policies and procedures to share with parents in written format and has improved the details of children's daily attendance. This promotes children's health, welfare 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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