Childminder in DoncasterOfsted inspection, 29 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296265 Inspection date 29 September 2005 Inspector Jennifer Anne Marsh

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 in2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and three years in a village on the outskirts of Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding children under five years for various sessions during the week. The childminder walks to local schools and parks. The family have a pet dog.

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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. Children's health is supported appropriately, they enjoy a varied range of activities that contribute to their good health. For example, they develop self confidence in their physical skills as they use a good range of toys and equipment, such as pedal bikes, swings and a seesaw. The childminder recognises fully the importance of fresh air whatever the weather, as a way to maintain a healthy life style for children. For example, children regularly visit local parks, woodland areas and enjoy jumping in puddles. Children benefit from regular routines that support their individual rest and sleep needs. However, the lack of written parental consent to the seeking of any necessary advice or treatment compromises children's health if they become ill. Children are cared for in a warm and suitably maintained indoor environment. They are beginning to learn the importance of personal hygiene through discussions and

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Helping children to be healthy

regular hand washing routines. However, children are at risk of cross infection when they share towels. They learn about the effects of dirt and germs on their bodies when the childminder reminds them to remove their dirty outdoor shoes. A small area of the garden compromises children's health because cigarette ends are not cleared away before the area is used by children. The childminder has a good knowledge of children's likes, dislikes and allergies when she provides a diet of mainly fresh home prepared meals. Regular discussions with parents and detailed recordings about children's meals ensures individual dietary needs are met fully. Healthy eating is actively encouraged for children when the childminder ensures portions of fruit and steam fresh vegetables are provided at each meal. Children are starting to recognise when they are hungry and thirsty and will ask for a drink if they cannot see their cup, which they can access independently.

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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 spacious home where most risks are suitably identified and minimised. This means children move freely and safely around the home. For example, safety gates are fitted around the home protecting children from the family pet dog and preventing access to the stairs. Children are developing an understanding on how to keep themselves safe. For example, they recognise the sound of the smoke alarm and follow the childminder's instruction for safe fire evacuation. Through regular discussion and practise children are learning the importance of road safety. For example, always crossing the road with the crossing patrol and following the green cross code. Active discussion about not stroking dogs without asking the owner's permission and the potential risks of talking to strangers keeps children alert to staying safe. However, in the garden there are some hazards

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

that compromise children's safety. For example, the potential risks of injury to children using the large garden trampoline have not been fully addressed and an unravelled hose pipe is a potential hazard.

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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 Children benefit from the childminder's up to date understanding of first aid practice and their welfare is safe guarded by her good understanding and appropriate policies for child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house, a flexible and planned settling in period meets children's individual needs well. This includes meeting the family dog, introducing the children gradually for short periods has resulted in children allaying their fears and enjoying the company of a large family pet. Children benefit from a varied range of resources and an interesting programme of activities that contribute well to their development through play. For example, children delight in being able to play outside frequently; they show a lively interest in collecting leaves and flowers in the garden and on nature walks. Children have lots of opportunities to explore creative materials and are encouraged to experiment with textures and colours. For example, children thoroughly enjoy making creative pictures using a selection of paints, pasta, leaves, petals and glue. Children enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and feel a sense of achievement when they proudly display their pictures around the home. Children improve their communication skills, as they confidently talk about a range of colours used during their creative activities. They recall well, egg boxes and paint they used for making a caterpillar and feel positive about making a decision to turn the caterpillar into a snake.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have good relationships with the childminder and each other. Their individual needs are met well as they follow familiar routines as discussed and agreed with parents. Children make themselves feel at home, confidently making choices about their play from boxes of toys placed on the floor for easy access. The childminder implements a clear, consistent and sensitive approach to managing behaviour, appropriate to the level of the individual children's development. For example, children enjoy receiving a coloured paper petal to add to their sunflower as a reward for helping each other or tidying away. When the sunflower is complete children choose a favourite activity or story. Magnetic face features displayed on the wall allow children to rearrange the face to indicate how they are feeling. As a result, children are happy and are developing their confidence and social skills in a fun and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

achievable way. Children's awareness of their local community is fostered well as they visit local parks and shops. Their understanding of the wider world is appropriate developed through listening to stories and looking at colourful books displaying positive images of

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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 diversity. Good systems are in place to talk to parents and establish children's meal times, rest and sleep patterns. Regular meetings with parents ensures they are included in their child's development and progress. This helps build trusting relationships and ensures children's needs are successfully addressed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and enjoy themselves within the childminder's home that is suitably organised. The care provided is flexible to meet children's differing needs and ensures children settle well. The childminder organises her time to ensure children receive individual attention and any special needs are met. However, there are some unorganised areas within the garden, which compromises children's safety. Children's personal records are up-to date and stored appropriately maintaining confidentiality. Continuity of children's care is suitably maintained through daily discussions with parents and there is a positive working relationship. The childminder is committed to attend further childcare training to enhance the quality of care children receive. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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):

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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 • request written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure risks and hazards in the garden are identified and reduced effectively • provide suitable hand drying facilities to prevent the spread of infection.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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