Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY252086 Inspection date 08 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 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 2003. She lives with her son aged 8 years. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with the addition of the bathroom and playroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding five children for various sessions during the week.

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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 The childminder walks to local schools and parks. She has the use of a car for local outings and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an environment that is very clean and tidy. They learn the importance of good hygiene and cross-contamination is minimised. For example, children independently and frequently wash their hands after playing outside in the sand and before eating food. Regular discussions about germs and dirt has successfully discouraged the habit of children biting their nails. However, the lack of parental consent to seek emergency treatment, compromises appropriate measures to be taken if children become ill. Children enjoy daily a varied range of physical activities that contribute to their good health, they enjoy fresh air and playing in the garden on a daily basis. The regular daily routine ensures the children gain sufficient rest for their needs. Children's self confidence is encouraged as they use a good range of outdoor equipment. For example, they are excited and participate fully, gaining new physical skills in a game

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Helping children to be healthy

of bat and ball with the childminder and disperse excess energy riding round on the bikes. Children's dietary likes and dislikes are taken into account when the childminder provides a diet of fresh homemade meals meeting children's developmental needs. For example, children enjoy sitting out in the garden eating a mid-morning snack of toast and a drink of filtered water. Regular discussion with the parents ensures individual dietary needs are met. Healthy eating is encouraged when dinners of roast chicken, fresh vegetables and baked potatoes are provided. Children eat fresh fruit daily and enjoy picking and eating fresh strawberries.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming, well maintained home. Risks are identified well as children's safety is carefully considered. For example, secure safety gates are fitted around the home. The children independently select from a good range of good quality, well maintained toys and equipment. They move around freely and safely to access the available resources from tables and toy boxes within their reach. Children's welfare is safe guarded through the good practice of the childminder's detailed policies and procedures. She is vigilant to children's safety in the home and on outings. For example, potential risks of injury to themselves and others is sensitively discussed with children when they try to run large toys up the garden slide.

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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 All children are involved in keeping themselves safe when the detailed fire evacuation plan is practised regularly. Through regular discussions and practise children learn road safety and the potential risks of talking to strangers. Children are suitably protected by the childminder, due to her sufficient knowledge of child abuse and the correct procedures to take if she has any concerns regarding the children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in an environment that is very welcoming to children. They become independent as they choose from a wide variety of age appropriate, appealing toys and creative activities. Children delight in being able to play outside, whatever the weather. The outdoor resources provide children with sufficient challenges. For example, when children tire from riding around in the toy car the childminder successfully turns the game into a pretend garage with tools and children eagerly respond to mending the cars wheels. Resources available maintain children's interest and develops their learning. The childminder constantly introduces children to new skills as she assists them in their play. For example, children starting school are introduced to letters followed by learning to write their name. Large smooth pebbles that children have collected on a recent seaside visit are decorated with paint, and drawn around with crayons.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children feel a sense of achievement when the stones are used to decorate the garden. Overall, children are motivated to learn new skills within a happy and very caring environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. There needs are met well as they follow their normal routine as discussed with parents, they have suitable time to relax and be active. Children make themselves at home, confidently making choices about their play. Children learn about acceptable behaviour, because the childminder is consistent in the way she manages children. For example, she remains calm, makes sure children are supported and cuddled. Children have a 'short time out' to reflect upon their behaviour and are beginning to understand how this affects others. Generally the children behave well and are always encouraged to share with others. Children are developing an understanding about the wider world when they visit local places of interest. Children gain an understanding of the natural world when they frequently watch squirrels and listen to their calls amongst the trees. However, limited

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Helping children make a positive contribution

resources do not help children to fully recognise diversity in the wider world. Children benefit from a close and caring relationship with the childminder. For

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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 example, children are given clear explanations which reassure the children when they witness accidents and emergencies. The childminder's calm manner results in children remaining calm too and shows the childminder is effective when coping with unexpected events. Parents acknowledge their pleasure for the care provided with thank you cards and gifts of flowers.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and fully enjoy their time in the well organised home. They are confident to initiate their own learning and play. Policies and procedures are effectively used to promote the welfare and care of the children. However the recording of children's attendance does not always reflect children's actual times of arrival and departure. Continuity of children's care is appropriately maintained through detailed discussions daily with parents. Informing them fully of children's sleep, progress and enjoyment of the daily activities. Often the children themselves explain details to parents at the end of the day about their outings and activities. The childminder effectively organises her time to ensure all children receive individual attention and that their needs are met fully. The childminder shows a positive attitude to attend further training, extending her knowledge of childcare issues to enhance the care given to children.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop documentation providing parental agreements. Parents have now received written information regarding complaints and are in written agreement about activities provided. This increases partnership with parents and the information shared about the care of their children. However, the written consent for medication does not specify emergency treatment and has been recommended at this inspection.

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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

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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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment • continue to increase the range of resources and activities that promote diversity • ensure children's attendance is accurately recorded.

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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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