Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY288603 Inspection date 31 August 2005 Inspector Sandra Jean Russell

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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 July 2004. She is registered to care for six children under eight years of age. There are currently three children on roll. The childminder lives with her husband in a house close to schools, parks, shops and toddler groups. The ground floor of the home is used for minding and comprises of a lounge, dining kitchen and toilet facilities. There is a secure, rear garden for outdoor play.

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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 good. The children are cared for in an environment that is very clean and tidy. They understand good hygiene procedures, such as the use of and hygienic disposal of tissues, when blowing their nose. Effective procedures are in place to reduce cross infection, such as the provision of individual colour coded towels for the children. The children enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities that promote their physical wellbeing and develop their skills. These include valuable opportunities to play on swings and slides, use wheeled toys, dance, visit parks and participate in local walks. On fine days indoor equipment is taken outside so that the children can benefit from the fresh air. The children have their health and dietary needs met well, because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that all information is recorded and respected. Although the children receive some processed meals, the childminder ensures that

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Helping children to be healthy

nourishing foods such as baked potatoes, stews, fruit and vegetables are included in the diet, helping the children to learn about healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an environment that is very safe and secure, where the childminder effectively identifies and minimises risks, to ensure the safety of the children. The equipment and toys are in very good condition and are checked regularly, to ensure they are safe for the use of young children. The resources are easily accessed by the children, who enjoy opportunities to self-select from the several boxes around the home. The children learn to keep themselves safe, when they understand to ask for help, having climbed higher than intended. On outings they learn simple road safety rules and the childminder ensures that safety equipment such as reins are used when appropriate, ensuring their safety at all times. The children benefit from the childminder's up-to-date understanding of first aid practice and their welfare is safeguarded by her awareness of appropriate child

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very happy and settled in an environment that is very welcoming to children. The wide range of resources are set out invitingly, attracting children to play imaginatively. The children are fully involved and absorbed in a role play situation

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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 that takes them from home to a flight on a plane, to the sea-side and onto a bus. They excitedly write shopping lists and order 'on-line', use purposeful opportunities to count and recognise their names in print. There are further opportunities to engage in art and craft activities, play musical games and plant seeds. The variety of activities ensure that all areas of learning are developed. The children begin to confidently pour drinks, dress themselves in dressing up clothes and are independent in finding a cloth to mop up spills, developing their self-esteem and sense of responsibility. The children make positive relationships with the childminder and each other as they interact and play well together, the childminder taking her lead from the imaginative play instigated by the children. Their individual needs are met as the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ensures that they are able to access their toys and games freely and easily from a wide selection that is rotated on a daily basis from an extensive store.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children feel a strong sense of belonging as they play happily together and demonstrate a relaxed, friendly relationship with the childminder, involving her in their imaginary game. They receive consistent support from the childminder, who enters enthusiastically into their game. They make their own choices and decisions as they expertly instigate their own role play situations and choose their own resources. The children develop self-esteem as they are praised and encouraged by the childminder, when pouring their own drinks, counting and sharing. The children begin to understand responsible behaviour through the childminder's successful use of a sticker reward chart. The children work harmoniously and communicate well, discussing holidays, experiences on aeroplanes and shopping. Their understanding of the wider world is developed through this positive use of role play as well as having access to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

resources such as play foods, dolls and books. The individual needs of the children are met as the childminder works closely with parents, obtaining and recording all information relevant to the individual care of the child. She provides the parents with well detailed information regarding the setting and ensures that they are kept up-to- date on the progress of their child.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children move confidently and freely in the safe, comfortable, welcoming setting. They receive appropriate support from the childminder, ensuring their safety, care, learning and play. The well organised documentation ensures that records are up-to-date and the welfare of the children is maintained. However, some documentation requires clarification. The policies and procedures work in practise to promote children's

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 welfare at all times. The children benefit from the childminder's appropriate knowledge and understanding of child development and her commitment to undertake further training. The needs of the children are met.

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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): • ensure that permission from parents, to seek emergency advice or treatment is obtained and emergency evacuation plans are devised and practised.

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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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