Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY361530 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2008 Inspection date Tracey Jane Outram 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 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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 14 years, and her youngest child who is aged 18 months. They live in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The ground floor of the premises is mostly used for childminding, with some restricted access to the first floor to accommodate those children who need to rest in a quiet area. Outside play is available at the rear of the property. The area has good transport links and there is access to shops, children's play areas and parks. Schools and pre-school facilities for younger children are situated in the locality. The family has two dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children and is currently caring for four children, all of who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects the children to and from school as required.

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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 childminder implements some rigorous health and hygiene policies, which successfully minimise the risks of transferable infections. For instance, the nappy changing routines are effective and the procedures for handling the family pets safeguard children. In addition, robust cleaning routines, effective sickness policies and good personal hygiene practices maximise the children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have daily opportunities to enhance their physical skills and develop a healthy attitude towards exercise. They are taken for walks and their mobility, confidence and agility is increased through climbing and balancing on safe and sturdy equipment, which in inclement weather is used indoors. Furthermore, the children have access to a very good range of resources, which support their fine motor development. For instance, they adeptly use sorting equipment and a range of manipulative resources, such as play dough.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that she is fully informed of the children's health and dietary needs. Consequently, the children enjoy a well balanced and varied diet, which consists of healthy home cooked meals that are accompanied with a good range of fresh fruits and vegetables. The childminder successfully encourages healthy eating; consequently sugary treats are limited. They do not form part of the menu unless the children have been involved in making them as part of an organised baking activity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm and welcoming. Play areas are effectively arranged to make maximum use of the free space. For instance, the children have access to a secure outside play space and a dedicated playroom from where they are able to participate in interesting and enjoyable activities. The children have access to a very good supply of high quality furniture, toys and equipment, which are appealing and provide children with challenge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder provides good levels of supervision; she is vigilant and very conscious of dangers. The premises are secure and effective risks assessments ensure that action is quickly taken to minimise any potential hazards. A range of safety equipment is in situ and the childminder takes positive steps to ensure any dangerous objects are stored out of reach. This includes cleaning fluids, medicines, sharp items and the hanging cords that operate the window dressings. Fire safety has been carefully considered and good systems are in place to evacuate the premises in an emergency. The evacuation plan is clearly displayed and discussed with children at frequent intervals. Good systems are in place to enable the children to explore, however, the childminder is always close by in order to help the children if needed. On outings, the childminder implements a number of good road safety precautions. For instance, she ensures

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

that her vehicle is road worthy and fitted with a range of safety restraints that are applicable to the children's individual age, size and height.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has clearly defined procedures detailing how she will respond to any worries that a child is being is abused of neglected. She is knowledgeable about many of the indicators of child abuse and she is aware of current information regarding child protection issues. The

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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 contact details of the Local Safeguarding Children Board are stored accessibly. Therefore, she is well prepared to take action and maintain children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children make good use of the toys and resources, which are provided with their individual interests and developmental needs in mind. The childminder takes positive steps to encourage the children to make choices and enjoy a range of new experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is committed to ensuring the children's individual care, learning and play needs are effectively addressed and their contributions are highly valued. For instance, as young children begin to communicate they are listened to, included in story times, singing activities and conversations. Consequently, the children become self-assured and confident to demonstrate their understanding of new words and phrases. The childminder ensures that the children are introduced to the world around them through play, this includes learning about people, animals, colours, shapes and numbers. In addition, young children’s sensory development is enhanced through their inclusion in activities using natural play resources along with a wide variety of equipment such as paint, glue and modelling materials, which encourages imaginative skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder understands that children learn at different rates, therefore, she plans activities which encourage play in a supportive and non-pressured environment. Older children are provided with activities that are stimulating and which enhance their confidence and creative thinking. For example, the children enjoy playful activities such as performing drama, music and movement along with reading books, completing puzzles and participating in age appropriate board games. Overall, the children spend their time purposefully and benefit from spending time with a caring and sensitive childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are settled and well behaved. They are confident and happy in the care of the childminder who is able to accurately interpret their attitudes and dispositions. For instance, she takes pre-emptive steps to change the activities and resources when young children's concentration begins to diminish. The children are offered lots of verbal and physical support, and as a result, they are self-assured. Behaviour boundaries are consistent and the childminder takes positive steps to ensure that children's emotional well-being supported. For instance, young children are helped to deal with their feelings and they have a strong sense of belonging because their photographs are displayed along with some examples of the art work. However, activities and resources to increase children's awareness of diversity are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is friendly and very approachable. She recognises the benefit to children of developing a trusting and supportive relationship with their parents. Therefore, she ensures that they receive a daily report about the children's activities and time in her care. In addition, she completes observations and keeps written records about the children's progress, which parents are free to access at any time. Parents' wishes for their children are valued and an extensive range of policies and procedures ensure parents remain fully informed of all practice issues.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very well organised. She prepares activities in advance of children's arrival and ensures that the daily schedule is managed to take account of individual routines. For instance, when children are asleep she uses her time extremely well to prepare their meals or rotate equipment. The children's day consists of a good balance of quiet and active play opportunities along with engagement in some planned activities that have specific learning objectives. The childminder has attended the required training programme and holds a valid first aid certificate. She has a good understanding of the National Standards and clear understanding about how children learn through play.

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Organisation

Information is routinely sought from parents to ensure the childminder knows about any dietary requirements, which relate to children's religion or their likes and dislikes. She has a very good selection of policies and procedures that are shared with parents and clearly outline her aims and objectives. All of the required documentation is meticulously organised and stored confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • increase children's knowledge and understanding of diversity.

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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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