Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY257350 Inspection date 30 September 2005 Inspector Tracey Jane Outram

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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 April 2003. She lives with her husband and 11-year-old son. The family lives in a small village on the outskirts of Doncaster. The premises are within easy reach of local schools and shops. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding along with the bathroom and the rear bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder currently cares for eight children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She regularly attends the local toddler group and takes children on outings in

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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 and around the surrounding area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows effective health and hygiene guidelines to maintain good standards of cleanliness. The premises are extremely clean and the equipment is washed frequently to prevent the spread of infections. Very good precautions are implemented to avoid any instances of cross contamination, for example, they do not share beakers and teething toys are sterilised at the end of each session. Appropriate procedures are in place to deal with illness and accidents. The childminder has attended first aid training and she is confident to take appropriate, professional action in order to preserve children’s good health. However, parents do not have access to a sickness policy. Children are helped to develop a good attitude towards exercise. They have daily opportunities to go to local parks, indoor play areas and adventure playgrounds where they develop a good sense of control and coordination over their bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective methods of consultation with parents ensure that children are provided with a very good range of nutritious meals and snacks. Processed foods do not form part of the children's diet and therefore they do not consume high levels of sugar or additives. Drinks are always available to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure and very well supervised within a clean and well-maintained environment. They are independent and confident because the indoor and outdoor play space is suitably organised to create child-friendly surroundings. For example, stair gates and socket covers are used and any harmful substances are stored out of the reach. Children learn about what is dangerous and they are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe. They regularly practice emergency evacuation drills, and as a result, they are able to leave the premises quickly and safely. Children access resources independently which has a positive effect on their ability to make choices and decisions. The equipment is well maintained and checked frequently to ensure that there are no broken pieces that might be hazardous. Children are protected from abuse and neglect because the childminder has attended recent training, which has successfully heightened her awareness of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

indicators of child abuse and procedures to follow. She ensures that parents are

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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 aware of her commitment to safeguard children by providing them with access to a clear well written policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for within an interesting and structured environment. They enthusiastically participate in a broad range of stimulating activities, which are suitable to address their changing developmental needs. For example, children confidently use electronic games designed to stimulate their senses and help them to recognise shapes and colours. They demonstrate good co-ordination and problem solving skills as they enjoy playing independently and alongside the childminder. Children successfully use building blocks and get pleasure from constructing train tracks and completing jigsaw puzzles. The children learn lots of new skills and they are supported by the childminder who continually offers positive support to them, for example, ‘well done’ is said frequently. Children’s language development is progressing well; the childminder listens to the children and encourages them to talk freely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Numerous outings are organised to take children to parks, museums and other places of interest. Consequently, they increase their knowledge and understanding of the local and wider areas. Children benefit from a very good range of activities inside and outside of the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Clear and well established boundaries help children to behave well. They follow effectively implemented routines and they are kind and sensitive to each other. For example, the children demonstrate affection towards each other and they happily take turns and share equipment. The childminder talks with parents at length about her behaviour management procedures, and as a result the children learn what is expected of them. The childminder takes positive steps to meet the individual needs of the children. She finds out about children’s needs firstly from their parents. However, she observes children to ensure that they are provided with suitable activities and resources to successfully address their particular stage of development and individual level of need. For example, children beginning school are helped to develop their reading and writing skills. Resources are available to positively promote equal opportunities and diversity, the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children participate in worthwhile activities such as making dragons to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The childminder develops professional and supportive relationships with parents.

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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 Daily verbal communication ensures that children’s developing individual needs are discussed and effectively catered for.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The clear and well organised documentation along with the childminders positive attitude towards partnership with parents ensures that the children’s needs are suitably addressed. Written policies and procedures provide parents with clear information about the setting. Free space is used effectively to meet children's developing needs. The childminder manages her time successfully, which ensures all children receive good quality care. Structured daily routines ensure that children have many opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities. For example, each day children experience indoor and outdoor play. They have opportunities to play independently and participate in group activities such as skipping and hop scotch. The childminder has completed a number of appropriate childcare training courses, which lead to her developing her practice to have a positive affect on the care offered

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to obtain written parental permission to obtain emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has since requested this permission at the start of a placement and as a result, the partnership with parents is enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

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): • ensure that parents have access to a sickness policy.

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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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