Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 317986 Inspection date 22 February 2006 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 1994. She lives with her husband and she is the parent of 3 children aged 12, 16 and 19. The premises are situated on an established residential housing estate on the outskirts of Doncaster. Children access the ground floor of the home only. They use the lounge through dining room and kitchen. Outside play is available to the rear of the property. The family have a dog and three pet cats. There are schools and pre-school facilities for younger children within the locality and

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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 easy access is available to the town centre and public transport. The childminder is currently caring for nine children, seven of whom are aged under eight years. Both full and part-time placements are offered.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has established consistent cleaning routines that successfully contribute to maintaining a hygienic environment. She takes positive steps towards keeping children healthy. For example, toys are washed frequently and the family pets have regular health checks to ensure that they do not pose a health risk to the minded children. The children understand the importance of good personal hygiene, they know that washing their hands is an important part of the daily routine. The systems used to administer first aid and medication meet requirements and safeguard children. The childminder follows guidance from the parents to ensure that all food and drink provided meets individual dietary needs. The children are served with a healthy and varied menu that incorporates fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Sugary treats are provided infrequently and children are encouraged to choose yogurts as an

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Helping children to be healthy

alternative to sweets when they visit the local shops. The children have regular opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. For example, they play in the rear garden, go for walks and visit local parks where they are able to increase their physical skills. The children also benefit from modelling activities that are provided to increase their fine motor skills. They enjoy activities that involve rolling, squeezing and pinching playdough, as a result their dexterity is successfully increased.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The childminder's home is welcoming and well maintained. The childminder is vigilant, and children are provided with the opportunity to explore the home environment within mostly safe and age appropriate limits. For example, the home is secure and hazardous items are stored out of reach. However, the laundry facilities are easily accessible, which compromises children's safety. On outings rules such as holding hands, using safety equipment and teaching children about road safety, helps to keep children free from harm. Children are able to make choices about their activities from a range of equipment that is regularly rotated, and which conforms to safety standards. However, due to storage restrictions only a limited amount of equipment is in use ay any one time. The childminder has a good understanding of the child protection procedures. She is

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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 familiar with the indicators of child abuse and neglect, therefore, she is able to report any concerns quickly in order to safeguard children. At present, checks for 16-year-olds living in the household have not been implemented, which is a breach of regulations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are offered access to a varied range of interesting activities, which provide them with sufficient challenge and stimulation. The children spend their time purposefully. They are self-assured and demonstrate independence in selecting and completing tasks, for example, they ask for their favourite toys. The children are motivated and they participate in a range of enjoyable activities. For example, they play imaginatively with home corner toys, model with playdough and experiment with a range of art and craft materials. The childminder makes good use of her time to provide early years experiences that help the children to develop new skills. Children's social skills and language skills are successfully increased because the childminder involves children in conversations. Story times are an integral part of the daily routine, the children thoroughly enjoy listening and joining in with familiar

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

stories. As a result, the children's vocabulary is extended and they are confident to communicate. The children are taken on outings, for example, they regularly visit the nearby farm, park and shops. Such activities successfully increase their knowledge of the locality and provides them with the opportunities to become familiar with the surrounding area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats minded children with equal concern. She takes steps to positively address their personalities and individual requirements. For example, they are provided with activities and toys that address their interests and developmental needs. The children enjoy activities that are not gender specific, and which address anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder is calm and sensitive towards the children. She is consistent in her behaviour management techniques that are age appropriate and focus on what children do well. The children are settled and they respond to the childminder because she shows them respect and encourages their good behaviour. The childminder has a friendly and supportive relationship with parents and this helps to ensure that children's needs are catered for effectively. She ensures that she allocates time to talk to parents and share relevant information about the children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

daily achievements. However, parents do not have access to a formal complaints procedure.

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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 inadequate. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the purpose of play. Her premises are mostly well organised to allow children independent access to areas of the home that are used for childminding. The children are happy, settled and protected from strangers, although, not all adult members of the household have been vetted and approved, this is a breach of regulations. Children’s personal records are up-to-date, stored confidentially. However, some of the written parental consents are not requested routinely, for example, permission to obtain medical advice, and permission to transport children in a vehicle. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved children's safety through attending an approved first aid training course. The childminder has also increased children's awareness of the wider community by providing children with access to some resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. However, she has not taken the necessary action to ensure that all members of the household are vetted and approved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions:

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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 • assess the risks to children in relation to the electric dryer and take action to minimise these • ensure that there are effective procedures in place for vetting children in the household when they reach 16-years of age. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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