Childminder in Doncaster

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY301062 Inspection date 23/03/2009 Inspector Maralyn Chiverton

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 2005. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years. She currently cares for three children on the Early Years Register on a part time basis. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently caring for children over the age of three years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her family in Carcroft on the outskirts of Doncaster. All ground floor rooms are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden which is used for outdoor play. The house is within walking distance of local amenities, such as schools, the library, shops and parks. The childminder takes children to and from school as well as to places of interest and is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has a pet dog.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a child- friendly and inclusive environment. Children's individual needs are well promoted through the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of the children in her care. Children are generally kept safe at all times and a well organised and resourced learning environment allows them to make good progress in all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Although there are systems in place to monitor children's progress they do not include next steps in children's learning. Effective links with parents and other settings are successfully promoted to ensure continuity of care and education.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating experiences for each child linked to the expectations of the early learning goals  review the confidentiality policy to include information with regard to confidentiality and safegurding issues to ensure children are kept safe at all times.

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provision

Children benefit from a warm, caring and inclusive environment. The implementation of a range of policies and procedures as well as mandatory documentation promotes children's health and welfare ensuring children's individual needs are well met. Risks to children are managed and eliminated through the use of well written risk assessments. The childminder has a thorough and secure understanding of her responsibilities in keeping children safeguarded This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 through attending training. However, her written confidentiality policy does not include any reference to safeguarding issues to ensure children are kept safe at all times.

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provision

Toys and resources are effectively deployed and easily accessible to all children who attend; this allows children to be creative, independent thinkers and learners. The childminder uses a formal system to self-evaluate her provision which clearly identifies strengths as well as targets for improvements, thus ensuring continuous improvement. She has been pro-active in implementing the recommendations made at the last inspection which has a positive impact on children's safety, learning and welfare. She has furthered her knowledge of child protection issues and ensured the area beneath the swing is safe. A system for recording complaints has been introduced and children are provided with planned play opportunities to meet their individual needs.

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provision

The childminder works exceptionally well with parents. They are encouraged to share information and complete simple questionnaires to allow their views and ideas and any areas for improvement to be identified. Parents receive information about the provision at the initial visit. The childminder discusses the policies and procedures used to oversee the running of her provision. Parents and other providers are encouraged to be involved in children's learning in a meaningful way. For example, they look at children's progress files and sign to say this has happened. The childminder encourages a two-way flow of information with the local school nursery to ensure continuity in the child's day as well as sharing children's development files.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is committed to improving the care and education she offers through attending relevant training. She ensures children are well supported in their learning through the provision of a wide range of resources and interesting activities which encourage children to be inquisitive and active thinkers. Children enjoy a range of planned play experiences in a homely environment. The childminder interacts effectively with children, asking appropriate questions and engaging them in conversation to support and promote their language and communication skills. She further extends children's thinking through appropriate challenges and effective interaction. For example, when looking at books children are questioned as to why the queen needs to find her crown. The childminder uses play opportunities to introduce phonic sounds and promote children's awareness of number through counting down from ten.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Planned activities such as play dough allow children to develop fine motor skills and handle small tools with competence. Children are able to use sounds and letters and recognise most colours and shapes; they are very self-assured confident learners who enjoy singing when they are playing. Their understanding of the needs of others is promoted through learning sign language and simple discussion with the childminder. Children enjoy choosing the day of the week and completing a simple weather chart which promotes well their awareness of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 wider world. The childminder clearly identifies and records children's starting points. Written observations as well as photographs are used to monitor children's progress linked into the early learning goals. However, this information is not used to extend children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and they have developed warm and positive relationships. The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection through an effective written sickness policy which includes infectious childhood diseases with accompanying incubation periods. Children are provided with healthy snacks and have a good understanding of the reasons for personal hygiene. For example, they describe germs as being 'yucky, make you poorly'. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them of safety rules within the home, such as no climbing or running. They are well behaved and encouraged to develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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