Baxter Lorraine Angela

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302511 Inspection date 01 November 2005 Inspector Catherine Julie Stainthorpe

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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 2005. She lives with her family in Conisbrough in Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the park and local library. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children all of whom attend on a part time or full time basis.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminder Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children begin to develop a sound understanding of a healthy lifestyle through a range of activities which are part of the daily routines. The childminder sets a good example to the children and reminds them about the importance of hand washing before food and after using the toilet. There are hygienic procedures in place when changing toddlers and babies nappies. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. They play in the garden where the space is used creatively. The children benefit from taking part in the physical play activities, which help improve gross motor skills. Children play ball games, balance on the logs, climb and run freely. They develop their imagination and social skills playing in the playhouse and fort together. Good use is made of opportunities to develop children's awareness of healthy eating. They are offered a variety of bite size snacks and fruits. The childminder cuts fruit

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Helping children to be healthy

into animal and spider shapes to encourage the children to try something new. Children are given the opportunity to try food from around the world which they help prepare. For example, food tasting activities extend to tasting Spanish omelette and a variety of pizzas. The childminder agrees with parents the provision of foods and drinks and ensures they have access to the meals and snack policy. She ensures children are provided with regular drinks. She keeps written details of what children eat and drink and shares this information with parents each day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminding premises are warm and welcoming to children. Children can move comfortably and safely as they independently access and select from the clean and good quality range of suitable toys and equipment which meet with safety standards. Parents arriving to collect children are greeted warmly and the childminder takes the time to talk to them. She ensures the front door is closed behind the parent and that the door chain is in place so that the children remain secure whilst her attention is distracted. This vigilant approach to safety helps ensure the welfare of the children is always a priority. The arrangements for outings are good. Children begin to understand about road safety. This is because the childminder insists that children are securely seated in the buggy, hold hands or use wrist straps. She talks to them about danger and of how to cross the road safely. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure

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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 children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a good understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure, happy and settled in the care of the childminder. This is because she welcomes children into the setting and provides a fun and stimulating environment in which they can play, develop new skills and learn together. The childminder works closely with parents to agree children's daily routines and activities. She shares important information with parents on a daily basis about their children's progress and development. Children enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity and develop their imagination. For example, the children have made their own musical instrument and shakers. They decorate these with collage materials, stickers and paint. Children are eager to explain how they made these instruments and they use them confidently to make music, sing and dance together. The childminder spends lots of time with the children and she is successful in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

adapting activities such as story telling and mark making to help ensure younger children and babies play and learning is promoted. For example, babies enjoy sharing books at story times and they have the same opportunities as older children to paint with fingers and use feet to make prints. They brush, stick and glue with the wide range of art and creative materials. Older children enjoy mask making. They show pride in their achievements and they work is valued and prominently displayed and shared with parents. For example, each child has an attractively presented folder which contains examples of their work and activities. Children enjoy regular outings to the local parent and toddler group, childminding group and park. As a result of these trips out they learn to socialise as they participate in parties and celebrations of different festivals and occasions. For example, photographs show the children dressed as pumpkins at the Halloween

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

party and enjoying playing with other children. Children talk and laugh together when reminiscing about these events and this helps them have a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the childminder talks and reads to children about the celebration of different festivals around the world and uses children's activity sheets which are designed to increase positive awareness of different disabilities. However, there is room for further development to increase children's awareness of each others similarities and differences

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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 Children's emotions and feelings are sensitively considered. The childminder places the utmost importance on effectively meeting the individual needs of the children. For example, she builds friendly and professional relationships with parents and this helps ensure children are settled and secure. Children behave well. This is because the childminder is clear and consistent in the simple rules and boundaries which take into account each child's age and stage of development. Children are encouraged and praised frequently and because of this they are confident and display high levels of self esteem. As a result of the childminder's sensitive and polite approach, children get on well together and learn to play co-operatively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are confident, secure and settled in this well organised childminding setting. The childminder limits the number of children attending at any one time so that she can provide one to one and small group support. Space is used to maximum potential and because of this children can move around the setting comfortably and freely select from the good range of resources and toys which, are within children's reach. The childminder has a good understanding of the records, policies and procedures which contribute to the safe management of the setting and support the care and welfare of the children. For example, she completes regular risk assessments both inside and outside the home and keeps detailed children's records which, are held confidentially. These are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the childminding service and their child's activities. Overall, the provision meets the

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • further develop the range of resources and play opportunities which reflect diversity and acknowledge cultural differences.

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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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