Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY246141 Inspection date 29 September 2005 Inspector Carolyn Gifford

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and two children aged 13 and 11 years old at Edlington in Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, which includes a lounge, dining room, hallway and kitchen. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under 8 years old and is currently caring for a total of six children. She walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children and attends a carer and toddler group on a regular basis. The family has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

p.2

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 Childminding Association and the Doncaster Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health and dietary needs are met well as the childminder works effectively with parents and shares information daily about all aspects of the children's day. The childminder provides nutritious food and children are encouraged to try a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children learn about healthy living and understand simple good health and hygiene practices, for example, the childminder explains the reasons why children need to wash their hands. The children's clear understanding of hygiene helps to reduce the risk of infection. As children become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies, the childminder ensures there is provision for drink, rest and relaxation. Most of the relevant written parental consents are in evidence and the childminder has a positive attitude regarding where improvements can be made to ensure the continued health and safety of young children. She will, for example, ensure that she

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

has written parental permission to administer medication and for children to have contact with the dog. Younger children are able to join in appropriate activities with confidence as the childminder is beginning to utilise the Birth to three matters framework.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and welcoming home where the childminder identifies and minimises potential risks, which allows children to move around safely and independently. The childminder is vigilant regarding safety and takes all reasonable steps to ensure the environment is safe for young children. Children’s overall progress and development is enhanced as they independently select toys from a good range of resources, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and age-appropriate. The childminder maintains daily communication with parents, which helps to develop strong relationships between all involved in keeping children safe. Children's welfare is promoted by the up-to-date policies and procedures devised and implemented by the childminder, for example the comprehensive health and safety

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

policy. Because the childminder understands her role regarding child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary, children are effectively protected.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and settled at the setting and relate well to each other and to the childminder. They are able to develop independent skills as they freely choose from a variety of resources, which are all readily accessible. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities, which provide good levels of challenge suitable to their age and stage of development. The childminder is beginning to use the Birth to three matters framework, for example, when singing repetitive songs she encourages children to sing and to make sounds. Children play cooperatively and enjoy positive feedback and encouragement from the childminder. Children’s personal, social, emotional and intellectual needs are effectively met as the childminder has a sound knowledge of how young children learn and develop. Children gain good levels of confidence as the childminder's consistent support and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

meaningful praise encourages children to learn what they can do and know when to ask for help.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to progress because the childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources, which increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children are respected as individuals and their needs are effectively met as daily routines, likes and dislikes are discussed with parents, ensuring that care complements the child's existing knowledge and home experiences. Children are able to progress because the childminder provides an interesting and stimulating environment. For example the children happily engage with each other whilst playing with the playdough. The childminder helps children to extend their knowledge and understanding of vocabulary by using appropriate words as part of the activity. Children show good levels of independence, curiosity and imagination, which is encouraged by being able to freely access resources.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective communication and welcoming routines at the beginning of the day shows positive, trusting relationships have developed with parents and children. The childminder keeps parents well informed about their child and gives verbal feedback on a daily basis. Children develop self-confidence as the childminder responds to their individual differences and similarities. Behaviour is generally good as children are aware of the house rules and boundaries and the childminder offers frequent praise and encouragement to reassure and promote children's self-esteem.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease in the childminder’s home, which means that they are confident to explore the toys and environment. Space and resources are organised to meet the children’s needs successfully and flexible planning allows children to make choices and organise their own time, with the childminder supporting and guiding them to extend their play and learning. The childminder has effective systems in place that support her working practices and promote children's general wellbeing. Policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure they are kept informed about the service and how it contributes to the care of their children. Children's welfare, care and learning are well promoted as the childminder's policies and procedures are effectively implemented and readily available to parents. Children's personal records are up-to-date and efficient strategies are in place to

p.5

Organisation

ensure that they are reviewed regularly. The childminder has completed relevant training courses and has effective skills to care for children. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed recommendations made at the last inspection. She has increased her knowledge of caring for children who have special needs by attending training and is maintaining well-organised information, including a written complaints policy and procedure, that supports her working practices.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should

p.5

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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • request prior written parental permission to administer medication • request written parental permission for children to have contact with the dog.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6