Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY100472 Unique Reference Number 05 October 2005 Inspection date Carolyn Gifford Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 14 years and three years old, at Balby in Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, which includes a playroom, lounge and kitchen. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Doncaster Childminding Association.

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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

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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.

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Helping children to be healthy

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.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their general health and wellbeing, for example, routine outings in the local environment with other childminders provide excellent opportunities to enjoy fresh air and mix socially with other children. As children become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies, the childminder ensures there is provision for drink, rest and relaxation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Relevant written parental consents are in evidence, which help to ensure the continued health and safety of young children. However, some medication is stored in the low-level fridge, which is accessible to young children. The childminder has a good understanding of the need to ensure the continued health and safety of children and will ensure medication is stored out of reach of children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Younger children are able to join in appropriate activities with confidence as the childminder is beginning to utilise the Birth to three matters framework. Mealtimes are happy social occasions where children can sit together, chatter and have the opportunity to develop independent feeding skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and child friendly home where risks are identified and minimised. Children develop independent skills as they are able to move around the home and garden freely and safely. Outings to local parks are given high priority and the childminder is vigilant about checking the environment ensuring children can play in safety. The childminder maintains high levels of supervision appropriate to each child’s age and ability and spends time helping the children understand how to keep safe by talking about good practice, for example when crossing roads and playing outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s independent skills are well promoted as they are able to self select toys and games from a wide variety which are readily accessible and meet safety standards. The childminder has a positive regard for children’s wellbeing, for example, she has procedures in place to keep children safe including a written emergency evacuation plan. The childminder continues to

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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 develop her knowledge of child protection issues and has all appropriate documentation in place for recording accidents and incidents.

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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 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.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to develop independent skills as they choose from a variety of resources, which are all readily accessible. 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.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 gain good levels of confidence as the childminder's consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to learn what they can do and know when to ask for help.

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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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as they share nursery, school and home experiences and are encouraged to respect each other and to embrace similarities and differences. The childminder recognises the abilities of individual children and supports them to try new skills and experiences. Children show good levels of independence, curiosity and imagination, which is encouraged by being able to freely access resources.

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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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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. Children learn good behaviour and respect for each other as the childminder is sensitive and calm in her approach, encouraging children to be responsible for their actions and recognise the needs of others.

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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 good. Children are happy and at ease in the well-organised environment, which helps them to develop confidence to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Space and resources are organised to meet the children's needs successfully, which enables children to follow their individual routines promoting their overall care and development.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, care and learning are well promoted as the childminder's policies and procedures are effectively implemented and readily available to parents. Daily sharing of information ensures that parents are well informed about their child's progress.

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Organisation

Documentation is in place to promote the care and welfare of the children and this is stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. Children's personal records are up-to-date and efficient strategies are in place to ensure that they are reviewed regularly. The childminder has completed relevant training courses and has effective skills to care for children.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved the systems for ensuring that all relevant written parental consents are obtained. She does now have permission from parents for children to be transported in a vehicle.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's records are stored appropriately to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These improvements contribute to children's safety and general welfare and support the childminder's good working practice.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that all medication is stored appropriately

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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