Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301062 Inspection date 06 March 2006 Inspector June Rice

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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 satisfactory. 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 February 2005. She lives with her two children in Carcroft, Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under 5 and one child over 5 before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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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 well-being is sufficiently promoted. They are beginning to learn about the importance of personal hygiene and clearly understand simple good health and hygiene practices. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands after the toilet and before eating. Children are provided with individual hand towels and the childminder uses disposable gloves during nappy changing. Children are well nourished because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the benefits of healthy eating, but she does not develop children's knowledge of why they should eat healthily. For example, she discusses with parents their preferences and health dietary needs and this enables her to provide a balanced diet that meets children's individual needs well. However, she does not actively promote children's learning in this area and this limits children's understanding of the benefits to be gained from healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is supported satisfactorily. The childminder provides a satisfactory range of activities and outside equipment. Children are encouraged to participate in a range of outside activities that develop their physical skills. For example, they enjoy playing in the garden with a variety of outside equipment, enjoy playing football and benefit from regular walks to the schools and local park. Children benefit from being able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. For example, babies enjoy being nursed while being bottle fed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, caring environment. They are relaxed, feel safe and secure. Children move freely throughout the setting and independently select from a satisfactory range of age appropriate toys and activities in safety. Children enjoy using toys and equipment that are clean, well maintained and most carry the British Safety Kite Mark. Children's risk of injury within the home is reduced because the childminder has assessed risks to children. She has identified and minimised most risks and uses appropriate safety equipment and daily procedures to ensure children's safety. For example, smoke sensors are regularly checked, socket covers and safety gates are in place. Children's awareness of road safety and understanding of the need to evacuate the home quickly in an emergency situation is developing well, as they regularly practice an emergency evacuation and discuss road safety. However, a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

concrete slab securely fixed in place under the swings poses a risk to children. Children are protected satisfactorily. The home is well organised and allows the childminder to have children in sight and hearing at all times. Home security ensures no-one can gain unauthorised entry into the premises. The childminder has sufficient

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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 understanding of her role in child protection and she has a good awareness of signs and symptoms. She has sufficient understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a child protection issue, but lacks a clear understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures in regard to who should be contacted first in the event of a child protection issue.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have developed a very close, caring relationship with the childminder. They are developing confidence and self-esteem and are learning to communicate with adults. For example, babies let the childminder know they enjoy music by their response. They bounce on their bottom, moving arms energetically up and down, smiling, laughing and making baby sounds to the childminder. Children respond very well to the childminder. Their learning is well promoted through everyday activities and routines. For example, children's independence is promoted well by the childminder who encourages them to change out of school clothes into playing out clothes. They are able to make choices to play with a range of toys and activities on offer, complete some homework or relax. Less mobile children stretch their arms and move their bodies to reach strategically placed toys that interest them and enjoy learning new skills, such as passing a peek a boo cylinder from one hand

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to the other. They enjoy their efforts and achievements being recognised and react with lots of smiles and chuckles to the active interaction, clapping and 'well done' from the childminder. The childminder provides a satisfactory balance of indoor and outdoor activities. Children's interest in the activities is sufficiently maintained by regular rotation of toys and equipment. They are presented in low level containers by type to promote children's independence and choice. For example, construction, books, craft materials, animals and cars.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive lots of praise, support and encouragement from the childminder that helps them develop strong and positive relationships with her. The childminder has good relationships with parents. She respects and values their wishes and encourages them to share information to ensure she is well informed and can meet their individual needs. For example, she is able to discuss their different temperaments, stages of development and specific dietary needs. A children's journal is completed and presented to parents weekly and informs parents about what children eat, drink and the activities they participate in during their visit. Children are well behaved, polite and understand responsible behaviour. They play well together and show appropriate awareness of the needs of others. For example, when going on an outing, older children ask the childminder if she has remembered

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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 items important to other children. Children are learning to take turns and share during group games and activities. The childminder displays a positive attitude towards equal opportunities and special needs. She continues to develop positive images through play that helps build children's knowledge and understanding of differences within their wider environment, such as through books and play equipment which promote positive images.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy, confident and secure in their environment. The childminder organises and utilises her premises well, providing an interesting environment for children. They benefit from an environment that supports their learning through imagination and play. For example, they have use of a dedicated play room where they can freely access a satisfactory range of toys and equipment suitable for their age and stage of development. The day is efficiently organised remaining flexible to meet children's individual needs. Children's welfare and care is promoted well. The childminder has developed a professional relationship with parents. At introduction visits she makes them feel welcome and she presents them with written policies and procedures that she takes time to discuss. She welcomes parents regular input into the care of their child through regular discussion and exchange of information. She provides a journal for

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Organisation

children under school age detailing what children have had to drink, eaten and toys they have played with, but not children's achievements. Most documentation required is in place and completed appropriately. There is no system for recording complaints. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record on complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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 satisfactory. 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 own understanding of procedures to follow in the event of a child protection issue • re-assess the risk to children from the identified hazard of concrete slab placed under the swing and ensure children's safety • devise a system for recording complaints made by parents, which they can see on request • plan and provide play opportunities for children's individual needs and share children's progress with parents

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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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