Parker, Terry John

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309464 Inspection date 18 January 2006 Inspector Angela Howard

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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. He lives with his partner and daughter in a suburb of Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time. He currently works as a co-childminder with his partner who has 7 children under 8 years on roll. The childminder walks to and from the local school to collect children. The childminder provides overnight care.

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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 Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from illness and infection as they follow good hygiene procedures and are cared for in clean and well maintained premises. They are encouraged to learn the importance of personal hygiene through good practice and daily routines. This results in children actively learning about the importance of personal hygiene. Children enjoy a good range of challenging physical activities. Regular visits to parks, daily walks to school and access to a well equipped outdoor play area allow children to develop their all round physical skills. For babies there is a good range of every day objects to be sucked, pulled, squeezed and held to encourage exploration and development of physical skills. The access to a wide range of physical activities contributes to children's good health in a positive manner and ensures that they develop confidence in their physical abilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder successfully follows children's individual eating and sleeping routines that have been agreed with parents. Children's rest and sleep routines are flexible, therefore children are able to choose to rest quietly or play. This ensures children thrive as their individual needs are met successfully. Children enjoy a good range of healthy snacks and drinks, which take into account individual dietary needs and parents' wishes. This contributes significantly to children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Meal times are treated as an opportunity to help children to enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Positive steps have been taken to ensure children are able to move around designated play areas independently. Potential hazards are effectively addressed in order to maintain a secure environment both indoors and out. For example, the rigorous safety assessments completed on a weekly basis mean children can move around freely and safely. Children are actively encouraged to be aware of their own safety and how to avoid accidents. For example, the introduction of road safety procedures when off the premises and the clear explanations given about safe practice indoors, like no running or climbing on furniture. This results in children being given the opportunity to practise what they can do in safe surroundings and young children learn some sense of danger. Very good quality resources are easily accessed allowing children to make choices in a safe manner. Children's toys and equipment are very carefully monitored to make

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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 sure they remain safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of his role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. He has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and recognises the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. This ensures that the safety of children in his care is always a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and content. They are confident and settled in the environment. There are good daily routines in place, which help children to feel secure and at ease in their surroundings. The flexible routine allows children to pursue their own interests so that they discover more about what they like and dislike. Activities provide good levels of challenge, appropriate to the age and stage of children's development and are what they are interested in. For example, the range of equipment is linked to the individual needs and interests of children attending. Therefore, children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided. Children settle very well at the childminders'. They are eager to attend and thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's. Close and caring relationships have successfully enhanced children's sense of trust and helped them to develop an

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

extremely strong sense of self to enable them to build meaningful relationships. Children are developing good communication skills as the childminder actively listens and responds to encourage young children to vocalise. The childminder is working to the Birth to three matters framework, for example using the component about being a skilful communicator. As babies touch parts of his face he acknowledges this and responds by getting children to converse with him. He shares in their discovery and values their words. For example, " my nose, your nose ". He is skilled in encouraging vocalisation and the taking part in early conversations. However, his knowledge and implementation of the Birth to three framework is limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met well. This is due to the childminder taking time to get to know the children and working with parents to ensure their daily routine is followed successfully. Children are very happy and content and are showing a strong sense of belonging. They are familiar with daily routines and have formed good relationships with each other, the childminder and his family. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure. Children's awareness of the local community is promoted extremely well through

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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 regular well planned outings. For example, visits to local parks, farms, woods and shops. They have equal access to all resources and are beginning to learn about the wider world through the use of an extensive range of equipment and activities that positively address diversity and acknowledge cultural differences. A clear and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. Children are given clear instruction and guidance, and this results in them knowing what is expected of them. For example, they are given clear explanations when they are asked to conform, or in the case of younger children, distraction techniques are used effectively. Partnerships with parents and carers are very good which contributes to the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's overall well being. Ongoing verbal communication ensures that parents are kept up-to-date about their child's care. Children are clearly benefiting from the positive partnership and are very settled in response to this.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Documentation is kept in a well organised and professional manner and confidentiality is maintained at all times. The childminder is enthusiastic and committed to improving his practice through a programme of good quality relevant training. Children's experiences are enhanced as the childminder uses new initiatives to improve his practice. For example, he uses the Birth to three matters framework, although he has not had the opportunity to attend training. The premises are extremely well organised. Space is used in a highly effective manner to maximise play opportunities for children. Children feel very much at home and at ease in their surroundings. As a result children remain settled, feel very secure and are very confident in the childminder's care. Required adult to child ratios are met. This provides good levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported in their learning and care. Overall,

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Organisation

the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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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): • further develop the opportunities and experiences for children under three, for example by improving knowledge of Birth to three matters framework.

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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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