Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310091 Inspection date 16 January 2006 Inspector Sandra Jean Russell

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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 July 2005. She lives with her partner and 7 year old child in Bentley, on the outskirts of Doncaster. The ground floor of the premises, which includes a living room, dining room, kitchen and outside toilet facilities, is used for childminding. Further toilet facilities are on the first floor. The rear garden is unsuitable for children to play. The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of 8 years. There are currently two children on roll. She is a member of National Childminding Association. The childminder takes children to and collects them from Richmond Hill

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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 Primary school, in Sprotbrough.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in an environment that is clean and well maintained. They understand simple satisfactory hygiene procedures such as washing their hands before eating. The use of individual wipes ensures that the risk of cross infection is reduced. However, the childminder's limited knowledge of first aid and her failure to obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency advice or treatment, compromises the welfare of the children. The children enjoy a balanced range of outdoor activities that promote their physical well-being and develop their skills. These include opportunities to run and climb when out in local parks and on walks. They visit play centres and play groups, enjoy opportunities to use wheeled toys, a slide and balls. The children rest and sleep according to their individual needs, as the childminder works with parents to offer the children's preferred routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are well nourished and learn about healthy living as they enjoy freshly cooked meals of stews, chicken dishes, pasta, fish fingers, fresh vegetables and fruit snacks. The childminder works with the parents to ensure that any special dietary needs are respected. Any foods or prepared bottles, provided by parents, are stored and reheated appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a generally safe environment, where the childminder identifies and minimises most risks. For example, the security of the premises, the protection of electrical sockets, strategic placement of safety gates and the supervision of children when using high chairs, ensures the children's safety. However, access to the garden for purposes of play, has been restricted at this time, due to the existence of a swimming pool that poses a danger to children, as it does not possess a weight bearing cover. A suitable emergency evacuation procedure is in place, although this has not been practised with the children. On outings, the children's safety is protected by the appropriate use of push chairs, safety harnesses and reins. The children benefit from the childminder's adequate understanding of child protection procedures. The children have safe and easy access to a range of age appropriate toys and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

games, that are stored at floor level. These are changed routinely to provide them with variety and are checked regularly for breakages and missing pieces.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children acquire new knowledge and skills through the childminder's provision of a variety of toys, games and outings. These include, art and craft activities, construction, music and stories, walks and visits to play centres and play groups. The children are happy and settled as they join in enthusiastically with a singing game and interact with video action rhymes. They confidently ask for an alternative activity when they feel ready for a change; they show interest and are fully involved when role playing with the play kitchen and dressing dolls. They respond to the challenges of completing a puzzle with enthusiasm and readily enjoy a colouring activity. The children develop confidence and self esteem as they are praised and encouraged by the childminder, who also suggests alternative ways of completing a task. They learn through the questions they ask and the childminder responds with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

clear, simple explanations. The children begin to learn right from wrong as the childminder patiently explains that it is not acceptable to throw toys and diverts their attention. They develop positive relationships as they relate well to the childminder and each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children feel a sense of belonging as they demonstrate a comfortable, settled relationship with the childminder. They move comfortably and confidently around the setting. They are cared for by a childminder who works with their parents to ensure that their individual needs are valued and respected. The children begin to understand responsible behaviour as they are encouraged to think about their actions and help to tidy toys away. They receive consistent praise and encouragement that fosters their self esteem and they develop respect for others through sharing and turn taking. They make effective choices and decisions about their play resources. The children become aware of a wider society as they are encouraged to engage in non-stereotypical play. They have access to a limited range of resources such as dolls with different skin tones and books depicting positive images of culture and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

gender. Although a 'welcome' sign in various languages is used to little purpose.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are settled and at ease in the welcoming environment, that is light and bright, where they are able to access their resources easily and join in enthusiastically with structured activities. They move freely around the setting

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 demonstrating confidence and independence. The childminder's satisfactory awareness of children's development, ensures that they learn and progress. Most documentation is in order. However, the childminder does not meet training qualifications, as she has not completed the first aid training requirement and the required complaints recording system is not in place, compromising the welfare of the children. The clear, concise policies and procedures, relevant to the setting, work in practice to promote the children's well-being. These are shared with parents and regular verbal exchanges ensure that they are kept up to date with their children's progress. The needs of the children are met.

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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

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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • devise a complaints recording system in line with recent requirements • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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 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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