Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311223 Inspection date 31 January 2006 Inspector Lynn Masterman

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and eight years old .The family live in a suburb in Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. This includes the kitchen, dining area and lounge. Toilet and hand washing facilities are located on the first floor. There is a secure outdoor play area. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding six children who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school.

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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 takes children on outings and visits local play areas and amenities within the area. She attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a clear understanding of personal hygiene. They are familiar with the daily routine and learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. This helps to promote healthy practices, prevents cross infection and contributes to their personal care and comfort. Appropriate procedures are in place for the care of sick children. Signs and symptoms are promptly recognised and parents are informed, which ensures children are cared for appropriately. Children benefit from a varied and balanced diet. They have the opportunity to make choices and are encouraged to access low sugar foods and drink. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's individual choices to provide a healthy and suitable diet. She recognises the importance of children receiving a

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Helping children to be healthy

regular intake of fluid and they are offered and are able to access drinks easily. Children have access to regular physical exercise to develop their physical skills and maintain a healthy life style. Appropriate use is made of the outdoor play area and children are encouraged to enjoy the benefits of being out in the fresh air. For example, a suitable range of outdoor play resources helps to promote physical activities. Younger children are provided with play resources which develop their physical stages, for example, the development of hand and eye co-ordination, crawling, jumping and participating in simple games and action songs. Rest routines are incorporated into the daily routine and children's individual needs are met.

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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 secure environment where risks are identified and appropriate steps are taken to minimise potential hazards. The childminder has appropriate fire evacuation procedures and these are routinely practised and recorded. This results in children being familiar with procedures and how to evacuate safely. Children are well supervised, which ensures accidents are minimal and they are able to move around safely and independently. Particular attention is given to children on outings and walking to school, for example, the childminder uses opportunities to promote road safety. Simple ground rules ensure children are familiar with acceptable levels of behaviour. This helps children to become aware of their own safety and foster a sense of responsibility for others. Children have opportunity to select independently from a good and varied range of age appropriate play resources which are clean, well maintained and meet safety

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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 standards. Play provision is checked on a regular basis to ensure they are suitable and present no hazards. Particular attention is given to play provision used by younger children, for example, there are no loose parts which may cause a child injury. Resources are stored securely at child height which promotes their independence, confidence and the opportunity to make informed choices about their play. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to the protection of children. Her knowledge of the appropriate procedures ensures children are appropriately protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a warm and welcoming environment, where they are happy and confident. Particular attention is given to the development of children's social skills. The childminder is skilled in promoting children's self esteem and they receive lots of positive praise and encouragement for their achievements. Children are encouraged to be independent, make informed choices and have fun through play. They have access to a good range of planned activities which promotes their learning and development. For example, children have the opportunity to develop pencil control and letter formation. This helps to develop hand and eye co-ordination and early writing skills. Consideration is given to children's age and stages of development with a view that all children are included and can participate. For example, children's development is recorded and used as a guide to plan for their next stage of learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has developed a warm caring relationship with babies, for example, lots of cuddles, smiles and effective communication positively encourage babies to interact and communicate. They are responsive to the warm soothing approach of the childminder and are given lots of eye contact and adult interaction. For example, the childminder echoed sounds made by a young child when using a toy telephone to speak to 'mummy'. This helps children to be confident and to learn about words and their meaning. The childminder has a good understanding of the needs and development of babies and provides opportunities to investigate, explore and develop their sensory skills. For example, lots of activity based toys which develop physical skills and provide the opportunity to explore different shapes, size, texture and colour. Play provision is rotated to ensure children remain interested, motivated and stimulated. Activities are purposeful which supports their language, mathematical

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

thinking and imaginative development. For example, a child playing with bricks received encouragement to build a tower, count and name the colour of the bricks. This helps children to develop their counting skills and make links with numbers.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met appropriately. This is due to the childminder taking time to get to know the children and working with parents to ensure their daily routine are followed successfully. Children are content and showing a sense of belonging. They are familiar with daily routines and have developed trusting and friendly relationships with the childminder and each other. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self confidence, a belief in themselves and healthy self esteem. Children are confident to ask questions, voice opinions and make choices. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of promoting equality of opportunity. Children have access to a suitable range of good quality equipment

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which reflects equal opportunities and diversity. However, the childminder has limited knowledge of how to use the resources successfully to promote children's awareness of the wider world. Children receive positive praise and encouragement for their achievements, which develops their confidence and self esteem. A consistent approach ensures children have a clear understanding of the levels of acceptable behaviour in the home and towards each other. They are encouraged to share, be tolerant of each other and recognise the need for individual choice. Young children are helped to understand expectations of their behaviour by the use of eye contact and facial expressions. The childminder works in partnership with parents. Appropriate communication systems ensure information is shared and parents are kept well informed of their child's achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and settled within the childminder's home which means they move around with confidence and are able to explore the environment safely. The home provides a secure base for children which enables them to make informed choices about their play and express their individual needs. Child ratios are maintained to ensure children receive appropriate levels of care and attention. Statutory documentation meets the requirements of the national standards and is stored securely to maintain confidentiality. A satisfactory range of policies and procedures and verbal agreements with parents contribute to the safety and welfare of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements 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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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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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): • ensure children have access to a broad range of activities which reflect diversity.

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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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