Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315240 Inspection date 17 March 2006 Inspector Hilary Mary Mckenning

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 2, 5 and 9 years. They live in a house close to Doncaster town centre. The dining room on the ground floor is used for childminding, along with the lounge, sleep room and bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two rabbits. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time. She is currently caring for 4 children on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. She meets regularly with local childminders

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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 and attends local toddler and carer groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well protected from illness and infection as they follow hygiene procedures as part of their daily routine. They are encouraged to learn the importance of personal hygiene through good practice. 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, play areas and walks to and from school allow children to develop their all-round physical skills. 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. Children are well rested and so enjoy their play. This is due to the childminder following children's individual eating and sleeping routines that are discussed with parents. This ensures children thrive as their individual needs are met successfully.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of healthy snacks and drinks, which take into account children's 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for within a safe environment. Positive steps have been taken to ensure children are able to move around designated play areas independently. Potential hazards have been addressed in order to maintain a secure environment both indoors and out. For example, the use of a safety gates, socket covers and smoke alarms means 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 to children about road safety. This results in children being given the opportunity to freely explore within safe surroundings. The childminder is aware of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters and recognises the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. However, she is not secure in her knowledge and understanding and therefore

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children are not fully protected. Children easily access a good range of quality resources allowing them 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 choices safely. Children's toys and equipment are very carefully monitored to make sure they remain safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very happy and settled in the environment. There are effective daily routines in place, which help children to feel secure and at ease in their surroundings. The routine is flexible to allow children to follow their own daily patterns. Children make their own choices about their play from a good range of resources. They are encouraged to access resources themselves, so developing their sense of self assurance. Through informal planning, good opportunities allow children to explore the immediate environment with interest, building on their natural curiosity. For example, children have planted bulbs and spring flowers. The childminder considers children's age and interests to ensure activities are suitably challenging and help them make progress in all areas of their development. Younger children engage in concentrated play in which they extend their language and skills in playing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with musical toys. Children access an interesting range of activities and experiences. 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 relate very well to the childminder. They enjoy being in the care of the childminder. There are close and affectionate relationships where cuddles are a regular feature. Children are learning appropriate social skills and enjoy being with other children and adults. This results in them being able to build meaningful relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. 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 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 her family. 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's awareness of the local community is promoted well through regular outings to local carer groups. Children enjoy a balanced range of activities and experiences which include opportunities to relax, be active and to play creatively. However, children have access to a limited selection of multi-cultural toys and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

activities. As a result, children's awareness about culture, ethnicity and disability is not fully explored. They develop independence as they choose from resources that

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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 are readily accessible for children to support their learning. 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 good which contributes to the children's overall well being. Regular information is shared with parents to ensure they 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 satisfactory. Children feel at home and comfortable within their surroundings. The childminder organises the space and resources to enable children to follow individual routines to promote their welfare, care and development. This results in children remaining settled and feeling secure in their surroundings. Documentation is kept in a well organised manner and confidentiality is maintained at all times. Children's experiences are enhanced as the childminder uses training opportunities to improve her practice. For example, she has recently completed a level two qualification. Children are well supported in their learning and care as the childminder provides good levels of supervision. Overall, 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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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): • ensure clear procedures for action if an allegation is made against you • improve documentation for the recording of existing injuries • ensure children have access to a board range of resources and activities that 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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