Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY222426 Inspection date 24 April 2006 Inspector Andrea Rockett

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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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and three daughters aged 1, 5 and 7 years old. Their home is situated in Sprotbrough and is within walking distance of the local school and amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children under 8 years of age and there is currently one on-roll. She has her husband and a friend as her assistants. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are cared for in an environment that is clean and tidy. The childminder actively promotes good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection and to keep children healthy. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. Effective measures are in place to reduce cross-contamination as children have their own hand towels and have access to wet wipes. Recordings for administering medication are in place and there are clear written details for the exclusion of sick children to prevent cross-contamination, which are discussed with parents. Healthy eating is promoted with children being offered fresh fruit and vegetables at meal and snack-times, which is essential for their well-being and healthy growth. For example, bananas, apples and grapes. The childminder takes account of parents wishes, so that children's individual health and dietary requirements are met

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Helping children to be healthy

successfully. Children have their own cups and have a choice of water, milk and fruit cordial drinks on a regular basis. During the summer, the children have opportunities to enjoy picnics as they visit such places as Cusworth Hall and Sandal Park. A selection of physical activities are offered to children, which contributes to their good health. For example, they enjoy nature walks where they collect leaves to use for their craft creations. The childminder supports and encourages children's developing physical skills through being involved in their play, such as showing them how to throw and catch balls successfully. Children's gross motor skills are extended when playing in the garden, for example, as they play on the bikes, scooters and climb through tunnels. Children show an awareness of space as they move with confidence within the home.

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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 clean home where risks are identified and minimised, which allows them to move around safely and independently. Furniture and equipment is of a suitable design and conforms to safety requirements. For example, children enjoy using the child-size tables and chairs when completing jigsaws and eating their snacks. They independently select from a range of toys and resources, which promotes their decision-making skills. For example, they enjoy choosing the various 'Noddy' characters from the toy box. The childminder rotates toys regularly to maintain children's interest and to vary their experiences. The childminder ensures that children are safe when playing as she makes them aware of sharp corners on the furniture and how they must tidy away one set of toys before getting out more. Children learn about what is dangerous as they practise an emergency escape plan regularly, which helps them to learn to keep themselves

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe. The childminder is safety conscious and performs regular risk assessments

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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 within the home to maintain the safety of children. For example, socket covers are in place and children are not allowed in the kitchen. There are smoke alarms on every level of the home and a fire blanket is sited in the kitchen. Procedures for child protection are clearly understood by the childminder and she recognises this is her first priority. However, a policy including procedures to be followed if allegations are made against the childminder or members of the household is not in place. Children are taught about road safety on outings, which increases their ability to assess risk. For example, they know they must always hold hands and stop, look and listen for cars before crossing the road. A clear system is in place for when children are collected by another adult. For example, the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

always asks for a description and uses a password to ensure the safety of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have developed a close and caring relationship with the childminder. Time is given to them for their pace of learning as they make connections with the environment and toys. They respond well to the childminder as she encourages their language development, for example, by repeating words and sounds to them as they play. She provides them with a range of different activities to ensure that they remain stimulated. Children enjoy completing jigsaws, which enables their hand-eye coordination to be extended successfully as they move the pieces around to make them fit. They choose freely from a range of toys and resources, which supports and challenges their development. Letter recognition is highlighted as children draw lines around dots that form the letters within their name. They successfully associate an object with sound as they state,"That's Noddy's bell on his hat and it goes jingle, jingle". Children use language

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

confidently to explain real and imagined experiences, for example, "I am three" and "I don't like a cup of tea". They delight in playing team games with the childminder as they play a 'Shopping card game'. They recognise pictures of different food and correctly place them on the matching picture card. Children have a clear knowledge of colours as they recognise red, yellow and blue. They enjoy playing with Noddy's car and aeroplane and talking about the 'naughty goblins' who live in the woods. The childminder involves children in real life experiences, for example, they visit the local shops, library and feed the ducks in the park. This gives children the opportunity to learn about their environment and be a part of their local community. Children are involved, interested, enjoy their play and participate well in creative activities, which they take home to show parents. They engage in imaginative role play as they wear

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

dressing-up clothes and pretend to be 'Black Beard the Pirate'. Children talk happily about their play, make decisions about what they want to do, and are confident to ask for what they need.

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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 Behaviour is good and children are becoming aware of their boundaries, for example, they take their shoes and coat off when entering the home. This reinforces their awareness of routine and what is expected of them. The childminder sensitively helps to resolve difficulties and praise is offered regularly, which promotes their self-esteem and confidence. Children are well mannered and remember to say 'please' and 'thank you', and place their hand over their mouth when they cough. They learn to take responsibility for their own behaviour and think about the needs of others as they share and take turns when playing games. Varied planned activities enable children to learn about themselves, each other, and the world about them. For example, they make Chinese lanterns for the Chinese New

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Year and look at how writing differs for other languages. They are treated equally and have equal access to the range of activities and toys, for example, the toy boxes which are placed on the floor. All children take part in activities appropriate to their needs and abilities which successfully creates an inclusive provision for all. The childminder values and respects parents and a good partnership is established with them so that individual needs are understood. Parents have clear information about the setting and their children's progress through, for example, polices and procedures and written daily diaries for babies. However, written parental permission is not in place for the assistant to care for children. Parents are informed of their child's care through verbal daily discussions. The childminder works with parents' wishes to ensure that all children's individual needs are met successfully.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home, settled and at ease in the relaxing and welcoming environment. They move freely around the setting, demonstrating confidence and independence. The childminder organises her working week to enable children to extend their social lives, for example, they visit the local playgroup and 'Wacky Warehouse' play-centre. Resources and activities are organised to enable children to extend their play and learning experiences. Regular verbal communication ensures that the parents and the childminder enjoy a positive, working relationship. Policies and procedures are in place and the majority of which hold satisfactory information. The childminder uses assistants to help with childcare and is aware she has to implement all recordings and details to ensure that they are in line with requirements. Documentation is stored to maintain confidentiality and security.

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Organisation

Overall the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection four recommendations were made in relation to safety and documentation. These have been addressed appropriately.

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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 There is now a fire evacuation plan in place which is practised regularly and a written agreement is in place with parents. An assistant has not yet been used and the childminder is aware she must record all details when they are caring for children. Adult-child ratios are met at all times as there is currently one child on-roll. These ensure that the safety and welfare of children are met effectively.

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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): • implement a child protection policy including procedures for if allegations are made against the childminder or other members of the household • ensure written parental permission is obtained for children to be cared for by an assistant • further develop policies and procedures and implement details of when an assistant is used to ensure they are in line with requirements.

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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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