Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY404874 Inspection date 12/10/2010 Inspector Angela Howard

p.1

Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.3

Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

p.3

Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2010. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15, nine and five years. They live in Conisbrough, on the outskirts of Doncaster, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor, plus the bathroom on the first floor and supervised access to the play room on the second floor of the childminder's home, are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed play area to the front of the premises available for outdoor play. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round, excluding bank holidays.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child in the early years age range. She also offers care to one child aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder has procedures to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and who speak English as an additional language. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is highly committed to inclusion and ensures children are able to fully participate because she has a good understanding of their individual needs. Constant positive interaction enables children to feel secure and helps them to thrive in their learning. The childminder fosters positive links with the children's parents to ensure children's individual care needs are met successfully. Although, there is a breach of requirements, with regards to ensuring that written permission is obtained to seek emergency treatment. The childminder is new to her role, but reflects on her practice suitably and is committed to future training.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding). 29/10/2010

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.4

further?

 develop further the use of self-evaluation to recognise the importance of continuous improvement, and to develop a culture of reflective practice to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 improve outcomes for children.

p.4

the early years provision

A systematic approach to safeguarding protects the children and reassures parents. The childminder is very clear about her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection issues. She has good procedures in place for identifying any child at risk of harm and has good up-to-date knowledge of the possible signs of abuse and neglect. Well-documented policies and procedures, children's records and documents for the safe management of the setting are in place and are implemented successfully. However, the childminder was not able to provide evidence that she has written parental permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This is a breach of requirements that impacts on children's health and safety. Thorough risk assessments are in place, which are carefully implemented to ensure the children are safe and secure at all times. A wide range of experiences and activities indoors and outdoors make it an interesting

p.5

the early years provision

environment which encourages children to be active learners. Space is used effectively to create a child friendly environment in which children can move around freely and safely. Children use a wide range of good quality resources including every day items to support the enjoyable activities they are offered daily. The childminder has a good understanding of her role to promote equality and diversity. There is a clear inclusive ethos which leads to high levels of participation for everyone and therefore helps children to develop a strong sense of belonging. Children's progress, relative to their starting points, is effectively monitored to ensure there is no under achievement and that any sign of difficulty receives appropriate action. The childminder provides a variety of resources that reflect positive images of difference, so as to increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

p.5

the early years provision

Communication with parents is a key strength which ensures parents and children feel valued and welcome. Parents receive daily verbal and written information through photographs and observation records about how their children are progressing and achieving. Daily diaries are used well to ensure a two-way flow of information, which develops a strong link with home and ensures children's individual needs are continually met. Parents' comments, recorded on questionnaires, demonstrate that they are delighted with the care and education their children receive. Comments include 'the childminder offers a brilliant lovely setting' and 'she has a great bond with my children, is approachable, kind and friendly'. There are good systems in place to engage with other professionals to ensure children get the appropriate care and support they need. The childminder liaises routinely with other partners to ensure they are working cohesively to

p.5

the early years provision

support children's learning and ensure they have joint aims and objectives. The childminder is very enthusiastic and has a good commitment to improving her practice through a programme of training. She has begun to use the Ofsted self- evaluation form appropriately identifying the setting's strengths and some areas for improvement. Because it is very much in its infancy, she has yet to develop how parents and children are involved in this process and how she will monitor the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 impact of any changes.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has good knowledge about how children learn and child development. She is implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage well and ensures children's natural curiosity is promoted as they explore and take the initiative in their learning. Children access a wide range of good quality play opportunities to develop their emotional, social, physical and intellectual capabilities. The childminder is well informed about children's capabilities, starting points and individual needs and recognises that every child's learning journey is unique. For example, the structure of the day and the planning of activities is flexible and tailored to the children's individual needs and interests. The observation records she has completed are of a good quality and clearly identify the children's next steps. All children develop a strong sense of worth through the good interaction, care and attention they receive from the childminder. For

p.6

and outcomes for children

example, children respond eagerly to constant praise and encouragement and enjoy the warm, caring reassurance from her. They feel good about themselves, show respect for each other and are beginning to manage their own behaviour successfully. Children beam with pleasure when the childminder praises them and they are aware they are someone special to her. Children are encouraged to initiate their own play and are allowed time alone or are encouraged to join in group activities. The children spend a great deal of time outdoors investigating the natural world. They are encouraged to take part in activities to learn about the weather, seasons and love to go on nature walks. The children are inquisitive about how things work, operating simple electronic toys showing curiosity at how the balls disappear when posted in a musical toy. They access a good range of tools, such as cutters, rolling pins, scissors, glue spreaders and different sized

p.6

and outcomes for children

mark-making equipment to allow them to experiment and understand their uses. Children love to use play dough and thoroughly enjoy cooking activities, such as, baking and preparing meals. Children demonstrate good levels of creativity, accessing a wide range of painting activities and collage materials. They complete various jigsaws of different complexities and are developing understanding about shape recognition when they sort shapes into posting boxes. Children are beginning to use number names spontaneously as they play repeating one, two and are beginning to make comparisons as they group different animals.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is proactive in ensuring children remain healthy and understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Children's health is promoted very well by the childminder reducing possible risks and by her taking a range of positive actions. For example, a well balanced nutritious range of food is provided and the implementation of robust policies and procedures prevent the spread of infection. Children get plenty of rigorous physical exercise. They have daily access to some form of physical activity and routinely visit play areas to practise their skills in movement, balance and co-ordination. Children learn effectively about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They practise crossing the road safely, fire evacuation procedures and take part in discussions about stranger This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 danger to keep themselves safe. This ensures children learn some sense of danger

p.6

and outcomes for children

in a secure and safe environment, where they can explore and take risks safely. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.8

Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9