Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 317986 Inspection date 27/06/2011 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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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.

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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

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 1994. She lives with her family in Doncaster. All downstairs rooms are used for childminding. A securely enclosed rear garden is available to children for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years and is currently minding two children in the early years age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register and there are a further six children on roll. The family has two dogs and a securely covered outdoor pond.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children enjoy individual care in a safe and welcoming environment. They make good progress in their learning and development and most welfare requirements are well met. Documentation mostly supports the practice and this is filed confidentially. Effective partnerships with parents enable the childminder to promote the individual well-being of each child and she understands the benefits of establishing links with others to enhance opportunities for children's learning and development. The childminder reflects on her practice and accurately identifies the strengths and areas to improve within her provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that at least one person with a current paediatric first aid certificate is on the premises at all times when children are present. There must also be at least one person on outings who has a current paediatric first aid certificate (also applies to the Childcare Register). 27/06/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 review the policies and procedures required for the safe and efficient management of the setting and to meet the needs of the children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder clearly understands her role in safeguarding children and knows how to protect them from harm. All necessary contact details are readily accessible should the childminder need to report a concern or allegation. Children are safe and secure through vigilant supervision at all times and the childminder works with low numbers of children in the early years age group to enhance the level of individual care. Doors are kept secure and children cannot be collected by any unauthorised persons. The childminder ensures children do not come into contact with any hazards and she makes thorough visual checks as well as written risk assessments. Safety is discussed with children at a developmentally appropriate level; older children discuss and practice safe play and younger children are given gentle reminders within their daily routine. Documentation is organised well and confidentially filed. The childminder understands the legislation to which she works

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the early years provision

and ensures all required records are in place. Policies and procedures are in place to support the childminder's practice, although these have not been recently reviewed. The childminder's first aid certificate has recently expired and this is a breach in the requirements of registration. However, she has booked a place on a course so that this can quickly be updated. The childminder gives good priority to enhancing her professional knowledge through training, such as a course in Makaton sign language and completing her childcare NVQ Level 3 qualification.

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the early years provision

Parents give their signed consent for relevant aspects of their children's care. The childminder is flexible in her care for the children, supporting parents in their role and their changing work patterns. For example, she is happy for children to get ready for school at her house, involving them in her family's morning routine. Parents are happy with the standard of care and describe the setting as 'home from home' and say the childminder is 'experienced, reliable and caring'. Information is shared in a personal way that meets the needs of each family; some parents prefer a verbal exchange whilst others like written information. The childminder works in close communication with parents to ensure the individual needs of the children are met very well.

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the early years provision

Children freely access the space they need to play and resources are used well to promote children's independence and learning across all areas. The childminder understands the need to develop links with others where applicable to enhance opportunities for children. Reflective practice enables the childminder to successfully evaluate her practice and this is an ongoing process to identify strengths and areas to improve.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and content in the childminder's care and lovely relationships are in place to enable them to confidently explore and access what they need to support their play. The childminder has a very good knowledge of each child's individual needs, providing activities that promote and challenge their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development across all six areas of learning. Children lead their own play and the childminder encourages them to make decisions. Babies investigate their surroundings under close supervision and they approach the childminder easily to make their needs known. The childminder is skilled at interpreting babies non- verbal cues and responds promptly to signs that they may feel tired, helping them settle for sleep within their own preferred routine. The childminder understands older children's desire to rest and relax after their time at school, or to engage in

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and outcomes for children

physical activity depending upon what they need. She manages mixed ages of children well and facilitates their individual requests for play and activities to ensure they are all purposefully engaged.

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and outcomes for children

Activities are fun and tailored to children's development. Babies rapidly increasing physical development is promoted through the strategic organisation of resources. For example, play tables and furniture, along with the childminder's support enable babies to practise gaining balance and confidence on their feet. Interesting toys, such as shape sorters, shiny activity cubes and books are within reach and babies examine these with interest. The childminder repeats babies early language sounds and points out pictures in books to develop their communication and she chatters constantly with them in their play. Older children enjoy activities that involve cooperation with the childminder and their peers, such as board games, paper puzzles and art activities. Children enjoy a range of opportunities outside the home, such as visiting local groups, or going for walks in the local area, sometimes with the childminder's dogs. Places of interest, such as the wildlife park are visited

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and outcomes for children

to encourage children's knowledge and understanding of the world.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is supported through appropriate policies, practices and personal hygiene routines. They are encouraged to be aware of what they need, such as a drink or a rest, through appropriate reminders and discussion. Outdoor and indoor activities appropriately support children's health and they have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air. Children enjoy a suitable range of healthy meals and snacks and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure all dietary needs are met. Children have constant access to drinks regularly throughout the day which ensures they are not thirsty. The childminder has a dental policy in place to enable children to care for their teeth whist at the setting and tooth- brushing is encouraged as part of children's personal care routines.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder helps children to understand equality and diversity through activities and discussion, encouraging them to consider the needs and feelings of others and to behave with respect for each other and their environment. The childminder explores celebrations from around the world within her activities for children, such as Japanese Children's Day and Diwali. She ensures all children are fairly included and can join in at their own pace within all activities. Positive strategies are used to manage children's behaviour and the childminder has a very calm and patient approach, creating a relaxed atmosphere for children. The childminder is very smiley in her interaction with the children, enabling them to feel valued and special. She gives plenty of praise and encouragement to help children to feel good about themselves, using positive language. Simple rules are in place for children so that they understand acceptable behaviour and play safely.

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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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

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

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

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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

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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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report 27/06/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report 27/06/2011

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