Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 318015 Inspection date 11/10/2011 Inspector Diane Turner

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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 adult son in a terraced house in the Skellow area of Doncaster. All of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding purposes. Toilet facilities are available on this level and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play to the rear of the premises. The family keep two dogs and two rabbits as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to care for six children under eight years at any one time, three of whom may be within the early years age group. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register and is registered to work with a number of assistants. When working with any one of her assistants the childminder may increase the number of children being cared for at any one time to no more than 12 under eight years, six of whom may be within the early years age group. There are currently 17 children on roll, four of whom are within the early years age group. Their attendance is a mix of full and part-time places.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a vibrant and welcoming environment that is completely child-orientated. The uniqueness of each child is valued highly and nurtured with the greatest of care, ensuring their needs are meticulously met. Partnership working with parents is remarkable, with the utmost priority given to the sharing of information. Highly effective systems are in place for reflection and self-evaluation and to promoting continuous improvement of the highest quality. Parents, children and the setting's assistants are all fully involved in the process which demonstrates a truly inclusive approach and results in a service that is highly responsive to the needs of all its users.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 developing further the opportunties for children to make independent choices in their play.

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the early years provision

The childminder gives the highest priority to safeguarding children. She has a comprehensive understanding of her responsibilities in terms of child protection This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and meticulous attention is given to assessing and successfully minimising any risks to children's safety, both in the home and on any outings. For example, the childminder, her assistant and the children routinely wear high visibility jackets on all outings. Excellent use of labelling is evident in all areas to alert children to potential hazards, such as signs which show that radiators may be hot. All documentation is maintained to the highest standard and this, along with a range of comprehensive policies and procedures, underpins the highly efficient management of the service.

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the early years provision

The childminder creates an environment which is rich, vibrant and highly conducive to children's learning both indoors and outside. A wealth of colourful displays are evident indoors, numerals adorn the fence in the garden and an array of wind chimes, many of which the children have made themselves, hang invitingly in a tree. The children have access to an excellent range of very good quality toys and resources and with the support of her assistant, the childminder is able to offer a diverse range of activities outside the home. Most toys are stored in well-organised sheds in the garden and each morning the children choose what they want to bring indoors. The children have free access to the storage areas when playing outdoors which enables them to make spontaneous choices, however, the system does not fully support this when the children are indoors. This is an area the childminder has identified for improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder talks passionately about her service and shows a tenacious approach to monitoring the quality of this and to promoting continuous improvement. Her formal self-evaluation is a true picture of the service she offers and she continually reflects on her practice and addresses any areas for improvement in consultation with her assistants. Parents continuing satisfaction is gauged through regular questionnaires. Any concerns are addressed immediately and parents are provided with a written response. The childminder attends a wealth of training on a continuous basis to develop her practice and this is shared with parents, including providing photographs to show that she has undertaken training in resuscitation as part of her first aid course.

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the early years provision

Promoting equality and diversity is at the heart of the childminder's practice. Each child is taught that they have a right to be heard, to have a voice and that their opinions do matter and are taken into consideration. The children are offered a wealth of meaningful experiences to learn about the wider world and the cultures and beliefs of others. For example, photographs show them discussing life in South Africa with the childminder's friend who is native to the country. This was followed up with associated craft activities and food tasting and the children then shared their traditional Easter activities with their visitor.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with providers of other settings the children also attend are highly effective. The reciprocal sharing of information is excellent, both verbally and in written form, promoting a highly cohesive approach to the children's care and learning. The childminder's relationship with all parents is impeccable. They are provided with an extremely well-presented welcome pack that leaves them in no doubt as to how the service operates and daily diaries are meticulously maintained as to the children's care routines. Parents are informed of the nursery rhyme the children are learning each month and are provided with work books linked to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 topics that they can complete at home with the children. Numerous written testimonials were provided at the inspection, showing parents overwhelming satisfaction of the service.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how children learn and develop. She enables them to play freely and meticulously plans activities which she initiates herself and that are linked to their individual interests. These are then complimented with activities linked to themes, such as the seasons, to broaden the children's learning further. The childminder interacts very skilfully with the children as they play. She gives them time to explore for themselves and knows intuitively when to engage with them to support their learning. For example, letting them build freely with bricks before discussing the numbers depicted on these. It is very evident that the children develop extremely close and trusting relationships with the childminder and feel completely at ease in her care. The childminder acknowledges the children's efforts with an abundance of praise and provides reward certificates for achievements of particular significance. As a result, the

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and outcomes for children

children's behaviour is exemplary and they develop very high levels of self-esteem. For example, they readily help to tidy away the toys after use, delighting in counting the bricks as they put these into the box and they demonstrate excellent social skills and manners at mealtimes.

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and outcomes for children

The children make excellent progress in their learning and development. This is particularly evident as the very young ones confidently and independently complete more complex jigsaws, name a good number of shapes and as they delight in counting to fifteen whilst washing their hands, to ensure they get rid of the germs. They show sustained concentration and a high level of perseverance. For example, they are not in the least perturbed when their tower of bricks falls down and simply pick them up and start again. The childminder meticulously maintains a progress record for each child which clearly evidence their starting points and contain a wealth of observations, photographs and examples of their work to very accurately chart their development.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder enables the children to take part in extremely valuable opportunities to extend their learning outdoors. For example, they delight in collecting leaves for their Autumn frieze and learn about hedgehogs when they try and spot them emerging from the woods. Photographs show them having immense fun as they take part in walks and 'bug hunts' in the nearby woodland and showing awe and wonder as they observe mounted police. To encourage the children's development in communication language and literacy, the childminder ensures they have free access to a very good range of books and she enables them to make their own colourful examples so they can reflect on previous activities they have enjoyed, such as their Royal wedding celebrations. The children delight in learning new rhymes and beam with pleasure as they recite 'Twinkle, twinkle little star', complete with actions. The children have excellent

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and outcomes for children

opportunities to follow a healthy lifestyle. They play out in the extremely well- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 resourced garden in all weathers and are provided with balanced and nutritious meals, learning from a young age the positive impact this has on their daily lives. For example, charts are kept to show how many portions of fruit and vegetables they eat each day and they have opportunities to make their own bread, shopping for the ingredients first. They grow their own vegetables, such as carrots and tomatoes in the garden and compile recipes they have used and enjoyed, to make their own cookery book. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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