Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY284103 Inspection date 19/10/2011 Inspector Jane O'Callaghan

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 10 years on the outskirts of Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor and rear garden are used for childminding purposes. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. When working with two assistants she may care for no more that 10 children under eight years at any one time. The childminder currently has 18 children on roll and of these nine are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects and takes children to local schools, and visits parks and places of interest. She has two guinea pigs as family pets. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds an Early Years Foundation Degree.

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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 at home and thrive in the child-friendly environment where they receive excellent support. Each child is recognised and valued as a unique individual. The childminder spends her time actively involved in their play, extending their learning and development. The professionalism of the childminder ensures the service she provides is flexible, caring and inclusive to meet the individual needs of all the children. The childminder maintains her high standards through consistently reviewing and reflecting on her practice, which is in the best interests of the children. The childminder recognises that partnerships with parents and other agencies is integral to every child's development.

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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 outdoor learning environment to consistently promote all areas of learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very comprehensive awareness of safeguarding issues and takes her role and responsibilities very seriously. She shares with parents, through a written policy and parental consents, her commitment to recording and reporting any child protection issues in the event of being concerned about a child. She has up-to-date information in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures at hand to refer to and strong links with other professionals to ensure children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 welfare is always given the highest priority. She is proactive in accessing training to further her knowledge and holds useful reference material on file in case concerns arise. Evidence of suitability for household members and assistants who work alongside her is kept on file to share with parents. The childminder is extremely vigilant about all aspects of safety, which safeguards children. All risks in

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the early years provision

the home, garden, for outings, and also extreme weather conditions, have been identified and addressed effectively. These are reviewed regularly and dated accordingly. The childminder also completes daily risk assessments to keep children safe as they grow and develop.

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the early years provision

The childminder is extremely passionate about her work and loves every minute she spends with the children. She is committed to improving outcomes for children and spends time reflecting on her practice, which helps her identify how she can enhance children's lives and their future well-being. For example, the childminder has a level 3 qualification in childcare, along with an Early Years Foundation Degree and has attended extensive training courses. Her records are carefully maintained and she has a very comprehensive set of policies and procedures that reflect her knowledge of the requirements. She observes children and assesses their achievements. This information allows her to plan for individuals so they make excellent progress in all areas of learning. She successfully builds on children's interests, making learning fun for every child.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a trusting partnership with parents, who value her flexibility and commitment. She writes excellent information about children's learning and development in their individual learning journeys and daily diaries. Parents are well informed about the children's progress, and are given regular opportunities to comment on them. The childminder has built very strong and firm links with other settings that children attend, such as schools and nurseries. She shares the children's learning journeys and exchanges information regarding their stage of development, through termly reports and meetings. This ensures that everyone involved in the care of the children is working together to provide continuity and that any concerns are picked up at an early stage.

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the early years provision

Children are learning about the wider society as they play with an excellent variety of multicultural resources, including instruments, a very good selection of books and jigsaws depicting all areas of diversity. For example, parents come to the setting and cook their own cultural food for the children to taste. The childminder has a very informative policy referring to how all children are included, treated equally and always with respect.

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and outcomes for children

Children relate very well to the childminder and the assistants and are highly involved in their activities, having fun, enjoying challenges and making choices. They make exceptionally good progress in their learning given their starting points because the childminder knows individual children well and uses the Early Years Foundation Stage effectively. She makes high-quality documented observations in children's learning journals, alongside very informative daily diaries. Observations This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are well supported with an abundance of photographs and children are set realistic targets and challenges for future development. Children of all ages access a vast selection of pre-selected toys and also regularly access the toy cupboard under the supervision of the childminder to freely select resources. Children look at books with the childminder and join in about the story of the animals and make the

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and outcomes for children

noises of the animals and re enact the story with good interaction from the childminder. Children's physical skills are promoted exceptionally well; within the home they jump up excitedly and listen and copy the actions to the songs about wiggling their bodies. They also daily access the well-resourced outdoor area, where they balance on scooters, climb up the slides and learn to blow bubbles from the large blowers with their friends. However, the outdoor learning environment does not consistently promote all areas of learning. The children independently take off their own coats and Wellingtons when they come back in and ask if they can do some sticking. The more able children sit at the table and get very excited as they do their sticking pictures. They make flowers with the coloured bows and sprinkle glitter on the paper and show them to the adults excitedly. The younger ones sleep in the quiet area in buggies. Children's social

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and outcomes for children

skills are developing very well. They go on regular outings to a variety of local community groups where they mix with children of all ages and take part in a wide selection of arts and crafts, and jump and play with their friends. The childminder ensures that children learn about the environment through being aware of what needs recycling and having clearly labelled boxes in which to place the recycling items in.

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and outcomes for children

Children's main meals and snacks are prepared and freshly cooked by the childminder, with lots of opportunities for children to assist. Children are eager to help make their lunch, choosing from ham, cheese and lettuce. They independently make the sandwiches and place them on a plate ready to sit with their friends and peers for a very sociable lunch time. Drinks of water, juice and milk shakes are available in their own individual cups throughout the day. Children are encouraged to attend to their own personal needs through regular washing of hands and the use of individual towels. The childminder has antibacterial gel to hand foruse after changing nappies, where she follows a vigilant procedure. This prevents cross contamination and teaches children about hygiene. Children learn to keep themselves safe through learning about road safety, wearing hi visibility jackets and identity wrist bands when on outings, and ensuring that they regularly

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and outcomes for children

practise fire drills within the home. The environment that children are in is safe, with, covered plug sockets, sited fire blanket and a very detailed emergency plan with all contact numbers to hand when on outings.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is very effective in helping children begin to take account of others' needs, enabling them to build caring relationships with each other. Children's behaviour is exemplary due to the childminder's and assistants' highly skilled approach in promoting positive behaviour. She ensures that all children receive lots of praise, ensuring a happy and content environment. 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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