Childminder in BarnsleyOfsted inspection, 12 Apr 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY278832 Inspection date 12 April 2006 Inspector Lynn Masterman

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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 in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11, 6 and 4 years old. The family live in a village near Barnsley. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. This includes the kitchen/dining area, lounge and play room. Toilet and hand washing facilities are on the first floor. The family have a goldfish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding seven children who attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. She takes children on

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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 outings and visits local play areas and amenities within the area. She is a member of National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in well maintained and clean premises. They have the opportunity to observe and develop appropriate hygiene practice. They are encouraged to take care of their own personal hygiene, for example, the washing of hands before meals and after visiting the toilet. This results in children developing a clear understanding of personal hygiene. Appropriate procedures ensure sick children are comforted and the risk of infection to other children is minimal. Signs and symptoms are promptly recognised and parents are informed. However, the documentation requesting permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment following an accident or illness is not available. This results in children's health being at risk. Children benefit from a balanced diet. They have the opportunity to make choices and are encouraged to access low sugar foods and drink. The childminder takes

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Helping children to be healthy

account of the wishes of parents and children's individual choices to provide a healthy and suitable diet. A warm and caring relationship is fostered, which enables children to explore food, feed themselves and develop confidence. For example, young children are offered the opportunity to experience a variety of finger foods, which develops their manipulative skills and independence. She recognises the importance of children receiving a regular intake of fluid and they are offered and are able to access drinks easily. Children have access to regular physical exercise to develop their physical skills and maintain a healthy life style. They are encouraged to access the benefits of being out in the fresh air, for example, they visit local parks and places of interest. This develops their awareness of the environment and promotes children's physical development. Younger children have the opportunity to develop their physical skills

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Helping children to be healthy

through music and movement. For example, children are encouraged to join in simple action song and rhymes. This helps to develop their bodily awareness and coordination. Children are able to rest or be active according to their individual needs. Arrangements for rest periods for younger children are agreed with parents.

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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 secure environment where most risks are identified and appropriate steps are taken to minimise potential hazards. The childminder has made good use of opportunities to develop children's awareness of fire safety. For example, children have developed the fire evacuation procedures for the premises. These are discussed and routinely practiced. This results in children being familiar

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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 with the procedures and how to evacuate safely. However, the fire blanket is not appropriately sited. This compromises children's safety. Children are well supervised, which ensures accidents are minimal and they are able to move around safely and independently. Particular attention is given to children on outings and walking to school. For example, the childminder uses opportunities to promote road safety and simple ground rules ensure children are familiar with acceptable levels of behaviour. This helps children to become aware of their own safety and foster a sense of responsibility for others. Children have access to a good range of play resources and equipment, which is easily accessible, well-maintained and meets the required safety standards. For example, resources are checked on a regular basis to ensure play resources are safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and do not pose a risk to children. Play resources are stored at child height, which promotes their independence, confidence and the opportunity to make informed choices about their play. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to the protection of children. Her knowledge of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures ensures children are appropriately protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children share a warm and caring relationship with the childminder, which ensures that they feel happy, settled and secure. Children relate well to the childminder and they enjoy each others company. They are given appropriate support and encouragement which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Children are listened to appropriately, fun is encouraged and the childminder has an acceptable understanding of children's individual needs and preferences. For example, consideration is given to children's ages and stages of development to ensure that all children are included and can participate. Children access an interesting and age related range of activities and experiences. The childminder responds to the children's requests and ensures activities and equipment provide acceptable levels of challenge. For example, children using play dough and cutters to make biscuits. The children were able to create and design their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

own patterns. This helps children to use their imagination and develop creative skills. The childminder provides opportunities for children to make choices, try new ideas and see marks which have meaning. For example, children were encouraged to develop pencil control and write their own name. This helps children to set their own challenges, develop new skills and build their confidence. Play provision is rotated to ensure children remain interested, motivated and stimulated. Activities are purposeful which supports their language, mathematical thinking and imaginative development. For example, children playing letter bingo. Children were able to match and recognise the letters. This helps to develop their awareness of language.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Consideration is given to children who have been in a structured environment at school. They are provided with opportunities to relax and are encouraged to make choices for themselves. Play resources are accessible, which allows children to use their initiative and manage their own play. This results in children being involved and interested in their own play. Children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met appropriately. This is due to the childminder taking time to get to know the children and working with parents to ensure their daily routine are followed successfully. Children are content and showing a sense of belonging. For example, a child expressed feeling unwell and the childminder responded with a warm and caring approach. They are familiar with daily routines and have developed trusting and friendly relationships with the childminder and each other. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self confidence, a belief in themselves and healthy self-esteem. Children are confident to ask questions, voice opinions and make choices. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of promoting equality of opportunity. Children have access to a suitable range of good quality equipment,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which reflects equal opportunities and diversity. However, the childminder has limited knowledge of how to use the resources successfully to promote children's awareness of the wider world. Children receive positive praise and encouragement for their achievements, which develops their confidence and self-esteem. A consistent approach ensures children have a clear understanding of the levels of acceptable behaviour in the home and towards each other. They are encouraged to share, be tolerant of each other and recognise the need for individual choice. For example, children were praised for sharing and taking turns appropriately. The childminder works in partnership with parents. Appropriate communication systems ensure information is shared and parents are kept well informed of their child's achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and settled within the childminder's home which means they move around with confidence and are able to explore the environment safely. The home provides a secure base for children which enables them to make informed choices about their play and express their individual needs. Child ratios are maintained to ensure children receive appropriate levels of care and attention.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Statutory documentation meets the requirements of the National Standards and are stored securely to maintain confidentiality. A suitable range of policies and procedures and verbal agreements with parents contribute to the safety and welfare of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure all gas appliances conform to British Standards. Gas appliances are checked on a regular basis and the certificate of service is now in place.

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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): • request written permission from parents to seek emergency treatment or advice • ensure the fire blanket is appropriately sited • ensure children have access to a broad range of activities which reflect diversity.

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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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