Childminder in Barnsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318621 Inspection date 27 June 2006 Inspector Lynn Rodgers

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and one child aged two years in a detached house on the outskirts of Barnsley. The whole of the ground floor, plus the first floor bathroom and small back bedroom are used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children over five, after school. The childminder walks or drives to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are familiar with daily routines and the importance of practising personal hygiene skills. They know, for example, when to wash hands to prevent the spread of infection, particularly after they have toileted. Effective procedures are followed by the childminder to protect children from illness and infection. For example, keeping kitchen and toilet areas clean and ensuring she follows the hygiene rules when handling foods. The children benefit from a healthy diet. They are able to help themselves to drinking water and juices, when they arrive from school. The childminder takes into account parent's wishes and the children's preferences when deciding what foods to offer them. She has written sample menus for parents to see, but these remain flexible to allow for children's likes and dislikes. All food served is freshly cooked and includes plenty of fruit and vegetables.

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Helping children to be healthy

The environment is warm, clean and well maintained, which ensures children are able to rest or be active according to their needs. They have access to a safe, secure outdoor play area to encourage physical skills and exercise.

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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 safe, secure environment where risk of accidental injury is minimised through appropriate safety and security precautions. Children have room to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder sets acceptable examples for children to follow and helps them to understand how to keep themselves safe both inside and outdoors. For example, she teaches the children how to cross roads safely, and encourages them to tidy away discarded toys. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a clear understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Children are fully supervised and only released to their parents or other agreed authorised persons. Most required safety measures

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are taken and the environment is safe and secure. However, there are some safety issues to address.

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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 The childminder ensures all children have free access to all activities and toys. For example, construction, board games and writing materials. Children are able to ask for other toys whenever they want. They have a good relationship with each other and are happy and contented. Creative activities are planned ahead to ensure all children are able to participate fully. Children are settled at the childminder's house. They enter with confidence and make themselves at home. For example, when arriving from school, they know the routine for removing outdoor clothes and getting ready for a snack. Interaction with the childminder's child means they are beginning to build meaningful relationships and enjoy being sociable. The childminder encourages independence and self help. For

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

example, choosing toys they like and being responsible for tidying them away before they go home. Toys and resources are plentiful and provide children with stimulation, and are used well to sufficiently challenge the children and provide opportunity for them to explore and investigate. The childminder ensures children have plenty of fresh air and exercise through outdoor play and visits to the local parks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children show concern for each other, playing harmoniously together and behaving well through clear guidance, praise and encouragement from the childminder. House rules are established and children are aware of what they can and cannot do. For example, completing simple tasks and helping each other. They are beginning to understand right from wrong through consistent and achievable boundaries and are learning to develop a positive attitude towards each other. Partnership with parents is effective and they are fully conversed in the daily routines and what their child has been doing. Regular verbal communication ensures they are aware of the service the childminder provides. The childminder shares all relevant information with parents, however, they have not been informed of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are met well as

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they follow their daily routines. Parent's wishes are taken into account when establishing children's needs and all relevant information is recorded at the initial visit. Children learn about the local community and have access to satisfactory multicultural resources reflecting diversity and the world around us.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Most documentation is in place and available for inspection. However, the daily attendance register does not clearly show the exact times of children's arrival and departure. The childminder records the names and details of the authorised persons

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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 collecting the minded children and uses a password system to ensure children are only released to persons approved by parents. Emergency contact numbers are logged in her mobile phone to enable her to call parents quickly. Documentation is stored away safely and out of reach of persons not authorised to see it. Relevant information is shared with parents and confidentiality maintained. Children's safety is addressed positively to ensure they are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Adult-child ratios are maintained and children are fully supervised. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of any 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): • ensure the fire blanket is appropriately sited in the kitchen area • provide parents with the appropriate information regarding how to make a complaint • ensure the exact times of children's arrival and departure are clearly recorded • ensure the wine storage is inaccessible to children.

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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 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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