Childminder in Barnsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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302673 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2006 Inspection date Angela Howard Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1989. She lives with her adult daughter and her daughter's partner. They live in Cudworth, a large suburb on the outskirts of Barnsley. The whole of the ground floor, plus toilet facilities on the first floor of the premises are used for childminding. There is access to a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently has no children under eight years on roll. The childminder walks to take and collect children from the local school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminders 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The environment is clean and well maintained. The childminder demonstrates through discussion how she promotes children's good health. She describes how she talks with children about the need for good hygiene procedures so that they remember to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder has appropriate systems in place for the administration of medication and managing of accidents. She has a clear sick children policy which ensures children are not cared for until they are well enough to attend. This reduces the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder indicates that she provides a well balanced range of snacks and meals. For example, fruit and vegetables are offered on a daily basis and meals are freshly cooked from nutritious, wholesome food. During discussion it becomes clear she respects parents' wishes regarding the food given to children and dietary requirements are adhered to at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder recognises the value of children accessing physical exercise and fresh air daily. They regularly visit the park for activities, such as jumping, climbing and playing football. She organises the day so walking to and from school is part of the daily routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes appropriate steps to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. For example, there are no trailing wires, safety gates prevent children accessing the stairs unsupervised and socket covers are in place. However, the low level kitchen cupboards do not have locks fitted and contain hazardous materials. The premises are secure and keys are easily located in case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate fire precautions are in place, for example, fire exits are clear of obstruction and smoke alarms are in working order. However, the fire blanket is not appropriately sited.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her responsibility to ensure children access a wide range of toys and equipment. She informed me toys and equipment are carefully monitored to make sure they remain safe and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Discussion with the childminder suggests she has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures and recognises the indicators of abuse. This effectively contributes to safeguarding children.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Play resources are organised successfully to promote children's independence. The childminder recognises the need to provide activities which offer appropriate levels of challenge and are suitable for the children's age and stage of development. She describes how she provides a wide variety of play experiences. For example, children can access painting activities, read books, build with bricks and enjoy physical exercise like playing football and climbing in the park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder talks about how she provides a caring environment for the children. She manages her time successfully to ensure time is spent playing, listening and talking to children. During discussion it becomes apparent that children enjoy playing with the toys provided and are happy and secure in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder shows how she responds appropriately to meet the individual needs of the children in her care. She takes time to get know the children and obtains as much information as possible prior to a placement commencing. She understands the importance of appropriate settling in procedures to ensure children feel safe and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to an acceptable range of equipment that promotes positive images of diversity. Evidence suggests opportunities for children to learn about their local community are fostered appropriately through visits to local parks, and carer groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn right from wrong in a caring environment. The childminder verbally demonstrates that she provides children with clear and consistent boundaries and encourages children to behave well by using lots of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses appropriate systems to communicate with parents about their child's care. Ongoing two way communication ensures that she is able to respond to children's individual needs and parents' wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are kept safe and their welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's satisfactory understanding of the required polices and procedures. Documentation is up-to-date and presented appropriately. Confidentiality is maintained at all times. Evidence suggests that the childminder is well organised and offers children a safe and secure environment. Discussion with the childminder indicates children are happy and content in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder has a secure knowledge of the National Standards. She has recently moved premises and has notified us immediately that there are adults in the household who need

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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 vetting. This promotes children's welfare and safety. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two actions where made. One in relation to notifying Ofsted of significant changes and the other in relation to safety of the home.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder notified Ofsted in writing of the move to new premises and that adults in the household needed vetting. All checks have been completed. Now the childminder has moved to new premises again the safety issues are not applicable. Therefore, children's safety is promoted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 • make low level kitchen cupboards inaccessible to children.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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