Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333521 Unique Reference Number 25 October 2006 Inspection date Jill Lee 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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her partner in the Lundwood district of Barnsley. He may at times work as her assistant.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All areas of the bungalow are used for childminding activities, except for the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside 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 is currently caring for one child only.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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. Children enjoy outdoor activities in the fresh air. They have regular exercise as they walk to the park and the shops. Parents send wellington boots so children can enjoy walks in all weathers. Children enjoy using the slide and the bouncy castle in the garden. They have opportunity to use larger play equipment at the park and local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder adopts appropriate hygiene practices, which help children to be healthy. She is planning to attend a health and hygiene training course. Arrangements for first aid and administration of medication are in place to protect children. However, the childminder has not obtained clear written agreement from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and there is insufficient clarity in arrangements for circumstances where medication may be given in an emergency. Parents are clearly informed that sick children cannot be cared for. Children learn about good hygiene in their everyday routines. Their rest and sleep routines are agreed with parents and are flexible according to their needs. The childminder agrees a care plan with parents but could not locate the children's records of information.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder exchanges information with parents on a daily basis, so she is fully aware of children's health and dietary needs. Arrangements for snacks, meals and drinks are negotiated carefully. The childminder provides balanced, healthy meals for children, which include fruit and vegetables. Children are encouraged to express their own preferences and try new foods. Drinks are always available for them to access independently.

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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 environment. Risks and hazards are appropriately assessed to promote children's safety. For example, the garden is used minimally at present, as work to erect a higher fence to ensure that the pond is inaccessible to children is not yet complete. The childminder ensures that children are carefully supervised at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a range of toys and equipment, which are maintained in a safe condition. They are stored at child height so children can access them safely. Children are able to move freely and safely between rooms. Older children can visit the toilet independently. The childminder alerts children to risks and hazards. For example, they learn that they must not be in the kitchen when the childminder is cooking. She teaches children to approach steps with caution. She talks with them about road safety when they go for walks and she has an emergency evacuation plan, which she plans to practise with children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has adequate knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of her responsibility to ensure children are protected from harm. She works closely with parents to support children's needs. Where concerns are identified, she understands she must follow the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. However, she is not sufficiently 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 these procedures or with requirements relating to recording of incidents and existing injuries. She is planning to access training to further enhance her awareness and understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very settled in the childminder's care. The childminder talks with parents to find out what children enjoy doing. They sometimes bring their favourite toys from home. Although the range of resources is quite limited, they are age appropriate and reflect children's interests. The childminder is keeping this under review, to ensure she is able to be responsive to the age range and interests of children cared for. Resources are stored in the bedroom where children can access them freely. They have to ask the childminder if they want certain resources, such as mark making or creative play, as these are not readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are relaxed and happily involve the childminder in their play. They get out their favourite book and snuggle on the childminder's knee for a story. They have learned lots of new songs and action rhymes at the local playgroup and love repeating the actions. They get out the big cloth to cover the floor so they can enjoy painting. They enjoy sticking in their 'glitter book'. They love dressing up and were fascinated by all the fancy costumes at the Halloween fancy dress party. They enjoy helping the childminder with daily tasks, like hanging the washing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop a warm and trusting relationship with the childminder, which increases their sense of well-being and confidence. They have lots of opportunities to socialise at local groups where they learn to share and take turns. The childminder has completed the 'Birth to three matters' framework training to help her enhance the play experiences of younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive support and encouragement as they play, which provides reassurance and promotes their self-esteem. The childminder has simple rules and explains the reasons for them so that children understand. They begin to understand why some behaviour is unacceptable as they learn to play with other children. They develop a growing awareness of their own needs; for example, they go to get a nappy from the cupboard when their nappy needs changing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop confidence as they play cooperatively and enjoy regular outings, for example, to the local shops and groups, finding out about their local community. They especially enjoy visiting the pet shop and going to the local farm to see the animals. There are few resources which raise children's awareness of the wider world, of other cultures and different abilities. The childminder is interested in caring for children with special needs and is aware that this is an area in which she would like to extend her knowledge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to understand children's needs and ensure appropriate links with home; this helps them to feel secure and included. She shares information about her practice clearly and ensures there is always plenty of time to give daily feedback. She takes photographs to share children's experiences with parents and is making a scrapbook. Parents give written consents regarding most aspects of their child's care. Arrangements for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 transporting children by car are made in writing but do not clearly indicate named drivers, as the childminder does not drive herself. She is not sufficiently familiar with the requirements relating to dealing with complaints, although she is aware that she must keep a record. The Ofsted poster for parents is not displayed, so that parents do not have the contact details of the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The home environment is organised well to provide child friendly play space. Children are able to move around freely and gain independence within daily routines. The childminder involves children and takes account of their interests when planning activities. She plans access to appropriate training and development opportunities to enhance her childcare practice.

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Organisation

Children are kept safe and their welfare is safeguarded by appropriate implementation of required policies and procedures. The childminder has most required documentation in place and available for inspection. She has developed a number of written policies and procedures, which are concisely recorded in the 'terms and conditions' and shared with parents. Agreements reached with parents influence her day to day practice so that parents' wishes are respected and children's needs are met.

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Organisation

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

Since registration 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 written parental permission is requested for seeking any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and that no medication is administered without prior written consent • ensure the garden pond is made completely inaccessible to children • become more familiar with the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and requirements relating to recording of incidents and existing injuries • provide a balanced range of activities in the daily play environment and increase children's opportunity to select a wider range of resources independently • increase the range of resources which promote children's awareness of diversity • develop a clearer understanding of current guidance relating to dealing with complaints and ensure that parents have the contact details of the regulator.

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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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