Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288464 Unique Reference Number 19 June 2007 Inspection date Hilary Mary Mckenning 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 good. 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and 10-year-old daughter in Silkstone, near Barnsley. Local facilities are within walking distance. Children access all downstairs areas of the house as appropriate and the upstairs bedrooms for sleeping. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for 12 children on a part-time basis. The childminder uses a car or walks to take and collect children from the local school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from illness and infection as they follow good hygiene procedures. They are cared for in clean and well-maintained premises. They are encouraged to learn the

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 importance of personal hygiene through good practice and daily routines. For example, very young children are given cloths and encouraged to wipe their hands. This results in children actively learning about the importance of personal hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of challenging physical activities. Regular visits to parks, soft play areas and access to an outdoor play area allows children to develop their all round physical skills. For babies, there is a good range of everyday objects to be squeezed and held to encourage exploration and development of physical skills. Children’s access to a wide range of physical activities contributes to their good health in a positive manner and ensures that they develop confidence in their physical abilities. Children are well rested and alert and so enjoy their play. This is due to the childminder following children's individual eating and sleeping routines that are discussed with parents. This ensures children thrive as their individual needs are met successfully.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of healthy snacks and drinks, which take into account children's dietary needs and parents' wishes. This contributes significantly to children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Mealtimes are treated as an opportunity to help children to enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves. Babies share control as they are encouraged to feed themselves using fingers, forks and spoons. This provides opportunities for sensory learning and increased independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in safe and well-maintained premises. Positive steps ensure children are able to move around play areas independently. A regular health and safety checklist ensures the environment is free from potential hazards, both indoors and outdoors. Children are actively encouraged to be aware of their own safety and how to avoid accidents. For example, clear explanations given to children about safe practice indoors and the introduction of road safety procedures when off the premises. Children have the opportunity to practise what they can do in safe surroundings and young children learn some sense of danger. They enjoy a good balance between the freedom to explore and the childminder's setting of safe limits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities regarding child protection matters. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and recognises the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. She has a written policy that is shared with parents, although this does not contain the procedure to be taken if an allegation is made against herself or a family member.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good quality resources are easily accessed allowing children to make choices in a safe manner. Thorough monitoring of children’s toys and activities ensure they remain safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and content. They are confident and settled within the environment. There are good daily routines in place, which help children to feel secure and at ease in their surroundings. These routines follow individual patterns and allow children to pursue their own interests so that they discover more about what they like and dislike.

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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 Children make their own choices about their play from a wide range of resources. They are encouraged to access resources themselves, developing their independence. Younger children engage in concentrated imaginative play in which they extend their language, try out new ideas and select suitable resources as they engage in activities. Children access an interesting range of activities and experiences, appropriate to their age and stage of development. For example, the range of equipment is linked to the individual needs and interests of children attending. Therefore, children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate very well to the childminder. They share a warm and caring relationship with each other and form good friendships. Children are learning appropriate social skills and enjoy being with and talking to adults and other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing good communication skills as the childminder actively listens and responds using everyday routines, such as dressing, changing and mealtimes. She is skilled in encouraging discussion and conversations. Young children indicate toys and activities they want to play with and the childminder responds by getting children to converse with her. She effectively uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework and enthusiastically follows the babies' lead as they explore their environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s needs are met well as the childminder takes time to get to know the children and their families. Their individual routines are followed successfully as the childminder works closely with parents. Children are very happy and content within the environment. They have formed good relationships with each other, the childminder and her family. Children are independent as they are familiar with daily routines. They are confident and show a strong sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of the local community is promoted well through regular outings to places of interest. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world as they have equal access to a variety of resources that positively address diversity, including books, small role-play people and dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A clear and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. Children know what is expected of them as they are given clear instruction and guidance. For example, they are given clear explanations when they are asked to conform, or in the case of younger children, distraction techniques are used effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents and carers are very good which contributes to the children's overall well-being. Activity plans are on display for parents on the notice board. A daily sheet and journal ensures that parents are kept up-to-date about their child's care. Children are very settled and clearly benefit from the positive partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in their surroundings. The premises are very well organised. Space and resources are organised effectively to maximise play opportunities for children.

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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 Children's daily written records are in place, which enables them to progress in their areas of development. This results in children remaining settled and feeling secure in their surroundings.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good portfolio containing a selection of written policies and procedures, which contributes to the effective operation of her childminding practices. This information is shared with parents to keep them informed about the service and how it contributes to the care of their children.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is well organised and maintained in a professional manner to ensure confidentiality. However, there is no system for the recording of complaints.

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Organisation

The childminder is enthusiastic and displays a positive commitment towards ongoing training. She takes full advantage of training opportunities to enhance and develop her childminding service. For example, she has attended the 'Birth to three matters' framework and a 'walking bus' safety course. 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, the provider was asked to address issues around the organisation of the space and resources. She has organised the toys and activities into boxes and low-level shelving units giving children easy access and encouraging self-selection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also required to address a number of issues related to record keeping. She has reviewed all of her paperwork and now makes sure that she has all required parental consents in place. These measures help to safeguard children in the event of an accident.

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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. 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 good. 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): • develop a procedure for action to be taken should an allegation be made against the childminder or a family member • develop a system for recording complaints.

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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 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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