Childminder in Barnsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 302891 Inspection date 24 June 2005 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 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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and their two teenage sons. They family live in the residential area of Wath Upon Dearne in Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children who attend on a full and part time basis. The

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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 childminder supports children with special needs. She works with her husband who is also a registered childminder. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children on outings and visits local play areas and amenities within the area. She is a member of National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have the opportunity to observe and develop good hygiene practices. They are familiar with the daily routine and learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children have individual colour coded face cloths and hand towels which provides positive steps for good healthy practices, prevents cross infection and contributes their personal care and comfort. Good procedures are in place for the care of sick children. Signs and symptoms are promptly recognised and parents are informed. A varied range of activities contribute to their good health and well being. Good use is made of opportunities to develop their awareness of a healthy diet and food hygiene. Children are encouraged to prepare their own snacks and follow hygiene procedures, for example the use of specific chopping boards for certain foods and the opportunity to wash their own crockery. They have access to regular drinks as

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Helping children to be healthy

part of the daily routine. The childminder gives careful consideration to the dietary needs of all children and has a strong commitment to providing a nutritious diet. Children have access to regular physical exercise to develop their gross motor skills and maintain a healthy life style. Good use is made of the out door play area and children have access to variety of age appropriate outdoor play equipment. They have the opportunity to visit local parks and places of interest which develops their awareness of the environment. Younger children are encouraged to participate in simple games and action rhymes. Rest routines are incorporated into the daily routine and children's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment where risks are identified and appropriate steps are taken to minimise potential hazards. 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. They are encouraged to be aware of keeping safe and are familiar with the safety rules. For example children have developed a book about staying safe both indoors and outside the premises. They have a clear understanding of the safety issues for acceptable and opportunities are used positively to promote road safety. Visits are well planned to ensure all children are included and there is a good

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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 level of supervision. Children have the opportunity to access a good range of age appropriate play resources and equipment, which is easily accessible, clean, well maintained and of a high standard. Resources are stored securely at child height, which promotes their independence, confidence and the opportunity to make informed choices about their play. Careful consideration is given to the location of activities for young children, ensuring they are able to access them easily and safely. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility for the protection and care of children. Knowledge of appropriate procedures and documentation for example child protection procedures and the appropriate use of first aid ensures children's safety and their welfare is paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled within a home from home environment. Time is given to ensure routines accommodate children's individual needs for example they are provided with care, play, rest and exercise. The childminder has developed a warm caring relationship with babies, for example lots of cuddles, smiles and appropriate communication positively encourages babies to interact and communicate. Children are given opportunities to develop their independence and make choices from a varied selection of age appropriate play provision. Play resources are rotated on a regular basis which ensures children remain interested and stimulated. Appropriate toys are used effectively to promote areas of children's development for example, activity based toys are located slightly out of reach to encourage crawling and co-ordination skills. Praise and encouragement given to babies positively

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encourages the development of new skills. Older children are encouraged to make informed choices about their play have the opportunity for self selection. Activities are purposeful which supports their language, mathematical thinking and imaginative development. For example children have decorated their own plant pots, they are to visit the garden centre choose and purchase seeds for planting. Children's work is displayed around the premises which promotes their self esteem and develops a sense of belonging. They have the opportunity to socialise with other children through regular visits and outings to places of interest. Parental involvement is welcomed and they are kept well informed of their children's development and progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and babies are treated with equal care and concern. They are valued as individuals and routines are discussed with parents which ensures appropriate steps

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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 are taken to provide a suitable environment where children can grow and develop. They have the opportunity to access a variety of activities which promotes their global development and resources are used positively to provide sufficient challenge. Play resources which help to foster children's awareness of equal opportunities and diversity are used positively. For example children have watched the video 'Desmond the Dragon' which promotes disability and the care of others. The video is then used a focus for discussion which promotes children's awareness of the importance of accepting and being tolerant of other children within the group. Children are offered positive praise and encouragements for achievements which develops their confidence and self esteem. Appropriate strategies ensure the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

effective management of children's behaviour. They are offered reason and explanation with the use of distraction and alternatives. Eye contact and facial expressions are used to help babies understand expectations of their behaviour. Good communication systems with parents ensures relevant information is shared effectively to provide children with appropriate care to meet their daily needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and settled within the childminders home which means they move around with confidence and are able to explore toys and the environment safely. The environment provides a safe and secure base for children which enables them to make informed choices about their play and express their individual needs. Documentation is stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Some policies and procedures and parental agreements contribute to the organisation of the setting. Parents are kept well informed about heir children's achievements and daily routine. The childminder has a commitment to training to further develop her knowledge and childcare practice. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved children's safety and well being. The childminder has completed an up to date first aid course. Keys to external doors are located appropriately. Written documentation and parental signatures are now in place for fire evacuation procedures and for their access to pets. A copy of the child protection procedures is now available. These improvements have contributed to the health and safety of all children.

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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

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 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 range of policies and procedures to support the care and welfare of children.

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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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