Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342252 Unique Reference Number 06 September 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 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 registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and their four-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. The family lives in a small village near Barnsley. Children access the whole of the ground floor, which includes the kitchen, dining area, lounge and bathroom facilities. The childminder visits local park areas for outdoor play activities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for five children at any one time and she is currently caring for two children on a part-time basis. She takes and collects children from the local schools. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a range of activities that contribute to their good health. They regularly walk to nursery and school to collect children, and visit the local parks and play areas, which helps to contribute to their developing health and physical skills. Younger children have access to an appropriate range of everyday objects, as well as musical toys to encourage exploration.

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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 Children follow individual eating and sleeping routines. This ensures that they thrive and their individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children follow hygiene procedures that are in place to help protect them from illness and infection. There are processes should children become ill and detailed recordings of accidents are kept up to date. However, not all permissions to seek emergency treatments are in place. Babies and young children have individual wipes for use after meals, snacks, and nappy changing. This maintains the level of cleanliness and helps to prevent cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder recognises when babies become hungry and tired. She acts upon their non-verbal signals and provides them with a drink or feed. Children are well rested and alert and so they enjoy their play. The childminder gains information from parents about children's individual needs, such as sleep times and health care. Younger children explore their immediate environment, encouraged by the childminder who stays close by.

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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 warm and welcoming environment. They are able to move around safely and independently. A regular safety check of equipment is completed, however, not all safety measures are consistently maintained to protect children. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of her role and responsibilities regarding child protection matters. She has a written policy, which she shares with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Play materials and equipment is of a suitable design and helps to create a bright and stimulating play area for children. Children are free to explore the safe environment, which promotes their confidence and developing independence. Good quality resources are easily accessible allowing children can make choices in a safe manner. Children's toys and equipment are monitored to make sure 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 satisfactory. Children are happy and comfortable at the childminder's home. Time is given to children to make connections with the environment, toys and with the resources. Relationships are warm and children are developing some independence. They choose from the varied selection of toys placed at their level. For example, the childminder places musical toys within easy reach allowing younger children to grasp and feel. Appropriate toys promote fine motor skill development as babies pass small objects from one hand into the other. For example, when using large crayons to draw pictures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Written daily diary sheets are in place and are given to parents to inform them of their child’s day. The childminder sings along with musical toys and encourages children to join in. She encourages vocalisation and the taking part in early 'conversations'. She follows the babies' lead as they explore their environment, people and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Close warm relationships are developing which encourages children and babies to express their feelings. Babies are encouraged to hold their bottles as they discover and learn about their

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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 bodies. Positive praise and encouragement is offered frequently to reassure and promote self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children and babies are valued and respected as individuals and treated with equal concern. However, children access limited toys and resources that reflect positive images of culture, race, gender and disability. Transition at the beginning of the day shows a trusting relationship has developed between children, parents and the childminder. Parents are informed about their child’s day and receive verbal feedback along with a daily diary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a behaviour management policy in place, which outlines appropriate strategies for older children if unacceptable behaviour occurs. Eye and voice contact is used with younger children to help them understand expectations. Positive steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of all children, to recognise individual needs and to work with parents. Children have access to a limited range of resources to learn about themselves and develop their understanding of diversity and the wider society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is satisfactory, which contributes to the children's overall well being. Regular communication ensures that parents are informed about their child's care. Children benefit from this partnership and are settled as a result.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in their surroundings. The premises are organised to maximise play opportunities for children. This results in children remaining settled and feeling secure in their surroundings.

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Organisation

Most documentation is in place and kept in an organised manner maintaining confidentiality at all times. However, some records are not consistently signed. The childminder is developing a selection of written policies and procedures that contribute to the operation of her childminding practices. These are 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

The childminder displays a commitment towards ongoing training to extend her childminding practice. The childminder offers appropriate levels of care and support in their care and learning. Resources are organised to meet the children's needs. 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. 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 all required permissions are in place, such as permission to seek emergency treatment • ensure all safety equipment is in place • further develop knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and provide more play materials which reflect positive images of culture, race, gender and disability • ensure all records are consistently maintained.

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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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