Bell, Angela

Inspection report for early years provision

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302718 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2007 Inspection date Carolyn Gifford 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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her adult son at Hoyland Common in Barnsley. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has a number of pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding eight children under eight years and two children over the age of eight years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the library and local parks and play areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of Barnsley Choices sponsored network.

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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 good. Children enjoy a varied range of physical activities and outings in the fresh air, which contributes to keeping them fit and well. They experience large physical play activities most days, as they use a range of play equipment in the garden at the childminder's home and at local parks and play areas. The childminder supervises children very well and plans suitable activities to encourage them to develop independence and confidence to try out new skills. Her clear understanding of the needs of young children supports their good developmental progress.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder helps children to stay healthy as she has a good understanding of the importance of good hygiene practices. Children learn about hygiene in everyday routines; for example, they know they have to wash their hands at appropriate times and show some understanding of the reasons why. The childminder talks to parents on a daily basis, so she is aware of their wishes and of each child's home routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are systems in place to record medication given to children and most of the relevant detail and information is recorded. However, there is no record of the time of the last dose, which compromises children's general welfare. Appropriate procedures are in place to ensure sick children are comforted and that the risk of infection to other children is minimal. The childminder recognises signs and symptoms of illness promptly and informs parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for children, which helps them to learn to make healthy food choices. She uses documentation to ensure that she meets children's dietary needs and respects the wishes of parents, which effectively contributes to children's good health and well-being.

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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 safe and very child-friendly home. The childminder organises space and resources well to reduce potential hazards and actively promote independence. Children use a broad range of good quality toys and resources that meet safety standards, helping them to enjoy a wide variety of experiences safely. The childminder reviews resources on a regular basis to ensure that they remain safe and are suitable for the age and stage of development of the children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant regarding the safety of children; she completes a visual risk assessment before children arrive and the majority of safety precautions are in place. However, external door keys are stored within reach of children, which compromises their safety. The childminder keeps children safe when on outings as she actively encourages them to think about safety by talking to them about how to cross roads safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities within child protection procedures, which effectively safeguards and protects children. The childminder extends her knowledge and understanding by accessing further training, which increases her confidence in her ability to protect children and keep them safe.

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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 good. Children are very secure and settled in the childminder's care. They use resources and equipment well, which encourages them to spend their time purposefully and to learn through play. The childminder uses opportunities during play to introduce concepts such as shape and number. Children enjoy many interesting activities, using a wide range of stimulating resources that support and challenge their development. Children develop confidence as the childminder talks to them and shows interest in what they are doing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language skills develop well as they talk about what they are doing and are able to communicate their needs and ideas. The childminder nurtures early communication skills as she responds to what young children say and do with smiles, eye contact and by echoing their words. Children gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence as the childminder's consistent support and meaningful praise encourage children to learn and develop what they can do and to know when to ask for help.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show good levels of independence, curiosity and imagination, which the childminder actively encourages by ensuring that appropriate resources are readily accessible. Children are able to progress because the childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and equipment, which increases their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder offers an inclusive service for all children and does have experience of caring for children who have learning difficulties or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective communication and welcoming routines show that there are positive and trusting relationships between the childminder and parents. The childminder respects children as individuals as she discusses their needs with parents, including daily routines, likes and dislikes. This contributes to effectively meeting children's needs and ensures that parents are actively involved. The childminder makes sure there is time to share the day's events with parents when children are collected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is good as the childminder offers frequent praise and encouragement to reassure children and to promote their self-esteem. Children respond well to the childminder's clear and consistent boundaries and her calm and positive approach.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. All documentation is stored securely, yet readily accessible for parents and for inspection. Children's well-being is promoted as there are effective procedures for sharing information with parents through daily verbal communication.

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Organisation

The childminder has extended her knowledge of childcare by accessing further training, which is evident in her approach to her work and in the children's responses to her. Children's care, learning and play are well promoted because the childminder has a high regard for children's general welfare.

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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 Space and resources are organised to meet the needs of children successfully and a flexible approach to planning allows children to make choices, with the childminder supporting and guiding them to extend their play and learning.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. There are now sufficient resources and activities that promote positive images in all areas of equal opportunity, which effectively contributes to raising children's awareness of diversity and the wider world.

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Improvements since the last inspection

It was also recommended, at the last inspection, that the childminder review the child protection policy to include procedures if allegations are made against her or others. The childminder shows a very good understanding of the procedure to follow in the event of allegations being made against her or others, which contributes to safeguarding children.

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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 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): • ensure that the medication record includes details of the last dose given • ensure that external door keys are nearby yet out of reach of children to aid emergency egress.

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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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