Childminder in Barnsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY243469 Inspection date 17 June 2005 Inspector Hilary Mary Mckenning

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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 a registered childminder since October 2002. She lives with her husband and five year old daughter. The family live in a house close to Wombwell centre, near Barnsley. The whole ground floor is used for childminding and the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for the children. The family has a rabbit and several fish. The childminder may care for five children under eight years at any one time and there are eight children attending on a part time basis.

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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 She attends local toddler and playgroup and meets regularly with other childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment and the childminder actively promotes good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection and to keep children healthy. The childminder acts in the best interest of the children when they are ill and clear procedures protect others from illness and infection. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children. Arrangements for pets successfully promote good levels of hygiene and ensure they do not pose a health risk to children. The childminder effectively enables children to be healthy and active through good levels of support and supervision. Children are encouraged to ride a bicycle which helps to develop their co-ordination and balance. Clear records indicate dietary requirements and preferences and children’s individual needs are well catered for in accordance with parent’s wishes. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

provides regular drinks for children and good arrangements are in place for those who cannot ask. Snacks are healthy and nutritionally balanced to meet children's dietary needs and requirements, essential for their well being, healthy growth and development. Mealtimes are used effectively to maximise opportunities for social development and interaction to promote children’s growing independence. The child’s growing curiosity is positively encouraged by the childminder to promote the child’s continuous development. Children are encouraged to eat at their own pace and to enjoy and explore their food, which makes mealtimes a relaxed, enjoyable social occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety and keep children safe, and views this as fundamental to their welfare and well-being. She provides safe and well-maintained furniture and equipment that meets the varying needs of the children. This allows them the freedom to make choices and access opportunities within a safe environment. She is aware of the children’s developing abilities and uses this to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place. By doing so, she avoids dangerous situations and successfully minimises potential risks to children through continuous risk assessment. The childminder is skilled in achieving a good balance between freedom and safe limits. She actively keeps them safe through being vigilant but also positively

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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 promotes their growing independence. Therefore allowing them the opportunity to explore and actively increasing their capacity to learn in this way. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to protect children in line with Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides an interesting and stimulating balance of activities, allowing for active play both indoors and outdoors. Children in her care are extremely settled due to effective communication with parents and regular sharing of information. They benefit from individual routines that are consistent with experiences at home, resulting them in being secure and confident in their surroundings. Children receive lots encouragement and attention along with good levels of interaction to increase their sense of well-being. Resources are readily accessible for children to support their learning. Good opportunities allow children to explore the immediate environment with interest and regularly build on their natural curiosity. The childminder positively encourages vocalisation and taking part in conversations to aid skilful communications and the development of language skills. For example,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder acknowledges all conversations and responds valuing contributions and encouraging good levels of interaction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats children with equal concern valuing their individuality and meeting their needs effectively. She ensures all children can take part in activities appropriate to their needs and abilities. However, there are limited resources available that reflect diversity, resulting in children's awareness of the wider community being restricted. She is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all. Strategies used to manage children’s behaviour are consistent and take into account children’s level of understanding and maturity. This positive approach to behaviour management establishes clear and realistic boundaries for children and effectively promotes their welfare and development. The childminder works successfully in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the child. Parents receive good quality information about the provision and information is shared effectively to keep parents well informed. She uses daily diaries

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and liaises with parents taking heed of the information provided in order to provide good quality care. Children clearly benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents and children settle well in response. This successful partnership promotes the children’s well being and development,

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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 enhancing and enriching their experience.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease in the childminders home which means they are confident to explore the environment and toys. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and a high regard for the well-being of children. She organises the space and resources and follows individual routines to promote children's development. The childminder provides good levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported. In response, children are secure and confident in their surroundings. The childminder has a good selection of written policies and procedures which contributes to the effective operation of her childminding practice and the care and welfare of children. These are shared with parents to keep them informed about the service and how it contributes to the care of their children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been no complaints since 1st April 2004.

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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 toys and resources to increase children's awareness of equal opportunities.

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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 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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