Jones, Caroline

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY248554 Inspection date 19 May 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 registered since December 2002. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a house in Mapplewell near Barnsley. She can care for six children at anyone time and there are children five attending. Children have access to the ground floor of the premises. There is an enclosed outdoor play area available to the rear of the house. The childminder is a member of the local childminding network and the National Childminding Association.

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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 are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. The childminder actively promotes good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection and to keep children healthy. She 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. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies and improve children’s physical skills. For example as they ride on wheeled toys and play garden games. Clear records indicate children’s individual dietary requirements and preferences ensuring they are well catered for in accordance with parent’s wishes. The childminder provides regular drinks for children and good arrangements are in place

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Helping children to be healthy

for those who cannot ask. Meals are healthy and nutritionally balanced to meet children’s dietary needs and requirements essential for their well being, healthy growth and development. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as mealtimes are used promote social interaction and develop children’s growing independence. 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. Children have the freedom to make choices and access a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. They are able to play safely in a secure environment where they have freedom to explore and practise new skills. The childminder successfully achieves a good balance between freedom and safe limits. Children enjoy their play in an environment where risk assessments are completed and appropriate safety measures are in place, taking account of the age and stage of development of the children. All furniture and equipment is well-maintained and meets the varying needs of the children. Outings to local parks are given high priority and the childminder is vigilant in checking the environment for safety before allowing children to play. Through carefully monitoring and supervision of children, the childminder actively promotes children’s growing independence allowing them the opportunity to explore.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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. The childminder provides an interesting and stimulating balance of activities, allowing for active play and time to relax. The 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 in them being secure and confident in the surroundings. Children are well supported and receive positive attention and good levels of interaction that increases their sense of well-being and self esteem. 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 younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework. She encourages

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

vocalisation and early “conversations” to aid skilful communications and the development of language skills. For example, when a younger child pointed to an activity the childminder acknowledged this and responded valuing her observation 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, and is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all. However, there are limited resources that reflect diversity and so children’s appreciation of the wider community is not fully explored. 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 liaises with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents taking heed of the information provided in order to provide good quality care. Children clearly benefit from this positive partnership and settle well in response. This promotes their well being and development.

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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 are happy and at ease in the childminders home which means they are confident to explore the environment and toys. The childminder has a good selection of written policies and procedures which contributes to the effective operation of her childminding practices. They are shared with parents to keep them informed about the service and how it contributes to the care of their children. Space and resources are organised to meet the children's needs successfully, which allows children to follow their individual routines promoting their welfare, care and development. Children's daily written records are in place which enables them to progress in their areas of development. The childminder has completed appropriate courses and has effective skills to care for children. Documentation is in place and stored to maintain

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Organisation

confidentiality. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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

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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