Childminder in Barnsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303726 Inspection date 29 November 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 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her family, in a house on the outskirts of Barnsley. The premises are in walking distance of schools, shops and parks. The childminder walks to and from school to take and collect children. The childminder may care for six children, and is currently caring for three children on a part time basis. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor with bathroom facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed area for outside play. She attends local toddler and play groups in the area.

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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 satisfactory. Children enjoy a varied selection of activities which contribute to their good health as they visit the local parks and play areas. Children have their own hand towels that provides positive steps for good healthy practices which help to prevent cross infection. Effective procedures are in place for when children become ill and detailed recordings are up to date. Children's awareness of germs is developed through discussion and good daily routines such as regular hand washing practices. Children are offered regular drinks and nutritious snacks which include healthy choices, such as fruit. Meal times are social occasions where children are given opportunities to enjoy their food, feed themselves and to develop their conversational skills. The childminder recognises when babies and children's behaviour changes as they become hungry and tired. Children's minor accidents and emergencies are

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Helping children to be healthy

appropriately dealt however, not all accident records are with as the childminder keeps up to date with first aid training. She has some documentation in place, such as permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, to help her attend to their health care needs. Children are active and alert. They enjoy regular physical activity, such as playing outside and going for walks in the fresh air, which contributes generally to their good health. They develop confidence as they learn to negotiate steps and activities to help them develop physical skills.

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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 clean home where risks are identified and minimised which allows them to move around safely and independently. Outings to local parks are given high priority and the childminder is vigilant in checking the environment for safety before allowing children to play. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities for protecting children. However, she does not have a copy of the local child protection procedures and is not secure in her knowledge of child protection procedures to fully promote children's welfare. Children independently self select toys from a good range of resources and equipment which promotes their choice and develops baby’s determination with strong and purposeful movements. Children are free to explore the safe environment which promotes their confidence. Resources are organised in storage boxes at child height so children can reach them easily giving children some independence and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

choice in their play. Equipment is of a suitable design and helps to create a stimulating play area for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 access an interesting range of activities and experiences that offer challenge appropriate to the stage of children’s development. Babies gurgle with delight as the childminder reacts to their responses showing they have a warm relationship. They develop independence as they as they choose from the varied selection of toys placed at their level. For example the childminder creates a stimulating atmosphere as she involves baby in playing with other children. Children are very happy and comfortable at the childminder's home. Time is given to children for their pace of learning as they make connections with the environment and toys. Information is shared daily with parents to keep them informed of their child’s day. The childminder encourages babies to stand on their feet by supporting

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

them which develops their strength and realisation of their abilities. Craft activities are available for older children to ensure they are interested and stimulated and these are displayed to promote their self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn to feel good about them in a supportive and accepting environment. Their individual needs are met well as the childminder takes time to share information with parent to ensure daily routines are followed successfully. Children clearly benefit from this as they feel secure and confident in their surroundings. Parents are kept informed about their child and receive verbal feedback daily. Children enjoy a caring relationship with the childminder and other children. They develop good self esteem and confidence as they make choices and decisions. Children have access to an acceptable range of resources and opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them. However this is not fully explored to raise children’s awareness about diversity. Behaviour is good as children are aware of house rules and boundaries. Positive praise and encouragement is offered frequently to reassure and promote self

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Helping children make a positive contribution

esteem. Children are learning to share and care for each other in a positive manner.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and at ease in the childminders home which means they are confident to explore the environment and toys. The childminder provides information which is shared with parents to keep them informed about the service, although her registration certificate is not displayed. Space and resources are organised to meet the children's needs successfully. Children's daily activities are shared with parents which enables them contribute to the care of their children. Most of the necessary documentation is in place and stored to maintain confidentiality to promote children’s care and welfare. However, children’s attendances are not routinely recorded. Overall the provision meets the needs of the

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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 who attend.

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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 accident records are countersigned by parents • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • develop toys and resources to increase children's awareness of equal opportunities and understanding of special needs to help children learn about diversity • ensure registration certificate is displayed • ensure that the required training is completed.

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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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