Childminder in Barnsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY217311 Inspection date 09 December 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 has been registered since February 2002. The childminder lives with her husband and two sons. The family live in a house close to the centre of Wombwell, near Barnsley. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Children have access to a fully enclosed garden to the rear. The family have a pet dog. The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under 8 years of age. She is a member of Barnsley Childminders Together and accredited to the childminding network through Barnsley Choices.

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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 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 provide 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 for accidents. 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 good 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. She has in place some documentation, such as

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Helping children to be healthy

permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, to help her attend to their health care needs. Children's minor accidents and emergencies are appropriately dealt with as the childminder keeps up to date with first aid training. 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.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in secure and safe environment. The childminder gives a high priority to ensure hazards are identified and steps taken to minimise them, which allows children the opportunity to move around freely and safely. For example, socket covers and safety gates are in place and low level cupboards are free from hazards. Equipment is of a suitable design and helps to create a safe and stimulating play area for children. Children independently and safely select toys from a good range of toys and equipment which promotes their choice. Fire evacuation drills are practised regularly to highlight children's awareness of fire safety. The childminder talks to the children about safety issues and uses books and other resources to help them develop an awareness for their own safety. Children are well supervised at all times. They enjoy a good balance between the freedom to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

explore and the childminder's setting of safe limits. The childminder has most of the required documentation to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded. For example, written parental permission is in place for children to be taken on outings. Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. She is secure in her knowledge regarding keeping children safe and has a copy of the Area Child Protection 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 satisfactory. Children access an interesting range of activities and experiences that offer challenge appropriate to the stage of children’s development. Babies giggle 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. They make connections with the environment and toys and play at their own pace. Written daily plans are in place and shared with parents to keep them informed of their child’s day. The childminder encourages babies to stand on their feet by supporting them, which develops their strength and realisation of their abilities. Craft activities are available

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

for older children to ensure they are interested and stimulated and these are displayed to promote self selection.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn to feel good about themselves in a supportive and accepting environment. Their individual needs are well met as the childminder takes time to share information with parents to ensure daily routines are followed successfully. Children clearly benefit from this as they feel secure and confident in their surroundings. Parents are kept well informed about their child and receive verbal and written 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. A clear and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring

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Helping children make a positive contribution

environment. Children are aware of house rules and boundaries. They are given clear instructions and guidance and this results in them knowing what is expected of them. Positive praise and encouragement is offered frequently to reassure and promote self 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's welfare and enjoyment is promoted through good organisation and flexible planning. Routines are responsive to individual needs and supports children's care

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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 and development. Children are happy and at ease in the childminders home, which means they are confident to explore the environment. Space and resources are organised to meet the children's needs successfully. Children's experiences are enhanced as the childminder uses training opportunities to improve her practice. Parents have access to a good range of policies and procedures. This provides them with information about the service and opportunity to contribute to the care of their children. The necessary documentation is in place and stored to maintain confidentiality and promote children’s care and welfare. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection an action was raised to maintain an accident record with parents signatures. A recommendation to expand on the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. There was also a recommendation to maintain an attendance book and ensure contracts are kept up to date. Resources and activities that help children learn about diversity have been introduced, however this requires further development. All required documentation is now in place and appropriately maintained to ensure children's safety.

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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): • further develop resources and activities that help children learn about

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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 diversity.

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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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