Childminder in Barnsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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302678 Unique Reference Number 06 April 2006 Inspection date Tracey Jane Outram 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 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 1996. She lives with her husband and their three children aged 14, 11 and 6 years. The family live in house, situated on an established residential housing estate in Barnsley.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The registered premises are within close proximity to local shops, schools and pre-school facilities. The children access all areas of the home except for the master bedroom. There is an enclosed outdoor play area to the rear of the property.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children and is currently caring for eight children. They attend on a both full time and 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder implements consistent hygiene routines to ensure that children's good health is promoted. For example, effective cleaning routines mean that floors, food preparation areas and equipment remain free from bacteria. Similarly, the children demonstrate good personal hygiene skills, they understand the necessity to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of infections. There are appropriate systems in place to deal with accidents involving children, for instance, the childminder provides a well stocked first aid box and she has attended relevant training.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents usually provide packed lunches for their children and the childminder organises snacks. The children enjoy some sugary treats, but they are mostly provided with healthy refreshments, such as toast or fruit, which are provided as part of a balanced diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes children's physical development by encouraging children to take part in planned indoor and outdoor experiences. The children benefit from walking to and from school each day and they have access to a broad selection of equipment that enhances their coordination and agility. For example, the children have the use of balls, bats, skipping ropes and some wheeled toys, which encourage peddling.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm, welcoming environment. They have ample space to play in the kitchen, dining area and lounge. Outdoors, children have the use of the secured rear garden. There is a good range of toys and resources, which are well organised and rotated frequently to preserve children's interest. The children's equipment meets the required safety standards and it is regularly inspected by the childminder to maintain children's well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and the childminder takes appropriate steps to minimise hazards. For example, nursery equipment, such as safety gates, corner covers and socket guards are used as necessary. Similarly, chemicals and medicines are stored out of the reach of children and the outdoor play area remains secure to maximise children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, and she has a clear understanding of what to do if she has concerns about a child in her care. As a result, the children are appropriately safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are closely monitored by the childminder who successfully involves herself in their play. Consequently, warm and caring relationships are developed. The children are supported by the childminder to enjoy using a good range of resources that are interesting and

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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 developmentally appropriate. The children’s creative development is fostered effectively through the provision of a good range of arts and craft activities. They particularly enjoy modelling and painting which helps them to experiment and learn about different colours and textures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy the company of the childminder, they relate well to her and enjoy the encouragement that she offers. She talks and listens to the children which helps them to develop their vocabulary and conversational skills. The children benefit from this positive relationship and their confidence and self-esteem is appropriately nurtured.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a range of experiences outside the home. They are taken on outings locally and they attend toddler groups. As a result, their awareness of the local area is increased and they enjoy socialising with others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes positive steps to find out about children's preferred activities and interests, for instance, she talks to parents at the start of a placement to ensure that she offers a service that addresses any individual requirements. Children have access to a broad range of non-gender stereotyped play resources, however, there few resources to help children learn about diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour management techniques are consistent and appropriate to children's age and level of understanding. The childminder is a positive role model. She encourages children to share, cooperate and follow the simple house rules, all of which helps children to behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a successful working relationship with the parents, information is readily shared through daily verbal exchanges as the children arrive and depart. The childminder maintains the required documentation that helps her to ensure children's needs are appropriately addressed. For example, she has systems in place to request written parental consent to take children on outings and to obtain emergency treatment or advice.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children's care and well-being is appropriately supported through effective organisation. Activities are well spaced to provide an interesting environment for children of mixed ages to play. For example, young children paint and use floor puzzles while older children freely access the computer and have the use of the large dining room table for activities.

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Organisation

The childminder manages her time to ensure she gives children the attention and care they need to help them feel content and secure. She has sound knowledge of caring for children and she effectively uses her understanding to provide a balanced range of activities to help children learn and enjoy their time with her.

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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 The childminder has in place most of the required documentation, such as daily registers, written agreements with parents and medication records. However, parents do not have access to a complaints procedure. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve medication records and the range of equipment to promote equal opportunities. Since then she has improved her documentation by introducing a system of recording medication. However, the range of equipment to promote equal opportunities remains limited, therefore, the recommendation remains in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 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): • provide parents with access to a complaints procedure • increase the range of resources to promote children's knowledge of diversity.

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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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