Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 324638 Inspection date 12 April 2006 Inspector Yvonne Victoria Facey

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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 2001. She lives in a semi-detached house with her partner and two children. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently cares for five children on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has a pet dog.

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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 are beginning to understand simple hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection and to keep themselves healthy. For example, they wash their hands before meals and after messy play, using liquid soap and individual flannels. The childminder follows generally good practices to ensure she reduces the risk of spreading infections. Children are kept free from infection by the childminder's appropriate procedures to exclude children if they are ill. For example, parents do not bring children who are unwell and they collect their children if they become ill at the childminder's home. Nutritional and healthy food is provided for children, ensuring they are offered a balanced diet. The childminder takes account of parent's wishes, so that children's individual health and dietary requirements are met successfully. Mealtimes are social occasions where everyone sits at the table to eat their meals and engage in

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Helping children to be healthy

conversations with each other and the childminder. Children enjoy an appropriate range of physical activities, which contribute to their good health. For example, they enjoy using swings, slide and climbing frame in the back garden. Their fine motor skills are also developed as children use various materials during craft activities.

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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 and well maintained home where risks are identified and minimised. For example, all hazardous substances are stored out of the reach of children. Furniture and equipment is suitable for the age and development stage of children and meets safety requirements. Children independently select from a range of toys and resources that are stored at their level. Space is organised well, which allows children to move around the home safely. The childminder explains safe practises to children, which develops their awareness of keeping themselves safe. For example, a child is able to explain the fire procedure in detail. The childminder is safety conscious and performs regular risk assessments in the home to maintain the safety of children, for example, external doors are locked when children are present. She reminds children of potential dangers, such as older

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children keeping small toys away from younger toddlers. The childminder has acceptable procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded. For instance, she has a sound understanding of child protection procedures and has a written policy to share with parents.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's home and are confident in their surroundings. They establish secure relationships with the childminder and other children, and demonstrate good self-esteem. The childminder talks to the children and plays with them to extend and progress their play. She takes positive steps to find out what interests each child and has a sound understanding of their needs, this enables her to provide suitable activities. Children have access to a range of interesting and stimulating activities, which are suitable for their ages and abilities. Activities provided help to extend children's learning and development . Children are enthusiastic and engrossed in their play; they can select toys and equipment for themselves. They enjoy using creative

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

materials and play imaginatively, acting out roles using dressing up clothes and equipment. For example, they dress up as doctors and pretend to take the childminders temperature. Children enjoy listening to rhymes and songs. For example, the toddler enjoys 'round and round the garden'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder gives children regular praise and encouragement, which helps children to develop a sense of belonging and form positive relationships with each other. The childminder treats children with equal concern and aims to help children recognise and value diversity through the use of some resources and books. However, toys and activities to promote equal opportunities are limited. Children respond positively to boundaries and house rules that are set and are well behaved. For example, children help tidy away toys when they have finished playing with them. However, some strategies used to manage behaviour are not consistent for all the children. Suitable relationships with parents have been formed. They are informed of their child's day and information is gathered and shared regarding the individual needs of their children. The childminder shares information with parents verbally.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy a secure and settled environment where they can relax and play confidently. Space and resources are organised to meet the children's needs successfully. Children move freely around the setting demonstrating confidence and independence. The day is organised around their individual needs. The childminder generally manages her recording system appropriately and documentation is stored to maintain confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended the childminder request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice and give them information regarding child protection policies and procedures. These have been addressed appropriately as the childminder has written policies in place. These help to ensure the safety and welfare of children. It was also recommended that the childminder further develop the range of resources and activities that promote children's awareness of diversity within society. The childminder has begun to develop this area; however, this continues to be an area for development.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

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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): • develop consistent strategies to promote positive behaviour • continue to develop activities which raise children's awareness of 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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