Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY310848 Unique Reference Number 19 September 2006 Inspection date Susan Kathleen Wormald 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 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 was registered in 2005. She lives in Sheffield with her husband, also a registered childminder, and two children aged seven and three years. They are within walking distance of shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding as well as the upstairs bathroom. Outside there is an enclosed area suitable for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for three children on a part time basis during the day and after school. When working with her husband they may care for a maximum of six children. The childminder has overall responsibility for childminding practice. Her co-childminder works in a supportive role.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a cat and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes children regularly to toddler groups in the area and takes and collects children to and from local schools.

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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 comfortable environment where good standards of hygiene are maintained. Their individual needs regarding health are met effectively because the childminder makes sure she is well informed and complies with any specific requirements for their care. Children learn about personal hygiene through daily routines and by the childminder's support and encouragement, such as providing them with their own toothbrushes. They are helped to become independent in attending to their personal care. There are good arrangements in place to protect children from infection and parents are clearly informed that sick children cannot be cared for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily opportunities to take part in some physical activity. They walk to and from school and throughout the year visit local parks where they use swings and climbing frames, which helps promote their physical development and co-ordination. The interesting outdoor area encourages children to enjoy being outside and using the garden where they have access to a good range of resources, such as sit and ride toys and a small trampoline.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's understanding and awareness of healthy eating is promoted through discussion, activities and being offered a choice of freshly prepared nutritious meals and healthy snacks. They enjoy eating tomatoes and strawberries grown in the garden and are encouraged to try new things. They learn about a healthy lifestyle in fun ways, such as on 'fruit days' when they choose and taste a variety of different fruits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in safe and secure, comfortable surroundings where the childminder assesses risks and minimises potential hazards. Children are protected by the safety measures in place, for example, there are child-proof locks in the kitchen and protectors in electric sockets. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder helps them to understand danger and develop safe practice. She teaches them how to cross roads safely and they practise evacuating the house in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy the use of a variety of resources and equipment that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Some of these they are able to access independently and safely, helping them to enjoy a range of experiences and to make choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably protected as the childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and is clear about her responsibility to protect children. However, their welfare is not fully promoted as she is not wholly familiar with procedures to follow if she has a concern about a child in her care.

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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. Children are relaxed and happy in the childminder's care. They are comfortable in the setting as the childminder recognises that they benefit from a predictable environment with regular routines and familiar resources. Children are helped to settle quickly because the childminder finds out about their normal routines and offers reassurance through her conversation and activities which help children to feel secure. For example, during role play a child recently placed with the childminder talks to her mother on the phone. Children share a warm and caring relationship with the childminder which contributes to their sense of belonging. She gives cuddles and hugs, maintaining a friendly dialogue with them which helps children to feel at ease and to develop language skills. They sit on the sofa together enjoying a story and laugh at the animal noises made by the childminder. Children develop confidence as the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

shows interest in what they are doing and involves herself in their play. Her attention, support and encouragement promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered a variety of enjoyable activities and play experiences which support and challenge their development. They are encouraged to think for themselves and to solve simple problems as the childminder uses opportunities during play to get them to count and match. Children benefit from experiences outside the setting, such as regular opportunities to socialise with other children at local mother and toddler groups and feeding the ducks at the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder takes time to get to know the children, is sensitive to their needs and works in close partnership with parents. She finds out what is important to them and uses this information to increase their confidence and sense of well-being. Children learn to feel good about themselves as they are given praise and attention and are clearly valued. Their awareness of diversity and understanding of differences is promoted well through activities and interesting resources, such as books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave well as they are encouraged to share and co-operate as they play. They respond well to the childminder's clear and consistent boundaries and her calm and positive approach. She manages any difficulties with patience and good humour. They are learning to care for one another and to show consideration for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close association with parents. This contributes to children's well-being and helps ensure they are settled and secure. She talks to parents about her childcare practice and information about children's progress is regularly shared. She has some very helpful written information for parents about herself and the service she offers in a well organised file.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for because the childminder organises her home and time effectively to promote their play and care. This ensures she has time to meet children's demands and is

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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 able to give them some individual attention. Children are offered a range of suitable activities both inside and outdoors where they can relax and play and which help them progress and develop. She and the co-childminder work well as a team. For example, while he oversees a painting activity with the older children she is able to attend to the needs of the younger ones. The childminder takes advantage of local facilities, such as the park and toddler group and has good links with the local childminding groups.

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Organisation

All required records and documents which contribute to children's health, safety and welfare are in place, are maintained clearly and accurately and are easily accessible. The childminder demonstrates a positive commitment towards her own personal development. She has recently attended relevant training and has completed a thorough written evaluation of her practice. The childminder has devised a number of written policies and procedures to promote the safe and efficient management of the provision. However, procedures regarding complaints have not been updated to reflect current guidance. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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.

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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 clear child protection procedures based on national guidance • review complaints procedures to ensure they reflect current requirements and ensure that parents are made aware of these.

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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 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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