Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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501517 Unique Reference Number 28 September 2006 Inspection date Lynn Rodgers 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 2001. He lives with his wife who is also a registered childminder and his two children aged 13 and 16 years. He works jointly with his wife and together they may care for a maximum of six children. The whole of the ground floor plus two bedrooms and first floor bathroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five both full or part time and nine children over five, before and after school. Currently there are 14 children on roll. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. The childminder walks or drives to the local schools to take and collect children. The family has two dogs.

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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. The childminder has a good knowledge of nutrition and encourages children to eat a healthy and varied diet. Food menus support a well balanced range of meals and take into account children's preferences and individual dietary requirements. He encourages the children to talk about food that is good for you and introduces new foods during food tasting sessions. He respects parents wishes and keeps a record of children's needs and only serves approved foods.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has clear, effective procedures for dealing with sick children and takes appropriate measures to prevent cross infection. For example, washing hands prior to food preparation, after toileting and setting good examples for children to follow by encouraging their personal hygiene skills. Children are protected from infection because the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of health related matters. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and has obtained the necessary consent from parents to administer emergency first aid or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder helps children to develop self-confidence in their physical skills with the provision of a wide range of indoor and outdoor equipment and toys to develop both gross and fine manipulative skills. Children enjoy a good range of energetic activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. For example, large motor skills are developed through physical play and sports games. They are able to rest or be active according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect, but he is not fully clear about the procedures to follow. Consequently, children are not sufficiently safeguarded. His willingness to make notes on existing injuries and to discuss these with parents, means he has the confidence to follow up on any concerns. He has the necessary documentation for keeping a record of any concerns about a child in his care and information leaflets regarding what to do.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure environment and parents are welcome. Indoor and outdoor space is organised effectively, creating a child friendly environment, which enables children to explore and take risks while being fully supervised. They can move freely and are protected from harm. The childminder is aware of his responsibility to keep children safe and clear comprehensive policies and practices are in place to ensure their well-being. Parents are informed of the heath and safety policies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures are in place to ensure children are safe when on outings. The childminder takes appropriate information with them, including parents' contact numbers and a first aid pack in case of an accident or emergency. The provider ensures he obtains written parental permission for their children to be transported in a vehicle. He spends time pre-visiting the venues prior to children's outings to ensure there are suitable and appropriate facilities available.

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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. The childminder actively engages the children in the activities provided and demonstrates a very good awareness of how to encourage their participation and development by using effective questioning techniques. For example, by talking and showing children how to sort different sized vehicles into categories, such as cars commercial vehicles and construction type vehicles. He ensures they have toys and resources that are stimulating, challenging and age appropriate. Well planned activities help to keep children focussed and have a good time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are relaxed and settled and this enables them to make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. They are keen to learn and encouraged to try out new skills. This supports their developing independence and self-motivation. For example, they know the daily routines, are supportive of each other and want to know what is available. They access all activities and are able to self select tasks independently. They talk freely about their home and friends.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children also benefit from a range of activities outside the setting. They go for walks through the nearby woods, shopping and visit the local farm and parks. The childminder plans these activities well, and uses them effectively as opportunities to help children's learning. For example, an outing to the woods is combined with the collection of natural objects to draw or used to make 3D pictures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Although the responsibility for sharing information with parents lies with his co-childminder, the childminder has a good understanding of the need to work closely with parents and is confident to approach parents when necessary. He is warm, friendly and attentive to parents' needs and makes time to speak to them individually on collection of the children. He ensures parents are fully conversed in the details of the provision and what their children do. All relevant information is shared and continuity of communication means the parents and children are very happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to a broad range of resources, play opportunities and activities, which reflect diversity and acknowledge cultural differences. For example, they participate in celebrating other festivals and receive good information regarding other cultures and the wider world. The childminder goes to a good deal of effort to ensure that the individual needs of all the children in his care are met. This involves research into other festivals, learning familiar words in another language and providing suitable foods and drinks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that children understand the need to share and take turns and how being kind to each other prevents children from being hurt. He is firm with the children, while retaining an element of fun. He is sensitive to children's feelings and consistently turns negative situations into positive experiences. This means, children know what they are allowed to do and how they should behave, through appropriate explanations, basic house rules and following good examples from the childminder and his family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Although not responsible for record keeping, the childminder completes records appropriately when required to do so. He follows the plans for suitable activities and shares the care and well-being of the children. Good documentation is used well to support the care of the children and to comply with regulations and meet the National Standards appropriately. However, details of the times of children's attendances are not clearly recorded.

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Organisation

Records are clear, up-to-date, easily accessible and stored securely. The childminder keeps records that help him meet children's individual needs. Parents share and help to contribute to their children's records to ensure children are cared for safely and develop naturally. Records contain detailed information on the children's needs, their development and significant milestones, along with photographic evidence of activities and outings. Parent's are kept informed both verbally and in writing on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended relevant training workshops and uses this information to enhance the provision and the way he cares for the children. He has the relevant criminal records enhanced disclosure and ensures the setting is a safe and secure environment for children to be in. 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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): • further develop knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children

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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 • ensure the times of children's attendances are clearly recorded.

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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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