Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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300085 Unique Reference Number 19 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 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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11, 14 and 16 years in a semi-detached house in Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, plus the first floor bathroom, is used for childminding. The childminder sometimes works with an assistant.

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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 two children under five both full and part days and six children over five before and after school. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family have two pet rats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 promotes the good health of children by establishing daily cleaning routines and setting good examples for children to follow. For example, she encourages appropriate hand washing skills and ensures all food is cooked and stored properly. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs and are protected from harm, through the provision of appropriate health and safety measures. The childminder has a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and in general, refers to this guidance to enhance her provision for the younger children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures all children are familiar with daily routines and the importance of practising personal hygiene skills. They know, for example, when to wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs, particularly after they have been to the toilet. Effective procedures are followed by the childminder to protect children from illness and infection. For example, there are suitable arrangements for informing parents of the exclusions for illnesses. However, confidentiality is not maintained when recording details of any accidents and there is no clear evidence of all the required details about the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides children with healthy and nutritious snacks to ensure they benefit from a healthy diet. They are provided with water, milk and a range of juices. Snacks include fresh vegetables, fruit and various finger foods. The childminder takes into account the wishes of the parents and children's preferences to provide foods that appeal to the children and meet their dietary and religious requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes reasonable steps to ensure children are cared for in a secure environment. However, there are some safety issues that require attention, both inside and outside the home. Children have room to move around freely and independently. The childminder sets acceptable examples for children to follow and helps them to understand how to keep themselves safe, both inside and outside the home. For example, road safety is encouraged during outings and walks. The outside area is unsuitable for children to access as a play area because of the many hazards that would pose a danger to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required documents and procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has an understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board to help and guide her through the correct procedures when reporting any concerns about a child placed in her care. She has attended and completed basic child protection training. However, regular fire drills are not practiced.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to ask for toys and activities from a good range of resources. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, age appropriate and

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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 in good condition. Children are encouraged to help tidy away toys they have finished with to help them take responsibility for keeping themselves safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are settled at the childminder's house. They enter with confidence and make themselves at home. The childminder encourages the children to interact with other children at the local play group and with her own family. They have made friends in the community and this means they are beginning to build meaningful relationships and enjoy being sociable. The childminder encourages independence and self help. For example, choosing toys they like and deciding what to play with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Most children are cared for, both part and full time and spend their time purposefully playing with the toys provided. The childminder sets out activities prior to children's arrival, making sure they are age appropriate and stimulating. Daily rotation of toys ensures the children have access to a wide range of play situations. They have a good relationship with each other and are happy and contented.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toys and resources are plentiful and provide children with stimulation, sufficient challenge and give opportunity for them to explore and be active. The childminder ensures children have plenty of fresh air and exercise by visiting the local parks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Partnership with parents is effective and they are fully conversant with the daily routines and what their child has been doing. Regular verbal communication ensures they are aware of the service the childminder provides. The childminder shares all relevant information with parents and they have been verbally informed of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder values and respects children as individuals and their needs are met well as they follow their daily routines. Parents' wishes are taken into account when establishing children's needs. Children learn about the local community and have access to satisfactory multi-cultural resources reflecting diversity and the world around us.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show concern for each other, generally playing harmoniously together and behave well through clear guidance, praise and encouragement from the childminder. House rules are established and children are aware of what they can and cannot do. For example, completing simple tasks, such as helping to tidy toys away. They are beginning to understand right from wrong through consistent and achievable boundaries and are learning to develop a positive attitude towards each other.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder is organised and has relevant documentation in place. She records the names and details of the authorised persons collecting the minded children and the exact times of children's attendances. Her certificate of registration is displayed appropriately. Emergency contact numbers are logged in her mobile phone to enable her to call parents quickly. Parents are aware of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint and new legislation regarding complaints is duly noted by the childminder.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored away safely and out of reach of persons not authorised to see it. Relevant information is shared with parents and confidentiality maintained. Children's safety is reasonably addressed to ensure they are cared for in a secure environment. Adult-child ratios are maintained and children are fully supervised. The childminder has completed all the relevant training regarding childminding and continues to access training courses when they become available. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to relocate the family pets to maintain hygiene and to obtain written parental permission for children to access them. The animals are now kept in the rear porch away from the main play area and she has the relevant parental permission for the children to access them on occasions. This means children are not exposed to any litter the animals may make and good hygiene is maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder verbally demonstrated an acceptable level of understanding regarding safeguarding children and has relevant information to guide her through the procedures when concerned about a child. This means she has the ability to act quickly should a child in her care be in any distress.

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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 of 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 any 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • ensure all children's details are clearly recorded • ensure confidentiality is maintained when parents sign the accident book • ensure children take part in regular fire evacuation practice • ensure the exposed carpet gripper strip is inaccessible to children.

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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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