Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300055 Inspection date 25 August 2005 Inspector Karen Cockings

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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 was registered approximately fifteen years ago. She has an adult daughter and the family lives in a suburb to the north of Sheffield. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and also the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a dog and a rabbit. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four school-aged children and a pre-school child. Children attend for a variety of sessions.

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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 maintains satisfactory standards of hygiene and is aware of related health issues. Children learn about good hygiene practice themselves because they are involved in the cleaning of tables before snack and are encouraged with hand washing routines. The family's dog has her own area of the garden where children do not generally play although they have some contact with her when she is indoors. There are regular opportunities for children to have fresh air and exercise. They tend to make the journey to and from school on foot and during the holidays the childminder organises walks and outings. For example, they go on expeditions to nearby fields to gather blackberries and sometimes travel further afield to popular, child-friendly parks. The childminder finds out whether the park rangers are organising local holiday events and takes advantage of them where possible. This

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Helping children to be healthy

offers children a broader range of physical play opportunities. Children's meals and snacks are provided by their parents. The childminder does what she can to encourage healthy eating patterns. She may offer occasional fruit as an extra and she suggests to parents that they send only a limited amount of sweet snacks. Children are involved in the setting of tables before meals. They sit down sociably together and good table manners are encouraged. However, they have limited involvement in the preparation of foods. The childminder talks to parents about children's health needs and keeps a record of any specific requirements. She has recording systems in place for accidents and medication although some additional detail is needed.

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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 secure environment where they are able to have some independence. The childminder recognises the importance of supervision and makes sure she can easily oversee their activities even when they are playing in a different room. She takes appropriate measures to keep children safe in accordance with the ages of the children she cares for. For example, she has a fireguard in place and a safety gate available should she need it. Outdoors, the garden area is enclosed and the childminder reminds parents and visitors to secure the bolt on the gate when leaving. Children learn how to keep themselves safe during play and everyday routines. Younger children know they must hold hands when on outings and look both ways before crossing roads. Older children understand the potential risks to younger ones of small items left within their reach. They talk about and develop emergency escape

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

plans should there be a fire at the premises and they have their plans displayed.

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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 Clearly agreed collection arrangements ensure that children are not allowed to leave with anyone other than persons identified by the parent. The childminder has a basic knowledge of child protection issues and now has guidance material available for reference should she have concerns about any child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and contented at the setting where they are familiar with routines and enjoy each other's company. They have access to a range of toys and play materials which they can select for themselves. The childminder aims to maintain a balance between indoor and outdoor play and during the holidays some interesting outings are planned. For example, children enjoy visits to Graves Park and to Cannon Hall. Indoors, the older children use their initiative as they work out the rules of board games and negotiate turn taking. Children's art work is displayed which shows children that their achievements are valued. Children develop friendships with each other and have a comfortable, relaxed relationship with the childminder who gets to know them well. She allows them to develop their own play, intervening where necessary when there are occasional disagreements. In some instances, however, insufficient attention is given to helping

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children to extend their play and learning. The childminder has cared for some of the children over a long period. She knows about their likes and dislikes and tries to accommodate them. She helps the older children to accept the needs of children younger than themselves through discussion and explanation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works appropriately with parents to meet children's individual needs. There is ongoing communication with them about daily events and records of accidents and medication are shared. Otherwise written information about the service is limited. Children understand basic house rules and are familiar with routines. They demonstrate a sense of responsibility as they help to tidy toys away and to prepare the table for lunch. Older children show care and concern for the younger children. For example, they may bring toys and books they have outgrown for the little ones to use and enjoy. They play cooperatively together on the whole and behave well. Children's knowledge and awareness of the wider world is heightened by outings into the local community. There are, however, few resources at the setting to help children gain a better understanding of diversity within society.

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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 organises space and resources so that children can play with some independence and freedom of choice. She understands the requirement to stay within registration numbers, working mostly with school-age children at present. She organises the day and routines to ensure the day runs smoothly. The childminder has a number of years experience of working with children. She recognises the importance of keeping first aid training up to date but does not see other training as a priority now. Information about children's needs and family details is kept appropriately although some record keeping lacks detail. Overall, the service meets the needs of the range of children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection raised a number of actions. The childminder was required to ensure that all adults in the household complete the necessary checks and to ensure that children are protected from the risk of injury from low-level glass and hazardous substances. She was also required to develop procedures regarding the supervision of children during outings and to improve her knowledge and awareness of child protection issues and local procedures. Adults in the household have now completed the required checks. The childminder has made satisfactory provision to protect children from the risk of injury by relocating a cupboard with glass panels and bleaches and cleansers to make them inaccessible to children. These measures help to keep children safe on the premises. The childminder makes sure that children understand ground rules for outings and that younger children hold hands. She has now obtained the local guidance material about child protection so she has

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Improvements since the last inspection

information available for reference should she have any concerns about children in her care. In addition, it was recommended that she develop her system for recording children's attendance. Times of arrival and departure of children are now noted which provides a record of their attendance each day.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Following the last inspection a compliance notice was served to enforce actions raised under Standard 6: Safety. A monitoring visit was made to the provider who has complied with the actions and remains suitable for registration.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop procedures for recording accidents and medication, to ensure that details of treatment are included and that prior written parental consent is clearly obtained for medicines administered • review the information available for parents about the service provided, particularly with regard to how they may raise any concerns • extend the range of toys, books and play materials to further promote children's awareness of diversity within the wider society.

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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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