Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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300464 Unique Reference Number 07 December 2006 Inspection date Yvonne Victoria Facey 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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and their two sons aged 19 and 14 years. The family home is within reach of bus and tram routes, local schools and is situated in Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a dog.

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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. She currently provides care for four children at various times during the week.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a well maintained and clean environment. The childminder has a good understanding of health and hygiene procedures to ensure children's health is prompted. Children are beginning to understand the importance of good personal hygiene because the childminder actively encourages good practice. Children wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Activities are provided that helps them understand why they need to take care of their bodies. For example, the childminder borrowed giant teeth and tooth brush from the toy library and had discussions with the children about the importance of brushing their teeth. The risk of cross infection in minimised because there is a clear policy for dealing with children when they are ill. Successful systems are in place to record accidents and medication. The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate and written permission from parents to

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Helping children to be healthy

administer medical treatment in the event of an emergency. As a result children's well-being is safeguarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy the varied and healthy meals provided. Children are given a choice of healthy food and the childminder includes fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet. For example, at the time of the inspection she asked the child what vegetables he would like with his stew. Individual dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure the childminder is aware of children's likes and dislikes and any allergies or special requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are regular opportunities for children to develop their physical skills and they have access to fresh air. For instance, children go swimming, use the soft play area, and have walks in the country.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe environment. The childminder regularly checks for hazards and appropriate measures are in place to keep children safe. There are appropriate fire precautions in place such as, a fire blanket, smoke alarms and an evacuation escape plan that is practised with the children. Children are well supervised at all times as the childminder keeps them in her sight and within hearing distance. Security of the premises is sound, external doors are kept locked with keys easily accessible if they need to exit in an emergency. The childminder talks to children about keeping themselves safe during daily routines. For instance, children have attended a road safety workshop and practice the Green Cross Code. All toys and equipment is well maintained and safe for the children. They are easily accessible and well presented to allow children to access them safely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably protected because the childminder has sound understanding of her responsibility to keep them safe, if any child protection concerns were raised. However, children's welfare could be improved if the childminder routinely recorded existing injuries.

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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 enjoy the balanced and stimulating range of activities provided, which are suitable for the age and abilities of the children attending. Children make their own choices about their play and enjoy including the childminder in their activities. The childminder is attentive to their needs and provides good learning experiences and offers good encouragement and praise. As a result children's self-esteem and confidence is successfully promoted. She uses good questioning methods that encourage children to think and communicate. Children are able to pursue their own interest and the childminder uses this to enhance their learning. One of the children enjoys books about the sea and the childminder uses this to help him learn new words such as, pincers, eels and octopus, which he happily repeats.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are settled and happy with the childminder and strong caring relationships have been formed. For example, they smile and laugh together as they play. There are good daily routines in place, which help children to feel secure and at ease in their surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder follows a daily routine that meets the needs of all the children. The childminder uses appropriate strategies to deal with children's behaviour that is appropriate to their age and abilities. There are simple house rules in place that children understand and respond to such as, outdoor shoes are taken of in the home because babies are crawling on the floor and no climbing on furniture. Children are well behaved and are encouraged to share and take turns. The childminder works closely with parents sharing relevant information about children's individual needs to ensure their daily routines are successfully followed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are becoming aware of the wider world because the childminder has a sound understanding of diversity. She provides children with a good range of resources which includes toys borrowed from the toy library. Children are included in a number of activities that helps raise their awareness of diversity. For example, the children made a poster relating to gender and disability and they have opportunities to discuss differences. As a result children gain a sense of belonging. The childminder is aware that some children may have additional needs and ensures all children are included in the activities provided. The childminder has established appropriate relationships with the parents and their wishes are respected.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and relaxed in the homely environment where they are able to make choices and select toys and equipment freely. The childminder shows a commitment to providing children with positive experiences and has attended training to update her knowledge and skills. For example, she has attended ‘Birth to three matters’ frame work and Foundation Stage training. She is developing her service to include aspects of her training to enhance the care

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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 she provides for the children. Records are suitably stored to maintain confidentiality. The childminder has a good range of written policies and procedures, which she shares with parents. All required documentation is in place. Required adult-child ratios are maintained and children have ample space to move around freely.

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Organisation

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 develop policies and procedures and reduce some hazards to maintain children's safety. The childminder has successfully addressed these issues to ensure children are kept safe and has developed polices that are shared with parents. In addition, she was asked to provide a wider range of resources which reflect diversity. The childminder has suitably extended her range of resources. These improvements contribute to children's well-being and safety.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • review systems to include recording of existing injures • continue to develop the use of ‘Birth to three matters’ Framework and the Foundation Stage.

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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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