Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331979 Unique Reference Number 09 November 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16 years, 11 years and five years old. The family home is in Sheffield. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding activities, with access to the first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed garden outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. She currently cares for two children on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are satisfactorily protected from illness and infection as they and the childminder follow suitable hygiene procedures, such as hand washing and cleaning of food preparation

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 areas. The childminder has adequate arrangements in place for first aid and administering medication. However, there is no written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. As a result, the health of children is not fully safeguarded. Appropriate measures are in place for the care of sick children. They are made comfortable and their parents are contacted if necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical activities on a regular basis, which contributes to them keeping fit and well. They are aware of the importance of exercise, as the childminder encourages them to take part in physical games and walking and she explains that exercise is good for their bodies. Children's individual dietary needs are met by healthy snacks and drinks after school, such as fresh fruit, yoghurts, milk or water. They have a good understanding of what foods keep them healthy as they have appropriate discussions with the childminder. Children talk about their favourite foods, particularly which vegetables they like and might try. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's individual choices to provide a balanced diet.

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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 risk are identified and suitable steps are taken to minimise potential hazards. There is a balanced range of age appropriate toys and resources available, which children independently self-select. The childminder uses opportunities to promote safety with the children as she collects them from school. For example, she explains to them that they must go back in to school if she or their parent is not there to collect them and they hold hands when crossing the road. Children are safely transported in the childminder's car as she uses appropriate car seats. However, she has not obtained written permission from parents to transport children in her vehicle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are well maintained and appropriate safety equipment is in place, this includes smoke alarms and a fire blanket. However, evacuations procedures have not been devised or practised with children to ensure safe departure from the premises if necessary. The childminder has a sound understanding of the child protection procedures and is clear in her responsibilities to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and relaxed environment, where they are happy and settled with the childminder. They enjoy a suitable range of activities that are centred on their individual needs and interests. For example, children regularly play football as they thoroughly enjoy the activity and are able to use a number of physical skills that are beneficial to their individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use their imaginations and express themselves well. The childminder allows them space to develop their own ideas, showing an interest in what they do and say. Children are aware of their own interests and the childminder offers activities that enhance these, which are appropriate to their age and abilities. For example, a child is interested in artwork so the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 childminder provides a range of creative materials enabling him to explore his interest. As a result the children's self-esteem is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children build warm relationships with the childminder and her family, where they feel at ease and are confident in their surroundings. They are aware of the daily routines, which helps them to feel secure. For instance, when they arrive from school they know where to put their belongings and that they have a snack. The childminding day is suitably organised to ensure individual children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children behave well and benefit from clear and consistent boundaries set by the childminder. They receive lots of praise and encouragement for their achievements. Children with additional needs are suitability cared for as the childminder has a generally good understanding of their requirements. Care is taken to ensure the appropriate planning of activities which are suitable and achievable. As a result, all children are able to make suitable progress in their development. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure daily routines and needs are sufficiently addressed and relevant information is gathered and shared.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about diversity as they access a satisfactory range of resources and the childminder has simple discussions with children to answer their questions about differences. For example, a child questions the childminder about why some people have a special diet, which she explains in a clear simple way that certain foods can make them ill. Children's religious and cultural backgrounds are respected by the childminder and they are happy to talk about home experiences, which enhances their sense of belonging.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space and resources are organised sufficiently to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children are settled in a warm, homely environment, where they enjoy the activities provided. They participate actively within a safe environment, allowing them to develop and extend their confidence and independence. A satisfactory range of policies, procedures and verbal agreements with parents contribute to the safety and welfare of children. Required documentation is safely stored to ensure confidentiality and is suitably maintained. However, the registration certificate is not displayed for parents to see. The childminder is flexible in her approach and child ratios are maintained to ensure children receive appropriate levels of care and attention.

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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

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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • request written parental permission, at the time of placement, to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • obtain written parental permission to transport children in a vehicle • devise an emergency escape plan and practise with children • display the registration certificate.

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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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