Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

300010 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Yvonne Victoria Facey Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and three daughters aged eight years, 13 years and 15 years. The family live in the Stannington area of Sheffield. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding five children on a part time basis. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with access to the bathroom upstairs. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual dietary needs are met by healthy and well-balanced meals being provided. They are beginning to learn about healthy eating because the childminder encourages them

p.2

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 to eat their fruit and has simple discussions about what food is good for them. Children's health and physical development is well promoted through suitable opportunities provided to explore their physical skills. For example, they regularly use outdoor equipment, have picnics and walks in the local community.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The home is clean and comfortable, where children's health needs are promoted through satisfactory hygiene practices. For example, the childminder washes her hands and surfaces before food preparation and after nappy changing. The children learn the importance of simple personal hygiene because the childminder reinforces the need for good personal care. Children are kept free from infection by the childminder's appropriate procedures to exclude children if they are ill. For example, parents do not bring children who are unwell. The childminder is sensitive to children's needs if they become ill in her care. For instance, they are made comfortable, are checked regularly, and are offered plenty of fluids. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and understands how to manage accidents appropriately.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is welcoming and comfortable for children. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, where suitable measures have been taken to identify and minimise risk. For example, children are well supervised and household cleaners are out of children's reach. Appropriate safety equipment is in place to ensure children's safety is maintained, such as, a fire guard, socket covers and a fire blanket.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a suitable range of toys and equipment available to meet the children's needs which are accessible and safe. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder helps by discussing issues, such as road safety and practising emergency evacuation. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection procedures which are in line with current guidance.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy with the childminder. They are confident within the environment and interactions between the childminder and children are warm and positive. Children benefit from the suitable activities provided by the childminder and the support she gives them during their play. For example, they enjoy role play, chalking on an easel, and having stories read to them. They are developing suitable developmental skills, such as counting and naming their colours as the childminder engages in appropriate conversations and ask questions.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They make their own choices about their play and confidently choose activities independently. Children have good communication skills and engage in purposeful conversations with the childminder and each other. They talk about past events, such as going to the toddler group with the childminder and events from home. Babies have appropriate experiences and activities to develop their overall skills. They enjoy shaking rattles and playing with soft books. The

p.3

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 is aware of children's individual needs and interests and plans the day accordingly to meet their individual needs.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children behave well in response to the childminder's clear and consistent approach to behaviour management. The childminder has suitable relationships with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. For example, routines are discussed and recorded at the initial visit. Verbal information is shared with parents to keep them informed of their child's activities during the day. The childminder is aware that some children may have additional needs and ensures all children are included in the activities provided.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides an adequate range of resources to support children's awareness of diversity. Children have a sense of belonging as the childminder makes areas of the home accessible and comfortable. They are happy and developing their self-esteem, as the childminder gives them the appropriate attention they need. For example, babies receive cuddles and the childminder shows interest in what children say and do.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare is satisfactorily supported by the information shared between the childminder and parents. Documentation required is in place with the exception of a clear complaints policy to fully inform parents of the correct procedures to follow. The childminder generally manages her recording systems adequately, storing them appropriately to maintain confidentiality. The home is suitably organised and available space ensures children are able to move around freely and explore their environment. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to improve the service she provides.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to improve her systems for seeking medical treatment, administering medication and develop her understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has suitably addressed the issues, she records the appropriate information and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures. This contributes to children's safety and well-being.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the complaints procedures to ensure they are in line with current guidelines and requirements • continue to further develop knowledge and skills to improve the service.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5