Smith, Amanda

Inspection report for early years provision

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300305 Unique Reference Number 05 February 2007 Inspection date Susan Kathleen Wormald 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 in Sheffield with her two children aged 12 and 15, within walking distance of local amenities, such as shops and schools. The whole of the downstairs floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden suitable for outdoor play.

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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 caring for six children on a part-time basis, three of whom are under five years old. The family have a rabbit.

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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. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment where good standards of hygiene are maintained. Children learn about good practice through daily routines, such as washing their hands after using the toilet and through the support and guidance of the childminder. They are moving towards independence in attending to their personal care. Regular routines that take into account children's particular needs help children to feel secure and meet their needs for resting and eating. Arrangements for first aid and the recording of accidents meet requirements, however, procedures for the administration of medicines are not clear.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to be physically active which promotes their enjoyment of the outdoor environment. This contributes to keeping them fit and well and ensures they make good progress in their physical development. They have access to a fully enclosed garden where they have the use of a good variety of resources. They walk to parent and toddler groups and visit local parks where they take advantage of activities on offer through the park rangers scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's understanding of healthy eating and their awareness of a healthy lifestyle is promoted for example, by their being offered freshly cooked, nutritious meals and as the childminder chats to them about recycling plastic and composting orange peel.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in safe and secure, welcoming surroundings. The childminder is aware of potential hazards and takes steps to reduce these. This enables children to move around freely and independently while being protected from harm. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder helps them to understand danger and to develop safe practice. For example, by practising road safety when out walking and safe procedures when using the stairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy the use of a broad range of safe resources and equipment that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. They are able to access some of these independently helping them to enjoy a variety of experiences and to make choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a suitable understanding of how to protect children and recognises that this is her first priority. She is aware of the signs of abuse and understands the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are comfortable and at home in the setting as the childminder recognises that they benefit from a predictable, calm environment with regular routines and familiar resources. Children share a warm and friendly relationship

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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 with the childminder. She stays close and gives reassurance, maintaining a friendly dialogue as they play together. This contributes to children's sense of security and belonging. They communicate with each other well and enjoy each other's company. Children develop confidence as the childminder shows interest in what they are doing and involves herself in their play. Children benefit from the childminder's attention and involvement as they play with animals and discover how various tools work. Her support and encouragement helps progress their play and promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered a variety of enjoyable activities and play experiences both inside and outside the home which support and challenge their development. They go on trips using the bus and tram and visit local museums. The childminder's good understanding of how children learn and how best to support this helps them to make progress. Children are encouraged to think for themselves and to solve simple problems. The childminder makes good use of opportunities during play to introduce concepts, such as size and shape and they count the stairs together on visits to the toilet. Children are absorbed in activities and concentrate well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder gets to know the children well and is sensitive to their needs. Children are helped to feel valued and learn to feel good about themselves as they are given praise and attention and their achievements are acknowledged. They develop confidence and self-esteem as they are well supported and are encouraged to make their own decisions and choices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and they are polite and helpful. Children know what is expected from them and they respond well to the childminder's clear and consistent boundaries and her calm and positive approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops good relationships with parents and many of the children have siblings who have been placed with the childminder. This contributes to children's well-being and helps ensure they are settled and secure. Parents are suitably informed about their children's activities and experiences through regular discussion. However, procedures regarding making a complaint are not clear, do not fully reflect current requirements and information regarding contacting Ofsted is not readily accessible.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in the environment. They are secure and well cared for because the childminder organises her time effectively to promote their play and care. This ensures she has time to meet children's demands and is able to give them individual attention. Indoor and outdoor space is appropriately organised to provide a range of suitable activities where children can relax and play and which helps them progress and develop. The childminder makes good use of local facilities, such as parent and toddler groups where children have opportunities to socialise with other children and organises interesting trips and outings.

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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 Most of the required records and documents which contribute to children's health, safety and welfare are in place, are sufficiently well maintained and accessible. The childminder demonstrates a positive commitment towards her own personal development and has improved her knowledge by attending some relevant training concerning the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

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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

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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 that there are clear procedures in place regarding the administration of medicine and that parents are aware of these • ensure that there are clear procedures in place regarding complaints which reflect current guidance and that parents are made aware of how to contact Ofsted.

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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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