Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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300677 Unique Reference Number 28 February 2007 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 1987. She lives with her husband and two sons aged 19 years and 15 years old. They live in the Ecclesall area of Sheffield. The local public transport can be easily accessed and local schools and shops are within walking distance. The ground floor is used for childminding, including the downstairs toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children. There are currently six children attending on a part-time basis. 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 clean and comfortable environment, where suitable measures are taken to promote their good health and minimise the risks of infection. They are beginning to learn the importance of personal care For example, they wash hands before food and after outside play. Comprehensive records and written policies inform parents of health procedures, such as sickness and administering of medication, and parental permissions for seeking emergency treatment, all of which are in place to protect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is committed to meeting children’s dietary needs and offers a varied and healthy diet. Meals and snacks are provided that children like and they are able to choose and help make their lunch. There are good discussions about healthy eating and the children have attempted to grow their own vegetables. They go shopping and choose their own fruit, sometimes choosing different fruits and vegetables. Children are aware when they are hungry and are able to ask for drinks and snacks when required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health because they are encouraged to enjoy the fresh air and enjoy physical activities each day. For example, they walk to and from nursery and they enjoy walks in the woods and play at the soft play area. Such activities help children to develop confidence in their physical skills. Children rest and sleep according to their individual needs and parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a suitable range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate resources which are safe and appropriate for their ages. Procedures are in place to ensure the safety of children in the childminder’s care. For example, written consent for transport and outings, and a written emergency escape plan is in place, which is practised with children. There is suitable safety equipment in place to help reduce the risk of accidents. For example, there is a fireguard, fire blanket and socket covers. Children are well supervised at all times as the childminder keeps them in her sight and within hearing distance. They are beginning to learn about their own safety through simple discussions with the childminder. For instance, while walking to nursery, children are aware of road safety and always hold the childminder's hand before crossing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended a training course related to child protection. She has a sound knowledge of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect to suitably protect and safeguard the children’s welfare. However, she is not aware of the revised child protection guidance to enable her to fully protect children's welfare, although she has a written child protection statement which is discussed with parents and readily available.

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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 are very happy and settled in a calm environment where they have very warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and each other. They respond excitedly as they explore the environment at their own pace while the childminder allows them space to express themselves. For example, children find a branch on the way home from nursery and they use it to pretend to vacuum, paint on the pavement with the water from the puddles, and fish in the puddles. A child excitedly reports, 'I've caught a fish'. They playfully share games and experiences, using good language skills to communicate with each other. For instance, they tell each other what they did at nursery and how they are feeling.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are fully occupied during their time with the childminder and have access to a stimulating range of activities. They self-select resources as they make decisions about their own play and learning, such as playing the guitar and drums as a group. Older children devise a graph of all children's hair colour and all children enjoy a portrait night, where they draw pictures of each other and the childminder. The childminder offers good encouragement and praise, raising children's levels of self-esteem and confidence. Children develop a sense of belonging as they are familiar with the routines of the day and are relaxed within a family atmosphere.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children and adults show a suitable respect towards each other. The children share, take turns, and are kind and caring towards each other. The childminder works closely with parents and establishes good relationships with them and offers positive support which benefit the care of their children. Parents have expressed their appreciation and support to the childminder in a variety of ways, including thank you cards and letters for reference to future parents, detailing their satisfaction of the care their children receive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept informed of their children's day and activity through daily verbal feedback. Policies are shared with them, including the complaints policy. However, the childminder is not aware of new requirements of the complaints policy. As a result, parents are not fully informed of the correct procedures to follow if they have a complaint. The childminder discusses the needs of the individual children with parents to ensure she is offering the most appropriate care for them. Children become aware of the diversity in society through access to a varied range of books and toys that provide positive images.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. The childminder generally manages her recording and documentation systems effectively, storing them appropriately to maintain confidentiality. There are written policies and procedures in place to support practice and promote children's health, safety and well-being. Children are

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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 happy and at ease in their surroundings. The childminder shows commitment to updating her knowledge through short courses. For example, she has attended training in ‘Birth to three matters’ and child protection.

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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 it was recommended that the childminder was asked to review use of her documentation as evidence and develop her knowledge of child protection procedures. The childminder has completed a child protection course, although this continues to be developed. There is some documentation to show her daily care of children. This contributes to the care and welfare of children attending the setting.

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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): • review the child protection and complaints procedures to ensure they are in line with new requirements and guidance.

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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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