Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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300596 Unique Reference Number 14 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 1999. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 13 years and 11 years. They live in the Middlewood area of Sheffield. The ground floor and first floor are used for childminder and the garden is used for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding nine children on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment. Through the suitable guidance of the childminder, children are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Parents are informed of the

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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 sickness policy and children who are ill do not attend. Children who become ill during their time at the childminder's are collected by their parents. The childminder ensures children's needs met. For example, they are kept comfortable and provided with plenty of drinks. As a result children's health and well-being is promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are well met because the childminder gains suitable information from parents at the beginning of the placement. Children's awareness of healthy eating is promoted by the childminder providing them with healthy drinks and meals. For example, they enjoy fresh fruit and ask for drinks freely. Children enjoy an appropriate range of physical activities both indoors and outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder routinely makes risk assessments and safety measures are in place according to the needs of the children present. The childminder uses appropriate safety equipment, such as car seats for transporting children in her car. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe and avoid accidental injury as the childminder reminds them of any potential dangers. For example, they are made aware of road safety and are careful when playing with equipment. The childminder supervises children well and has devised an emergency evacuation plan. However this is not practised with the children. As a result children are not fully aware of the procedures to evacuate if necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can independently select from a suitable range of resources and activities, which are developmentally appropriate for the ages of the children who attend. These are maintained in a safe condition. Children use the space well and are able to move around the home safely and independently. Children's welfare is generally safeguarded as the childminder has an adequate understanding of child protection issues. However, the childminder does not have the revised guidelines to ensure children's well-being is fully protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children show interest in a balanced range of activities which supports their developmental needs. They enjoy baking, imaginative play and creative activities. They talk eagerly to the childminder about the toddler group they visit. The relaxed and comfortable environment ensures that children are happy and settled. Children benefit from well established routines that cater for their individual needs. Children play well together and negotiate between themselves regarding which activities they are going to play with. For example, they choose between a lotto game and the train track. They recognise their colours well as they decide what balloons they are going to have and are excited as the childminder draws a face and sticks hair on their balloons.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children listen and join in as they choose a story for the childminder to read. Children share warm relationships with the childminder and each other. For example, they freely exchange

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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 hugs and laugh and joke with each other. As a result, children are building their self-esteem and are confident in their environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder uses positive and consistent strategies to manage children's behaviour and as a result, the children are happy and secure. Children behave well and benefit from the clear and simple boundaries, such as sharing and taking turns, and they respond to the meaningful praise that they receive from the childminder. They are developing a sense of belonging and learning about the wider world and their local community through their play and general discussions with the childminder. They confidently talk about home experiences, forming good links with home and childminder, such as talking about their families.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the parents' and childminder's friendly and professional relationships. Appropriate discussions take place between the childminder and parents in order to maintain suitable care for the children. Information is shared verbally with parents on a daily basis. Children's individual needs are taken into account and all children are included in activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a warm and welcoming environment where positive steps are taken to ensure their individual needs are met. The childminder uses her time well with the children to ensure they have fun and enjoy their time in her care. Space and resources are organised appropriately to provide a variety of suitable experiences and activities where children can play and relax. There is satisfactory documentation which is suitably organised. For example, contracts, emergency contact numbers and the attendance registers are complete.

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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

The previous inspection recommended that the childminder devise a fire evacuation plan and develop her knowledge on child protection issues. She has a evacuation plan but they are not practised with children. The child protection procedure were reviewed but this remains a issue to addressed.

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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.

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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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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

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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): • practise emergency escape plan with the children • 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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