Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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300047 Unique Reference Number 08 January 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 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Sheffield. Local schools, shops and parks are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with access to the bathroom upstairs. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and she is currently caring for six children on a part time basis. The family has a pet rat and rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy environment, where appropriate health and hygiene procedures are maintained by the childminder. Children are cared for in an environment that reduces the risk of infection. For example, there is a clear procedure in place for the exclusion of sick children which is shared with parents. Children wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. As a result, they are beginning to understand simple aspects of personal hygiene practices. Records of accidents and medication administered to children are in place. However, written permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice is not in place and the childminder does not routinely record existing injuries. As a result, the health of children is not fully safeguarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a suitable range of physical activities and fresh air, which contributes to their good health and develop their physical skills. For example, they visit the local park, the soft play area and participate in regular outdoor play in the back garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Health and dietary needs met because the childminder supplies suitable healthy snacks and meals to meet their individual requirements which are discussed with parents. Meal times are relaxed where children sit together and enjoy their food. They are confident to request food and drink when required and are beginning to make healthy choices. For example, children ask for grapes and oranges after their meal.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept free from harm through the childminder making sure that they can play safely, both indoors and outdoors. They are well supervised and appropriate risk assessments are in place to ensure all areas and equipment accessed by the children are safe and to minimise accidents. For example, appropriate safety equipment is in place and external doors are locked with keys accessible if there is a need to exit in an emergency. Children move freely around the home, independently choosing from a suitable range of resources available to them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder reminds them of potential dangers. For instance, they are made aware of the Green Cross Code, hold hands while on outings and are careful when playing with equipment. There are appropriate fire precautions in place, such as a fire blanket, smoke alarms and an evacuation escape plan has been practised with the older children. However, the escape plan has not been practised with younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded due to the childminder's sound awareness of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and has a suitable knowledge of the procedures to follow.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and relaxed environment, where they are happy and settled with the childminder. 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. They build warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and her family members, enabling them to feel at ease and confident in their surroundings. They are aware of the daily routines, which helps them to feel secure. There is a relaxed atmosphere where children play well together and are considerate to each other.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show an interest in the resources and activities offered, such as books, train track and writing. They respond happily to ideas from the childminder to extend their interest and help them to make progress in areas of their development. They are suitably supported by the childminder in their learning. For example, she encourages children to sound letters as they attempt to write their name. Children are beginning to develop good self-esteem though being praised for their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages and abilities. The childminder is positive and consistent in her approach to setting boundaries and her expectations are realistic for the children she cares for. Children play together harmoniously and are caring towards each other. For example, an older child comforts a baby when he cries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Appropriate partnerships with parents contributes to children's well-being. Individual needs of children are discussed with parents at the beginning of each placement to ensure the childminder is offering appropriate care for all the children. The childminder ensures that suitable information is shared with parents verbally on a daily basis. Children are provided with suitable resources which promote a positive view of the wider world. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of including children with specific needs in daily routines and activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are confident and settled within a suitably organised environment. The childminder appropriately organises the space, her time and resources well to support children's care and learning. Most documentation required is in place, stored confidentially and shared with parents. However, the registration certificate is not displayed. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her responsibilities within the National Standards. For example, child and adult ratios are maintained at all times.

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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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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to develop her understanding of child protection and provide children with an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. She has attended child protection training and has improved her selection of resources to promote equality of opportunity. As a result, children's welfare and understanding of the wider world they live in is being developed.

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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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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 systems to include recording of existing injures • display the registration certificate • request written parental permission, at the time of placement, to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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