Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300475 Inspection date 09 May 2005 Inspector Angela Howard

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 good. 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 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged 8, 6 and 3 years. They live in house in Greenhill, a suburb close to the city centre of Sheffield. The local school is within walking distance and public transport can be easily accessed. Minded children use all the ground floor facilities plus the toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five. The family have goldfish as pets.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminder's Association and a member of the South West Sheffield Childminders Cooperative.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to learn the importance of personal hygiene through good practice and daily routines for example after accessing the toilet, before eating or after outdoor play. There are good hygiene practices in place to minimise the spread of infection. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities. Regular visits to parks, soft play areas and access to a well equipped outdoor play area allow children to develop their all round physical skills. The access to a wide range of physical activities contributes to children's good health. The childminder has a high regard for providing children with a healthy and nutritious range of snacks and meals. Children are provided with healthy meals and snacks in accordance with parents wishes. Meal times are treated as social occasions where children sit with their peers and adults conversing and relaxing. There is appropriate documentation in place for the recording of accidents and

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Helping children to be healthy

medication. However, the consistency of entries with regards to the administration of medication is an area in need of improvement.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. There is a good level of awareness of safety issues and positive steps have been taken to keep hazards to a minimum. Safety of the children is a priority. This ensures that it is a safe place in which children can play and learn. Children access a good range of safe, good quality resources. These are well-organised at low level allowing children free access in a safe manner. The premises are well-organised and the children are carefully supervised to ensure they are able to move around freely, safely and independently. Children are well protected as the childminder is well aware of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. However the child protection procedures she holds are not up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children share a warm and caring relationship with the childminder, which ensures that children feel happy, settled and secure in the environment. The

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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 childminder enjoys the company of children. She listens attentively, encourages fun and enjoyment and has a good understanding of children's individual needs. Children are given lots of support and encouragement which helps develop their confidence and self esteem. The childminder spends her time talking and playing with the children. She is interested in them and what they can do. Children are encouraged to make their own choices regarding their play from a wide range of good quality resources. This takes into account children's individual interests and the child's age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the importance of promoting equality of opportunity. Children are recognised as individuals and the childminder meets those differing needs well. Children are provided with an acceptable range of resources which reflect equal opportunities. The childminder uses good methods to manage children's behaviour in a sensitive and age- appropriate manner. A clear, consistent and sensitive approach to managing behaviour effectively encourages the children to behave well. Children learn right from wrong in a secure and loving environment. The childminder has good working partnerships with the children's parents. Parents are consulted about their child's needs and are kept well informed of their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are very relaxed in their surroundings. Space is used well to provide an accessible and stimulating environment in which children are able to relax and play. Detailed documentation is kept in a well organised manner. Confidentiality is maintained at all times. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has improved documentation with regards to the collection of a child by another adult. She now has written permission for any child this may apply to.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 Ofsted has received one complaint about this provider. The complaint was in relation to Standard 6, safety. The provider was asked to send a full report of the incident. It was in relation to the sleeping of children in buggies. The

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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 provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 good. 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): • improve consistency in recording details of administration of medication • consider obtaining up to date child protection procedures.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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