Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

300322 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2007 Inspection date Yvonne Victoria Facey Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1988. She lives with her husband and one adult child. They live in a semi-detached house in Sheffield. The ground floor of the property is used for minding purposes with access to an upstairs bathroom. The back garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children and is currently caring for five children on a part time basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and suitably maintained home. They understand the importance of good personal hygiene and there are some good routines in place to support this. Children wash their hands after toileting and before meals, using liquid soap and individual paper towels. Cross infection is minimised effectively as the childminder follows her written procedures. For example, parents are called to collect children who become ill to reduce the risk to others.

p.2

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 The children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals. They are involved in making healthy meals and snacks, such as ice-cream made with fresh fruit and natural yoghurt and fresh fruit ice lollies. Children develop an understanding of healthy eating and healthy lifestyles through discussions with the childminder. Healthy eating posters are on display and books are available that show children why it is important to their brush teeth and wipe their noses. Drinks are readily available during the day including warm drinks carried in a flask during walks in the winter. The childminder is flexible and takes account of parent's preferences and children's dietary needs.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

All children enjoy the effective range of activities that promotes their physical health and well-being. They develop good levels of coordination and skill as they climb, swing and balance using the play equipment during their regular trips to the park. Younger children attend toddler group and soft play areas where they use lots of energy to bounce, crawl and negotiate obstacles. Regular walks to school and in the woods contribute to children developing control of their bodies and learning how to keep healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a good approach in promoting children's safety both indoors and outside. She ensures all safety equipment is in place and used effectively to minimise risks. Doors are kept secure to prevent children from leaving the premises. Written evacuation procedures have been devised but have not been practised with the children to help them become familiar with emergency procedures. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe, such as when walking to and from school they follow the green cross code to ensure they cross the roads in a safe and sensible manner.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select toys and activities from a good range of clean and age appropriate resources. The childminder has organised and stored them effectively to promote self-selection in a safe and easy manner. The regular system in place for checking and cleaning resources ensures they are safe and meet the safety standards.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded regarding child protection. The childminder has attended training to help increase her knowledge of this area and she has a satisfactory understanding of possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She understands what the procedures are to follow regarding any cause for concern about a child.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, confident and relaxed in the childminder's home, where they are welcomed as part of the family. They have high levels of interest and stimulation and enjoy the good range of activities provided. They benefit from the easy access to the resources, make independent choices and instigate their own play. They receive very positive interaction and support from the childminder and they respond warmly to her. Children learn to recognise colours and count as the childminder provides a balanced range of activities that are planned around the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage. Activities include model making, baking, exploring different textures, such as shaving foam and they make their own games up. All children enjoy a good range of craft opportunities which they save and take home.

p.3

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 Children's experiences are effectively enhanced through the varied range of planned visits and outings. Younger children have good opportunities to socialise with others in group settings such as toddler group and soft play areas.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a suitable range of resources including dolls and books. However, the childminder is not clear on how to fully develop children's awareness of diversity. Children are highly valued and respected as individuals. They are settled and confident in the relaxed and happy atmosphere. They have a close and caring relationship with the childminder and respond warmly to her and her family. Behaviour is very good. The childminder has a positive approach, she recognises and appreciates their efforts through effective praise and encouragement.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met very well. They benefit from the good working relationships which she has established with the parents. The childminder is aware that some children may have a range of learning difficulties or disabilities. She is able to adapt routines and work with professionals and parents to meet specific needs. The daily routine is discussed with the parents and reflected in her practice. There is adequate information in place to inform parents about making a complaint. However, the policy is not up to date and does not fully inform parents of the correct procedures to follow should they wish to discuss concerns.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel very much at home and at ease in the well-organised and child friendly environment. As a result, they confidently initiate their own play and access the wide range of resources. The childminder is highly motivated and very organised. She uses her time and skills effectively, playing with the children and helping them to learn. Her commitment to improving her own practice and skills is demonstrated by her regular attendance at child care training.

p.4

Organisation

Appropriate written policies and procedures are in place to contribute to the service working well. However, some documentation is not in place or fully understood by the childminder, such as permission for seeking emergency medical treatment. Her certificate of registration is shared with parents at the initial visit. However it is not displayed. This is a breach in the conditions of registration.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to obtain a number of documents and organise and improve activities for children. These included permission to seek emergency medical advice, access to toys and safety of the premises. Some of these recommendations have been successfully addressed. However, some issues still need addressing.

p.4

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.

p.4

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 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.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • familiarise self with the procedures for managing complaints so that they are in line with the 'National standards for under 8's day care and childminding Addendum', October 2005 • further develop resources and activities that help children learn about diversity • request written parental permission, at the time of placement, to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • practise the emergency escape plan with all children so that they become familiar with what to do in an emergency • ensure registration certificate is displayed in line with the conditions of registration.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5