Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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300517 Unique Reference Number 25 July 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 1998. She lives with her partner and three children aged four, six and 16 years in the High Green area of Sheffield. Local shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. The downstairs of the home is used mainly for childminding and one bedroom may be used. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time and is presently caring for six children on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a clean environment. They are developing an understanding of simple hygiene practices through daily routines and discussions with the childminder. Systems are in place to help younger children wash their hands at appropriate times during the day. Nappy changing routines support the needs of younger children. However, the childminder does not

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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 use gloves for changing children's nappies, as a result, the risk of cross infection is not effectively minimised.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is trained in first aid, which means children's accidents or incidents are suitability handled. However, the childminder has not got written permission to seek emergency medical treatment. There are records that parents sign when children are given medication. This is not a complete record because details of what medication children have received are not entered. This is a breach of regulation.

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Helping children to be healthy

A sick child policy is in place, which outlines the action that the childminder will take should a child become unwell at the setting. Children's physical development is progressing well. Children have daily opportunities to explore their large motor skills within the childminder's home, playgroup and at local parks. The children's small motor skills are progressing well. For example, they use scissors and writing equipment well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a generally healthy and nutritious range of meals and snacks. Some parents provide food for their children which caters for their dietary needs. The childminder has fruit available as a healthy snack and regular drinks are given. The children are encouraged to sit at the table for meals and enjoy a relaxed social occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and child friendly home where all risks are minimised. They demonstrate good independent skills as they move freely around the home in safety. Children are able to self-select their resources from those available each day. Children have access to an appropriate range of resources, toys and books. All are appropriately maintained and are checked regularly to ensure they remain clean, safe and suitable for the children to use. There are some resources to positively reflect diversity. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves and others safe because the childminder gives them appropriate reminders. For example, older children know to keep small equipment away from younger ones and they hold hands when crossing roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to toys and equipment that meet safety standards. A broad range of equipment is well organised in storage boxes around the house, which children can reach easily to play with in their own time. The childminder maintains good levels of supervision, appropriate to the children's ages and abilities, allowing them space to explore their environment safely. They are encouraged to help tidy away and clear obstacles from the floor to prevent accidents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has some understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the potential signs of abuse or neglect. Although she is not yet familiar with the new procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a warm relationship with each other and the childminder. She makes time to listen and talk with the children, sharing their play to make them aware of her interest in them. Therefore the children are self assured. They are confident and demonstrate their independence by helping themselves to activities, such as books, dressing up, group games and happily follow computer programmes. New children settle well due to the childminder’s sensitive and reassuring

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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 approach. For example, she rocks the baby to sleep singing 'rock a bye baby' to help the child settle.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children demonstrate good self-esteem as the childminder uses praise and encouragement consistently for attempts and achievements. The childminder uses opportunities to extend language and progress their play. She plans interesting and challenging activities to extend and stimulate the children’s understanding and enhance their skills. For example, they match shapes and colours and enjoy a range of creative play. All children eagerly join in with an increasing range of play activities and the childminder manages the wide range of ages well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder uses suitable resources to introduce children to the wider world and promote a positive view of diversity. Children talk about and share home experiences and they are confident, make choices and ask questions freely. Children behave well and their needs are suitably met, as they follow daily routines as agreed with parents. The childminder gives examples of satisfactory strategies, such as using distraction for younger children and explanation. However, some strategies are not appropriate and lack consistency for all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises the abilities of all the children and supports them to try new skills and undertake new experiences. She has a suitable understanding of the needs of all the children in her care and successfully works to support and extend them. The childminder is aware that some children may have a range of learning difficulties or disabilities. She is willing to adapt routines and work with professionals and parents to meet specific needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children use all the available space within the home with confidence. Children are able to rest and sleep in comfort and safety as sleeping facilities are suitable. The childminder has no knowledge of recent changes to legislation regarding maintaining a record of complaints and making this available to parents. Consequently they are not fully informed of what they should do if they have a complaint. The childminder has not displayed her certificate which is a breach of requirements.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision does not meet 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 improve the detail in her medication and accident records. She has made changes to these records but the information required for administration of medication still needs to be improved. There was also a recommendation to increase the range of activities and resources available which promote children's awareness of diversity. The childminder has increased her selection and as a result children have a satisfactory range of activities which promote diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the date of 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

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.

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and obtain a copy of the new amendments • ensure that all medication administered to children is appropriately recorded • ensure the registration certificate is displayed. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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