Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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501525 Unique Reference Number 18 January 2008 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 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 has been registered since 2001. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll. The childminder lives with her husband, her adult daughter and five year old daughter in Sheffield. Shops, schools, parks and transport are all within walking distance. Children have use of a lounge, dining room, play room, downstairs toilet and bedrooms. There is a enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a pet cat and a guinea pig. The childminder is a member of National Child Minding Association .

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a well maintained and clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene routines. The childminder prompts children to wash their hands at appropriate times and each child with their own flannel which they identify from their own

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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 individual pictures. Children are given good protection from contagious illnesses, as the childminder has a clear policy of excluding children who are ill .

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Helping children to be healthy

There are mainly good procedures in place to prevent cross infection. For example, flannels are boiled washed at the end of the week and the childminder ensures food preparation surfaces and equipment children use are cleaned thoroughly. However, gloves are not used to change children's nappy's, as a result children are not full protected from cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are regular opportunities for children to enjoy fresh air and exercise, which helps to keep them fit and well. They enjoy playing in the garden, where there is a wide variety of equipment to support active play, this includes, a slide, wheeled toys and balls. The childminder also takes them on walks and outings to various locations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children receive high levels of supervision at all times. The home is locked securely when they are present and younger children are kept safe by use of reins when they are outdoors. Children have access to a good selection of toys and play materials, many of which they are able to select for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder checks and cleans equipment regularly to ensure that it is safe and suitable for children's use. She uses antiseptic wipes to quickly wipe areas. Children develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe both indoors and outdoors, because the childminder discusses potential hazards so they become aware. For example, they have a safe routine for getting in and out of the car, discuss why it is important to keep their seat belts on, and keeping small pieces away from the babies because they might choke. Children also take part in planned evacuations from the home on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues. She has attended additional training in this area and has guidance materials readily available should she have any concerns about children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. The childminder is fully aware of the interests of individual children. She takes account of these and plans flexibly to accommodate each child's routine into the day. The childminder provides activities that are age appropriate and stimulating. Independence and free choice is encouraged for all children. Toys and resources are of a wide range and provide children with stimulating and challenging experiences, which gives them good opportunities to explore and be active. Children thrive in a learning environment where they learn new skills and are encouraged to develop their own play ideas. For example, they have a topic a week where they learn new words and sounds and enjoy craft work and reading books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes children on outings in their local community and places of interest, such as the railway station and parks. The childminder is skilled at using a variety of everyday experiences to extend and enhance children's learning. For example, children are fascinated by the arrival of a variety of birds that enter the garden. They show great excitement and name the birds such as robins, black bird and pigeons. They use other resources to aid their learning.

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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 For example, they use a book to identify the type of birds they see. Babies have good opportunities to explore their environment as they crawl and use furniture to help them stand. The childminder successfully uses signs to prompt communication with babies which they are beginning to use to communicate back to the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive good support and encouragement as they play, which helps them to feel good about themselves and builds their self esteem. Children show concern for each other and play harmoniously together. They behave well through clear guidance, praise and encouragement from the childminder. The childminder uses distraction to deal with any unwanted behaviour, and gives children explanations for any rules she imposes. She encourages and reminds them to use good manners, such as, please and thank you as appropriate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parent's wishes are taken into account when establishing children's needs and all relevant information is recorded at the initial visit. They are fully informed of the daily routines and what their child has been doing during the day. Regular verbal communication and shared information ensures they are aware of the service the childminder provides. The childminder makes an assessment of children's needs, and ensures that children are happy and settled with her and so meets their needs. For example, she pays close attention to the settling in period and encourages pre visits before children are left in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Comprehensive policies and procedures support children's health and well-being. The childminder records the names and details of the authorised persons collecting children and has a written policy for lost or uncollected children. Her daily attendance register is up-to-date and displays her registration certificate. Documentation is stored away safely and relevant information is shared with parents and confidentiality is maintained. Adult-child ratios are maintained and children are fully supervised a all times. The childminder has completed some relevant training regarding childminding and continues to access training courses when they become available.

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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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to review arrangements for sleeping children on the first floor of the premises. The childminder has successfully addressed the recommendation by having the fire officer assess the premises to ensure arrangements are safe. As a result children's safety is promoted.

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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 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): • consider wearing gloves for nappy changes.

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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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