Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY269134 Unique Reference Number 25 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 2004. She lives with her partner in Sheffield. The local schools and bus service are within walking distance. The whole of ground floor of the property, toilet facilities and one bedroom on the first floor is used for childminding. There is access to a fully enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to offer care for a maximum of six children under eight years. She is currently caring for six children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good hygiene procedures through practices in their daily routine, such as washing hands after using the toilet and before meals. This encourages children to take responsibility for their own personal hygiene. Good hygiene procedures, such as the childminder's policy of not caring for children when they are sick or infectious and a list of childhood illnesses

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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 and contagious diseases, prevents the spread of infection. This is shared with parents so that they can take the appropriate action if their child is ill. Systems to record information relating to accidents and the administration of medication are in place, and parents written consent for emergency medical treatment is obtained. The childminder ensures food preparation surfaces, equipment and toys are cleaned thoroughly. However, the nappy changing procedure does not fully protect children from cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides meals according to parents wishes, and discusses their children's dietary needs. Children have regular drinks in their own cup, which they buy with the childminder when they first start. Children have access to regular outdoor play and exercise. For example, they dance indoors, go to the park and visit a toddler group regularly where they can access large play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where they are well supervised by the childminder at all times. Space is well organised and used appropriately to meet children's needs. Children use a good range of toys, equipment and materials which are safe and in good condition. The childminder provides toys that are of good quality and are suitable for their age and stage of development. There are good procedures in place in case of an emergency. The childminder has a fire blanket readily available and smoke detectors are regularly checked and maintained to ensure that they are in working order. She has a planned emergency evacuation procedure which is practised with all children. Children gain an awareness of road safety on when crossing roads with the childminder. As a result they learn to take responsibility for their own safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder is clearly aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She has clear systems in place to deal with any concerns. Parents are provided with a child protection policy so that they are aware of her role in protecting children. Risk assessments are used appropriately to minimise potential dangers in everyday routines. For example, the childminder assess the situation when a younger child wishes to play with small beads but she is unable to give her one to one because of the other children present.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Activities provide variety of experiences and are set out in a manner that encourages children to explore and investigate. For example, there is good use of table tops and the floor. The childminder provides a range of activities in the home, on outings and by visiting a local play group with children. They feel welcomed in the childminder's homely environment helping themselves to toys without being prompted. For instance, children freely go the cupboard in the dining room and choose the toys they want to play with. Children benefit from good support and interaction with the childminder. Children have access to a range of books which include board books and picture books for younger children. They happily bring them to the childminder for a story. They spontaneously sing songs on their own as the play such as 'Twinkle twinkle little star' and the 'ABC' rhyme.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children visit a variety of places that are interesting and familiar to them and that they can explore new experiences. For example, they go grass sledging, on treasure hunts and visit castles. They also enjoy using the lap top to look up places where they have been or where

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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 they would like to go. For example, their favourite football club and different countries. The childminder spends purposeful amounts of time talking, listening and interacting with the children. She effectively questions them to develop their language and maths skills. For example, as they play the 'whose nose' game the childminder asks 'what colour have you got,? 'how many crocodiles are there?' Children really enjoy the game and are learning new skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder values and respects children as individuals and their needs are met as they follow their daily routines. Parent's wishes are taken into account when establishing children's needs and detailed information is recorded at the initial visit. This helps children to feel settled and secure. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are not currently on roll, although the childminder has a good understanding of ensuring that all children's individual needs are met and activities are adapted so they are all included. For example, all the children know simple Mackaton signs and use these in their everyday routines. The childminder uses the local community well to support children's awareness of the wider world. She talks to the children about where they live and children find it interesting to visit each others houses. They have access to resources that positively reflect the wider world and they engage in conversations

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about their own culture and heritage as well as that of others. For example, they look at maps to find the country where their parents and grandparents were born.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good relationships with parents, she understands the importance of working in partnership and provides a flexible service. Written contracts are in place and the necessary information is recorded to meet children's needs. Information is shared between the childminder and parents on a daily basis. They are given all polices and procedures at the first visit to take home and read at their own leisure and then sign them. However, the complaints policy has not been updated to include current regulations, parents are informed of procedures and the Ofsted poster is displayed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. A behaviour policy is made available to parents so that they understand the positive methods the childminder uses. Children are learning to play alongside each other and share. The childminder is aware that young children are learning how to co operate and learn simple rules. She gently talks to them about their feelings and how they may make others feel and is a good role model for the children. For example, when young children have disagreements about sharing she tells them 'I'm going to share my toys' which they respond to and take turns.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a good range of play experiences that children enjoy. She provides a welcoming environment where children feel secure and settled. Space is used creatively and children move around freely. Children's health and safety are promoted through the well organised service she provides. Documentation is kept in a professional manner and confidentiality is maintained at all times. Her daily attendance register is up-to-date and she displays her registration certificate. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place which include quotes from the National Standards so parents have a clear understanding of what service is provided. However the complaints policy needs to be updated. The childminder has

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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 attended a range of training courses to update herself and enhance her skills. For example, she has completed first aid, Mackaton and is currently completing her NVQ level 3 in childcare.

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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 previous inspection the childminder was asked to assess the range of activities provided for children. She has successfully completed this and provides children with a wide range of activities and experiences. As a result children enjoy their time at the childminders and are stimulated and interested in their play.

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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 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): • review the procedures for changing children's nappy's • update complaints policy to include new requirements.

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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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