Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300174 Inspection date 09 August 2005 Inspector Trudy Scott

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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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband, her adult daughter, her daughter aged 14 years and her recently born granddaughter. The whole of ground floor and first floor toilet facilities are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have pet guinea pigs and a rabbit. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently, she cares for five children.

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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 Childminding Association. She regularly takes the children to playgroups and a local childminder's group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder provides a clean, warm home and follows effective hygiene routines. Children understand simple health and hygiene practice, such as washing their hands before meals and using tissues to wipe their nose. They are protected from illness and infection as the childminder keeps up to date with current health issues and has clear procedures relating to infectious diseases. Children are active and alert because they are well-rested and nourished. The childminder finds out about children's individual needs, such as eating and sleeping routines and dietary requirements, by consulting parents. She plans the day to flow with children's needs which ensures they are content and enjoy their play. Children feel reassured by the constant presence of the childminder, who make sure she stays physically and emotionally close to them. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities which contribute to their good

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Helping children to be healthy

health. For example, they regularly play outside in the garden and frequently go for walks in the local park. They are gradually learning to control their bodies as they move around independently inside and engage in activities to develop manipulative skills, such as dressing dolls and using pencils.

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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, child-friendly environment where the childminder assesses risks and minimises potential hazards. Children move around freely in the home and are protected by the safety measures in place, such as locks on kitchen cupboards and covers in electric sockets. They are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder gives priority to helping them understand danger and develop safe practice. For example, they practice getting out of the house quickly in an emergency and discuss road safety on outings. They receive appropriate challenge due to the childminder considering their age and understanding. For example, she uses a stair gate when babies and toddlers are present and teaches older children safe practice on the stairs. Children independently select activities from the good quality toys and equipment available. The childminder organises play materials in low level storage so that

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children can reach them easily and make choices about their play. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder recognises her responsibilities for protecting children, although she is not fully aware of all child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 protection procedures. She makes sure she keeps up to date with first aid training to enable her to deal with minor accidents and emergencies.

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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. They arrive eagerly and soon become involved in the range of stimulating activities on offer. For example, they play imaginatively with dolls as they plan to take them on a picnic and animatedly discuss the food they will prepare. The childminder helps them develop their play by interacting and making suggestions to extend their ideas. They explore and investigate in a variety of activities, such as building a snowman in winter and caring for garden plants in summer. Children learn effectively because the childminder has secure understanding of child development. For example she knows that younger children need to repeat experiences, such as hearing the same story over and over again, to help them make sense of the world. Children have very good relationships with the childminder. They know they are important to her as she shows interest in what they do and say and involves herself

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in their play. She supports their language development effectively by encouraging them to talk about what they are doing and listening attentively to what they have to say. Children relate well to each other and learn to socialise with other children through regular attendance at local playgroups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show a sense of belonging as they are warmly welcomed in the childminder's home. They are comfortable and at ease as the childminder recognises they need a predictable environment with regular routines and familiar resources. Their individual needs are well met because the childminder takes time to get to know children and parents and is sensitive to their needs. She finds out what is important to the children, such as their individual preferences and favourite toys and comforters. The childminder helps parents to share in their children's experiences by talking to them daily and showing photographs of what their children do. Children feel good about themselves through the childminder giving them lots of praise, encouragement and attention. Children's behaviour is good as they follow the example of the childminder in showing courtesy and consideration for others. For example, they take turns and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

share toys when playing together and are gently reminded if they forget to say please and thank you. They learn to manage their own behaviour because the childminder gives clear explanations to help them understand boundaries and expectations. Children become aware of the wider society as they participate in events such as the 'Children's Festival', where they learn about different backgrounds and lifestyles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are secure and well-cared for because the childminder organises her home and time effectively to promote their play and care. She balances her day carefully to make sure she has time to meet the demands of children of different ages and give them all some individual attention. All required records are kept and there are some written polices, such as equal opportunities and behaviour management, which further support children's well-being. Polices are shared with parents to keep them well-informed about the childcare. Children enjoy a balanced range of activities and experiences which help them progress in all areas of their development. These include many opportunities for creative play, times to be active and times to engage in relaxing activities. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • develop further knowledge and understanding of 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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