Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300664 Inspection date 22 August 2005 Inspector Susan Kathleen Wormald

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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 2000. She lives with her son aged ten years in Sheffield close to the local school and shops. Children have the use of the dining and sitting rooms on the ground floor and the bathroom upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently caring for four children under five some of whom attend on a part time basis and two children after school one of whom is aged eight The family have two rabbits and a cat.

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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 .

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. The childminder actively promotes good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through clear explanation and good practice such as washing their hands after handling the rabbits and after using the toilet. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children. Regular routines that take into account children's particular needs help children to feel secure and meet their needs for resting, eating and sleeping. Children enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences which contribute to their good health. They walk to school and good use is made of the garden which is attractive and inviting. Here children have access to a variety of play equipment such as bats and balls and tricycles. These encourage them to be active and help to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop their physical skills. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating through discussion and planned activities such as tasting sessions. They have good access to drinks throughout the day especially after playing outside and in warm weather

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in safe, secure and welcoming surroundings both indoors and outdoors. The childminder has minimised risks and potential hazards with some effective measures such as the use of stair gates to prevent children's access to upstairs, having a safely enclosed garden and by her vigilance and close supervision. This enables children to move around safely and independently and to make good use of the available space. Children are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe and avoid accidents with clear explanations about safe practice. Children have the use of a range and variety of good quality toys and equipment particularly for outdoors. Resources are easily accessible and children are encouraged to make their own choices. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She is clear of her responsibilities

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

with regard to child protection but there are no clear procedures for sharing these with parents.

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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 The provision is good. Children settle well are happy, confident and make themselves at home. They share a warm, friendly and caring relationship with the childminder which contributes to their sense of security and belonging. Children are offered a varied range of interesting and stimulating activities and experiences which contribute to their development both indoors and outside. Opportunities for children to enjoy imaginative play are particularly good and they become engaged and involved for example, when using the playhouse and tent outside. Children spend their time purposefully. They learn together with the childminder who makes good use of opportunities to help children count and recognise colours. Children benefit from the childminder's individual attention, support and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouragement which gives them confidence and develops their self esteem. Young children are helped to develop their communication skills as the childminder listens and pays attention to them, talking to them as they play. They are encouraged to make decisions and choices and to self select activities and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their particular needs are met well as they follow their normal routines as discussed with their parents. Children learn to feel good about themselves as they are encouraged to make choices about their play and care and are responded to in a sensitive and thoughtful manner. Children learn to appreciate and value differences and become aware of the wider society for example through discussion and looking at appropriate books. The childminder respects and values others and ensures all children are included and develop a positive self image. Children respond well to the childminder's clear and consistent boundaries and their behaviour is good. They are polite, play together well and are learning to share and take turns. They learn to care for other living things for example learning that the rabbits need water. Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has developed with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents which contributes to their well being. Parents are generally kept well informed about what their children are doing and the childminder's practice through regular discussion and by a daily diary completed by the childminder and shared with parents.

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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 Children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. Indoor and outdoor space is used well to provide a range of activities and experiences where children can relax and play. The childminder manages her time and the numbers of children she cares for effectively and is able to give them the attention and support they need. This promotes children's confidence and security. All required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is in place and is well maintained and easily accessible. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to notify Ofsted when work in the garden necessary to ensure children's safety and security was completed. The outdoor area has been improved and redesigned and now provides a safe, secure and attractive area for children to play.

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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): • Ensure parents are clearly informed about the childminder's child protection responsibilities and that their consent is obtained for children to have contact with the childminder's pets.

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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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