Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 501016 Inspection date 10 May 2005 Inspector Geneen Yvonne Hulse

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2001. She lives with her family in a semi detached property in the Hunters Bar area of Sheffield. Local shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. The childminder has 4 children aged 16, 9, 8, and 5 years. She allows the children free access to all downstairs rooms, including kitchen, lounge, hallway and dining room, there is an outside toilet for when children are playing outdoors. Upstairs access is to the bathroom and toilet. Children have access

p.2

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 to a large outside play area to the rear of the property. Children are escorted to and from school at Broomhall Nursery and Hunters Bar schools. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 11 children who attend on a part time basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health, they use outdoor play to develop their wellbeing and explore their surroundings. The childminder ensures the children enjoy regular walks to and from school and nursery and go on outings to the park. They take part in numerous activities to develop and improve their physical skills. Children are starting to know when they are hungry and need a drink and will ask when they need one such as requesting an apple. Older children are able to help themselves to drinks and fruit which promotes their independence. The childminder recognises the abilities of the children and supports them to try new skills and undertake new experiences such as bouncing on the large outdoor trampoline and swinging on the large garden tree swing. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment and learn the importance of good personal care. They

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

know why they wash their hands after playing and before eating. The childminder demonstrates a high commitment to healthy eating and works with parents to offer children a good range of nutritious food and snacks. She offers a varied range of healthy home cooked meals and snacks and encourages children to be involved in preparing and tasting new foods.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and child friendly home where risks have been minimised. They move freely around the home in safety, developing their independence. The childminder spends time helping children understand how to keep themselves safe by talking about good practice, being careful when climbing on chairs and taking care when playing on large apparatus. Children self select toys and games from a wide range that meets safety standards. The childminder maintains high levels of supervision appropriate to the children's ages and abilities, allowing them to explore in safety and develop their independence and confidence. She has all the required documents and procedures in place to keep children safe including a well thought out evacuation policy.

p.3

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 The childminder has high regard for the children’s well being, she holds a current first certificate and demonstrates a sound knowledge of child protection issues. She has all appropriate documentation in place for recording accidents and medication.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They are confident, make themselves at home and are busily involved a wide range of interesting and challenging activities. They relate well to the childminder and demonstrate their independence by requesting activities such as choosing to play outside and asking for chalks to create a picture with. Children self select a wide variety of toys, games and creative materials suitable for their ages and abilities. They enjoy exploring their surroundings looking at the plants and squirrels in the garden and use their senses with musical instruments. Children are busy, motivated and absorbed in their play and explore their natural creativity through use of paint, glue and chalks. They play imaginatively acting out roles using dressing up and small world equipment such as dolls house and garages and use their time purposefully. Children establish very good relationships with the

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder and demonstrate good self esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a wide range of meaningful resources and offers activities to promote children's self esteem. She uses good quality resources to introduce children to the wider world, promote a positive view and increase their awareness of diversity. Children talk about what they have done at nursery and school and share home experiences. They are confident and show positive self esteem, making choices and asking questions. Children are valued and respected, they behave well and their needs are met as they follow daily routines as agreed with parents. They are encouraged to respect each other and embrace differences. Parents are able to share information and build secure relationships with the childminder to ensure they offer a consistent approach to the care of the children. Children make themselves at home and confidently make decisions about what they want to do. Photographs show children involved and enjoying a wide range of

p.4

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 The children feel at home in a well organised environment, which allows them to be confident and initiate their own play. The childminder has effective systems in place that support her working practices and promote children’s care and well being. She shares information with parents regularly and maintains all appropriate records to ensure they are kept updated and involved to maintain a consistent approach. Flexible planning systems allow children to make choices and plan their own time, with the childminder supporting and guiding them to extend their play and learning. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed recommendations from her last inspection and has a list of regular visitors to the house in her information file. She has been proactive in updating her knowledge of child protection and intend to continue to keep updated and aware of any changes in legislation. These help to enhance the care provided for children.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • continue to develop photographic evidence to support existing good practice • consider formalising existing policies and procedures.

p.5

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:

p.5

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 www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.6