Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 501014 Inspection date 08 December 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 2001. She lives with her husband who is registered as an assistant, and three children aged 14, 9 and 7 years. They live in a three bedroom terraced house within an inner city area of Sheffield. There are good bus links to the city centre, and access to local parks and schools is within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding plus the basement and one first floor bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. When working with her husband she is registered to care for a maximum of seven

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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 children at any one time. The couple are currently caring for six children under 5 and four children before and after school, all on a part-time basis. The family have a hamster. 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 before meals. 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 participate in a wide range of interesting activities and experiences, which contribute to their good health and which encourage the enjoyment of a healthy lifestyle. Daily walks and visits to the park where they engage in a variety of activities, such as climbing on logs and paddling in streams, encourage them to be active and

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Helping children to be healthy

help to develop their physical skills. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating through discussion and planned activities, such as keeping a record of the pieces of fruit and vegetables they have eaten. Mealtimes are a pleasant social occasion, with children helping to prepare the food, and where they are able to share their interests and talk about their day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parent's and children's choices to provide healthy meals that appeal to children and meet their dietary needs.

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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. The childminder has minimised risks and potential hazards with some effective measures, such as the use of stair gates, having a safely enclosed garden and her attention to fire safety. This enables children to move around safely and independently, and to make good use of the available space. They are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe through good practice and learning safe routines such as road safety. Children have the use of a range and variety of good quality toys. They are encouraged to make their own choices and they are able to access some resources independently. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a good knowledge and

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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 understanding of child protection issues, and of her responsibilities, but, there are no clear procedures for sharing these with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder knows the children very well and is warm and attentive. The close and caring relationships are successful in settling children and contribute to high levels of confidence and self-esteem. Children are extremely eager and enthusiastic, and clearly enjoy their time at the childminder's. Children are engaged in a wide range of purposeful, interesting and stimulating activities both indoors and outdoors. They benefit from the childminder's excellent knowledge and understanding of child development and her use of early years guidance, such as Birth to Three Matters. Effective planning and assessment systems are in place ensuring that children are offered a very good variety of appropriate and challenging experiences. Children play a dynamic part in the setting and their achievements, contribution and individuality are all truly valued. The childminder spends time listening to children and uses skilful questioning techniques

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to expand their knowledge and understanding, and to extend their vocabulary. She makes the most of incidental learning opportunities such as introducing concepts of addition and subtraction whilst children eat pieces of fruit for their pudding. She is very successful in making learning an enjoyable experience. These high quality interactions and opportunities encourage children to learn actively through play and acquire new skills. Children make very good progress and they are inquisitive, confident and keen to express their own ideas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their sense of belonging and self worth are promoted well. The childminder's respect and emotional support allows children to develop confidence and self-assurance. The childminder ensures she is well informed about the children she cares for and this together with her good knowledge of children's abilities means that they take part in activities appropriate to their needs and understanding. Children learn to appreciate and value differences, and become aware of the wider society through discussion and the use of appropriate books. The childminder respects and values diversity, 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. She has a positive approach to managing behaviour, gives praise and encouragement, and acknowledges children's achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents contributes to the children's wellbeing. Parents are

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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 generally kept very well informed about their children's progress and activities, and the childminder's practice. She has produced an attractive booklet for parents containing her written policies and helpful information about her family and the service that she offers. They have recently had an opportunity to complete a questionnaire and made very positive comments about the quality of care provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are at home and at ease with the very well organised environment. They select activities independently, are extremely confident and initiate their own play. Well planned experiences that take children's interests and their stages of development into account, ensure that children enjoy a variety of interesting and stimulating opportunities. They have fun and are animated and enthusiastic. Children benefit from being cared for by a skilled and knowledgeable practitioner who gives priority to protecting all children, promoting their wellbeing and developing their potential. The childminder has excellent systems in place to support her working practices and promote the children's care and wellbeing. Comprehensive written policies support consistent and professional practice. She shares and receives information with parents regularly and maintains high quality records in a professional and systematic

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Organisation

manner. Children's experiences and the quality of their care is further enhanced by the childminder's continuing commitment to further training and by her evaluative and reflective practice. 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • Ensure that parents are clearly informed about the childminder's child protection responsibilities and 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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