Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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300649 Unique Reference Number 08 January 2008 Inspection date Susan Kathleen Wormald 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 was registered in 1995. She lives in Sheffield with her husband and three children aged 13, 11 and nine years, within walking distance of local schools, shops and the park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for nine children on a part-time basis. Minded children have the use of all of the ground floor. There is a garden, with an enclosed area, suitable for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Fulwood childminder support 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 to prevent the spread of infection. Children learn about personal hygiene and

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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 good practice through daily routines, the childminder's good example and her consistent and frequent reminders, for example, before they help to prepare food. They receive support and guidance to help them learn how to keep themselves healthy as they discuss why it is good for their teeth to drink water. Younger children's needs for rest and sleep are well provided for with clear routines for naps and rest. The childminder finds out about children's individual needs, such as eating and sleeping routines and dietary requirements, by consulting parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a broad range of stimulating opportunities that promote their enjoyment of physical activity and the outdoor environment. This contributes to keeping them fit and well and ensures they make good progress in their physical development. Young children have everyday opportunities to develop confidence and control of their bodies and to practise and develop physical skills. Children go out most days and walk regularly in all weathers. They use a variety of local parks where they have picnics and have lots of opportunity for robust physical exercise. They follow activity trails, balancing on logs, climbing and jumping.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's understanding and awareness of healthy eating is promoted by a nutritious and balanced diet and meals are freshly prepared using fresh fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy a range of healthy options, such as home made soups and pasta sauces. They are involved in helping to prepare meals as they peel potatoes and grate the cheese for their muffins at lunchtime.

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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, comfortable and welcoming surroundings. The thoughtful organisation of space and creation of a child friendly environment enables children to move around freely and confidently while being protected from harm. The childminder is aware of potential hazards, such as keeping small toys out of the reach of very young children and takes steps to reduce these both in the home and outdoors. Clear written procedures are in place regarding emergency evacuation and the older children practise these and know where keys are kept. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder helps them to understand danger and understand safe practice. For example, they learn how to come down stairs safely and are reminded when playing that certain actions can be dangerous.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy the use of a broad range of good quality resources and equipment that is appropriate for their age and stage of development. These are well organised, readily and safely accessible and support a wide variety of experiences enabling children to make choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded effectively because the childminder has a secure understanding of how to protect children and recognises that this is her first priority. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and is shortly to attend additional training to update her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is clear and confident about procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have a very enjoyable and happy time because the childminder consistently puts them at the heart of everything she does and they are consulted and involved wherever possible. She uses her secure knowledge of child development to plan the day around their needs.

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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 Children become absorbed in a wide range of purposeful activities, which capture their imagination, stimulate their interest and help them progress. Young children are engrossed in their play as they pour and fill different containers and watch as the water wheel turns. Children enthusiastically take part in creative, physical and imaginative play. They make decisions about what they want to do and are confident to ask for what they need. The childminder is skilled in talking to children, responding well to them and listening to their ideas. She ensures that children are engaged in their activities and asks them questions that extend their experiences and learning. She very successfully supports and helps them develop their play, finding additional resources and making suggestions as they engage in role play preparing food and organising

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

a picnic. Successful planning and preparation of activities means that children are offered a wide range of enjoyable experiences both at home and further afield. They build a pirate ship large enough for them all to sit in and have frequent outings to local parks and farms.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are relaxed and settled. The childminder is skilled in helping children to share their feelings and helps them to cope with new, challenging and stressful situations. They are comfortable and at ease in the setting as the childminder recognises that they benefit from a predictable environment with regular routines and familiar resources. Kindly and caring relationships between the childminder and the children are evident and contribute to their sense of security and belonging. Relationships flourish because the childminder plans many shared experiences where children learn from each other, such as shared meal times and outings. Children receive lots of warm and positive attention from the childminder who makes herself constantly available to listen to them and joins in enthusiastically with their activities. She fully understands the adult role in children's play, knowing when to interact and when to allow

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children the freedom to explore at their own pace. Her attention, support and ongoing encouragement very successfully promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder takes time to get to know the children, is sensitive to their particular needs and works in close partnership with parents. Children are comfortable and at ease in the predictable environment where they understand familiar routines and know where to find favourite playthings. The childminder finds out what is important to them and uses this information to increase their confidence and sense of well-being. Children learn to feel good about themselves as they are given praise and attention. Their thoughts, contributions and creations are valued. Children are helped to appreciate cultural differences and learn about the wider society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to manage their own behaviour and to negotiate and resolve potential conflicts as they follow the good example of the childminder in showing courtesy and consideration for others. The childminder gives clear explanations to help them understand boundaries and expectations. She talks to them in a calm manner, encourages them to share and cooperate as they play and helps them to understand that their behaviour has consequences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close association with parents and keeps them well informed about their children and their progress. She makes time to talk with parents and shares photographs and children's work, so that they are involved in their children's experiences. She maintains strong links with families and a number of children have had siblings placed previously. This contributes to children's well-being and helps ensure they are settled and secure. Parents have very positive comments about the quality of care provided for their children and mention the nurturing and homely environment and the high standard of their children's learning experiences.

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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 children's welfare, play and learning. She plans the day to make sure she has time to meet the demands of children of different ages and give them all some individual attention. Children are offered a range of suitable and interesting activities both inside and outdoors which help them progress and develop. These include times to be active and times to rest and relax. The childminder makes good use of local facilities, such as the mobile library and parent and toddler groups and plans regular trips and outings which are varied and entertaining. These broaden children's experiences and give them opportunities to make friends and socialise.

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Organisation

All required records and documents which contribute to children's health, safety and welfare are in place, are appropriately maintained and are easily accessible. The childminder demonstrates a positive commitment towards her own personal development and has improved her knowledge by attending relevant training. She holds a level 3 childcare qualification and keeps up to date with current childcare practice. For example, she recently attended training regarding the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder shares information daily with parents about children's activities and care needs, ensuring consistency and continuity of care. Some helpful written information supports the childminder's practice, however, complaints procedures and information regarding notifiable diseases have not been fully updated to reflect some recent changes. 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 last inspection the childminder was asked to develop an organised record keeping system. All required records are maintained. These are well organised, readily accessible and accurately completed. These measures support the care of children and ensure that regulations are complied with.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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): • update procedures regarding complaints and notifiable diseases so that they fully reflect current guidance.

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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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