Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300524 Inspection date 20 October 2005 Inspector Tracey Jane Outram

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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 satisfactory. 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 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 12 years. She and her family live in a semi-detached house which is located in an established residential area of Sheffield. Public transport links are easily accessible and the local schools, pre-school facilities and shops are within walking distance of the property. Children mostly use the ground floor of the home. Toilet facilities are situated on the first floor. There is a secure outdoor play area situated at the rear of the premises. The family have a pet rabbit, a cat and a hamster.

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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 currently caring for 10 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She walks to and from the local school each day to take and collect children. At the time of the inspection, no children were present.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm home and they have the use of equipment that is clean and very well maintained. For example, the childminder regularly washes the toys to ensure that they remain hygienic, particularly when children are teething and there is a risk of cross infection. The childminder acts in the best interests of children if they become ill whilst in her care. However, she does not provide clear information for parents about her sickness policy, therefore, parents are unclear about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious. The childminder has pets on the premises and she takes positive action to ensure that parents are informed and the animals do not pose a health risk to children. Agreements are made with parents are made at the start of a placement regarding children’s dietary needs. Currently, most children supply their own packed lunches,

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Helping children to be healthy

however, the childminder offers children a selection of snacks which includes some healthy options. Children have regular opportunities to engage in physical play, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle. For example, they play outdoors in the garden, go on walks around the area and visit the local park where they can be physically active and enjoy the benefits of exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are welcoming and maintained in a suitable state of cleanliness and decoration. As a result children are comfortable and have access to the necessary facilities. The childminder is vigilant and takes positive steps to ensure that children remain under her direct supervision at all times. Most risks and hazards within the setting are appropriately addressed, therefore, children are able to move around freely. For example, she has in place safety measures, such as safety gates and covers in electric socket. However, the glass in the low-level internal doors is not sufficiently safe and a risk assessment has not been completed to identify any possible danger arising from the use of the trampoline situated in the rear garden. Children have access to a good range of toys and play materials that are suitable for different ages and stages of development. Resources for older children are stored so

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

that they can see what is available, although they need help to reach the toys easily. Younger children can access equipment for themselves, which supports their

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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 independence and encourages them to make choices about their play. The childminder has attended child protection training and she is familiar with the indicators of child abuse and neglect. She has a satisfactory understanding of the child protection procedures and she knows whom to contact if she has concerns about the welfare of a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are offered a varied range of activities and experiences to help them enjoy their time with the childminder. She helps to stimulate children's imagination by providing good imaginative play opportunities and resources for physical activities. For example, children can access an indoor inflatable ball pool and an appropriate range of outdoor equipment for active play. Children's experience and knowledge of the local environment is extended because they are taken on a range of outings to local places of interest. The childminder considers children's age and ability to make sure she provides activities which are suitable and interesting. Few activities are organised in advance because the childminder lets children make choices. Messy activities are provided infrequently, although children do have the opportunity to enjoy regular baking activities. Children receive appropriate levels of support and attention from the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in an environment that is free from discrimination and gender bias. She treats all children with equal concern and she ensures that she is able to meet children’s individual routines and requirements. Trusting and friendly relationships are developed with the parents of the minded children. The childminder talks to parents each day to ensure that they are kept informed of the daily events and any important issues. The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. For example, she describes using distraction techniques and she believes that children’s self-esteem is successfully developed by the use of praise and encouragement.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care and well-being is supported through generally effective organisation. Free space is well used and planned to ensure that children are able to access a

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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 variety of play opportunities and experiences. The childminder has in place most of the required documentation, such as daily registers, accidents records and written agreements with parents. However, there is no system in place to obtain the permission of parents to take photographs of the children and parents do not have access to a complaints procedure or a sickness policy. The childminder has completed some further childcare training courses, which lead to her developing her practice and have a positive affect on the care offered to the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve safety, documentation and the range of equipment that children have access to. She has successfully improved children's safety by providing a fire blanket in the kitchen and by taking steps to ensure that the rear garden is secure and free from trailing electrical wires. The childminder has considered equal opportunities by providing some equipment to broaden children's knowledge of culture and ethnicity. Equipment and toys available meet the varying needs of the children under the age of 8 years. Documentation is easily accessible and ready for inspection. As a result of the positive action taken by the childminder the organisation of the setting has improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 satisfactory. 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 that low-level glass is made safe or inaccessible • ensure that the risk assessments are implemented regarding the use of the

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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 trampoline • request permission from parents to take photographs of the minded children • provide parents with access to the registration certificate, a complaints procedure and a sickness policy.

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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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