Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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300517 Unique Reference Number 14 April 2008 Inspection date Yvonne Victoria Facey 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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her partner and three children in the High Green area of Sheffield. Local shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. The downstairs of the home is used mainly for childminding and one bedroom may be used. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. There are currently six children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The good health of children is promoted as the childminder takes positive steps to prevent the

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Helping children to be healthy

spread of infection. For example, a clear written sickness and nappy changing procedure are in place. Arrangements for first aid, accidents and medication fully meet requirements and protect

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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 children. Children follow well-established good hygiene routines. For example, hand washing at appropriate times and simple discussions about the importance of personal hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are discussed fully with parents and taken account of. Parents provide their children's lunches. These are appropriately stored and heated through if necessary. The childminder provides healthy snacks and has discussions with the children about what food is good for them. For example, they have fruit trying days where children go shopping and buy and try different fruit. Children are provided with regular drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a good range of activities that contribute to their physical health and development. Activities in the garden and regular visits to local parks help children develop control and co-ordination of their bodies. They are able to extend their gross motor skills as they ride wheeled toys, play football and visit soft play areas. Fine motor skills are developed with the use of scissors, threading and mark making activities. Children are able to be active and rest and sleep comfortably according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well protected and cared for in a secure, welcoming and safe family home. Hazards are identified and minimised with the use of risk assessments and safety equipment; this includes socket covers, stair gates and smoke detectors. Children are able to move around safely and develop their independence because the range of resources are organised well and children can access them easily. Children are supervised well at all times including sleep times. A very good range of toys and equipment is available. The childminder has devised an emergency escape plan which is displayed and fire drills are practised with the children. When on outings children's safety is ensured. The childminder has age appropriate car seats, when using buggies children are safely harnessed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding issues. She has devised a policy

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and is conscious of signs that would cause her concern. She is aware of procedures to follow

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and the need for confidentiality. Supporting documentation, to record existing injuries and significant concerns are in place. Policies and procedures are in place, such as the collection of children, ensure children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder's secure understanding of child protection procedures to be followed to protect children from harm. She is in the process of developing her knowledge further to include new legislation regarding safeguarding children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are gently reminded on keeping themselves safe inside and outside the home. Younger children hold the childminder's hand when walking and are encouraged to become aware of the green cross code. The childminder uses every day experiences to make children aware of possible hazards. For example, explains to children that the baby has her fruit chopped to make sure she does not choke and to be careful when walking in the dressing up shoes because they might fall.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, happy and secure within the childminder's home. The positive relationship

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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 between the childminder and children promotes their self confidence. The childminder uses her good knowledge of the children to offer a varied range of activities and experiences throughout the week. She has begun to use written observations and children's development records to influence the planning of activities for children. As a result she is able to address children's individual skills and interest to influence their learning. Children eagerly participate in painting and drawing activities, self-selecting from the range of materials to create their own pictures. Children enjoy role play and have good resources to enhance their experiences. For instance, they dress dolls and place them in buggies to take them for a walk, dress up with the wide range of equipment provided.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Everyday experiences are used effectively to promote children's recognition of colours, number and shape. For example, they choose different coloured paints and they count steps when going upstairs. Weekly visits to a local toddler group and outings to local places of interest such as the farm and the library extend children's experiences and help them develop an awareness of their local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are clearly identified and met. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children's individual needs are well met. Effective settling-in procedures, comforters from home and daily routines help children settle and gain a sense of belonging. Children gain an awareness of the wider world and develop positive attitudes to others through their everyday experiences. Resources that reflect positive images and meaningful activities that promote their awareness of the diversity of the wider world are good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's use of age appropriate strategies and clear and consistent approach to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour management helps children understand what is expected of them. Children are well behaved and play well together. For example, taking turns and sharing toys. The childminder's use of praise and encouragement helps build children's self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship between parents and the childminder. Parents are welcomed into the home and informed of the childminder's policies and procedures through discussion and detailed written statements. A system for the recording of complaints is in place and parents are informed of the correct procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the childminder's well organised and child friendly home.

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Organisation

The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of child development and knows all the children in her care well. Children's needs are met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. For instance, detailed and well written policies have been devised.

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Organisation

Parents are informed about their child's day and the care provided. Required documentation is of a good standard, readily accessible and organised well. As a result children's well-being is promoted. and are shared with parents. Effective management of time and daily routines ensures children's individual needs are met. The childminder has shown a good commitment to training

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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 and updating her knowledge to aid her in enhancing children's experiences in a stimulating environment.

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Organisation

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 had to address her knowledge and understanding of the new requirements and the procedures of administering medication. The childminder has completed a number of practises to ensure theses actions were addressed. She has retaken the childminding preparation course which has updated her knowledge of the requirements, and has produced a number of written policies and procedures that are shared with parents. She was also asked to display her registration certificate. This is now displayed alongside other useful information for parents to see. As a result children's well being is safe guarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the date of 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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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): • continue to develop child protection policies and procedures to include new legislation regarding safeguarding children

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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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