Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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300659 Unique Reference Number 18 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 2000. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter. They live in the High Green area of Sheffield. Local shops, schools and public transport are within walking distance.The downstairs only of the home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children. There are currently 10 children on roll, all of whom attend on a part time basis. She 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 well maintained, clean and homely environment. The childminder keeps her home in a clean manner, ensuring that surfaces are cleaned. For example, she disinfects food areas and washes her own hands before preparing meals. An effective sickness exclusion policy helps to reduce the spread of infection. The childminder has a current first aid

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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 qualification, and records of accidents and medication are comprehensive, and shared appropriately with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder offers nutritious snacks, including plenty of fresh fruit. Drinks are freely available, so that children have plenty of fluids. The childminder takes into account children's individual dietary requirements and parents preferences to ensure that they stay healthy. Children develop active lifestyles, as they walk daily between school and toddler group. They enjoy trips to the park and feeding the ducks and use a wide range of equipment to develop their physical skills. Children have a good understanding of personal hygiene. For example they remind each other to wash their hands after they use the toilet and before they eat their meals. They use liquid soap and paper towels to prevent cross infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and child-friendly environment, where they have ample space to move around freely. They choose from a good range of toys and resources, which are chosen to suit the ages and abilities of the children attending. Toys are stored at low levels, so that children can access them independently. Children are completely secure, as the door is locked during sessions with the keys easily accessible in case of an emergency. Children are safe in emergencies, as the childminder discusses and practises her evacuation procedures with them. They learn about staying safe through regular routines and are developing a good sense of road safety when out walking. Children regularly practise the Green Cross Code and understand safety rules, such as holding hands and staying together when walking on busy streets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from harm. The childminder has a very clear understanding of her responsibilities to keep children safe, the children's welfare is paramount. She has appropriate knowledge of safeguarding children through documentation she has collected. However, she has not completed any safeguarding training, although she has plans to complete training in the near future.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and very settled in a warm and welcoming environment. They are given a sense of pride in their achievements as their creative work is thoughtfully displayed. A wide range of good quality toys and resources are available to the children, such as imaginative play, construction, books, jigsaws and creative play. Children enjoy a wide range of interesting activities, which are appropriate for their various ages, and effectively promote their development. They are encouraged to be independent in choosing activities and resources. During the inspection children often chose their activities and asked for specific toys, such as jigsaws and matching games. They enjoyed the activities provided for them and concentrated very well as they completed their task. They attend toddler groups, where they learn to socialise with other children. There are many opportunities for children to explore their environment

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

both indoors and outdoors. They are listened to, given lots of individual attention and are stimulated by purposeful conversation and questions.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder speaks positively to the children at all times and works hard at building their self-esteem. She knows their individual needs well and uses this information to provide a caring and stimulating environment. The childminder has devised a behaviour management policy, which is shared with the parents. Children effectively learn about good behaviour through positive reinforcement and very good role modelling by the childminder, who is calm and caring. She takes the time to explain and uses appropriate strategies, taking into account individual levels of understanding. Children generally benefit from resources which help them to value diversity. They also have good opportunities to learn about the local community. For example, they visit the park and the library. The childminder uses praise and positive language constantly, and reassures children. This helps children feel valued and secure and encourages their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder gathers information from parents about children's individual needs, such as their daily routines and dietary requirements. She uses this information well to plan for each child's requirements, ensuring all children's needs are met. Parents are informed of the complaints procedure and there is a policy that is shared with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminders in a clean, safe and comfortable home. The available space is used very effectively, to provide a good range of activities, which meet the needs of children of different ages. Numbers attending at any one time meet the required ratios. Detailed policies and procedures promote children's welfare and keep parents well informed about the service she provides. The childminder makes good use of the space and other resources in her home. Children receive appropriate adult attention, which enables them to participate in all activities. Comprehensive written policies and procedures are in place, which inform parents of the service provided. All required documentation is in place.

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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

The childminder was asked to complete a number of actions from the previous inspection mainly to produce and maintain required documentation to meet requirements. She has successfully completed all actions by completing further training and producing comprehensive policies and procedures. All required documentation is in place and shared with parents. As a result, children's welfare and safety are well promoted.

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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): • continue to update knowledge and understanding of Local Safeguarding Procedures.

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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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