Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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300688 Unique Reference Number 03 July 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since October 2000. She lives with her family in Sheffield. The home is close to shops, main bus routes and the park. The main rooms used for childminding are all on the ground floor and include the sitting room, downstairs bedroom and kitchen. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children under the age of eight years. There are currently no children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

When a provider does not have children on roll at the time of the inspection, inspection judgements are based on evidence gathered from discussions with the provider and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

As there are no children on roll, the quality of the provision cannot be judged better than satisfactory because there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean environment. The childminder describes how she develops children's understanding of good hygiene practices through simple discussions. For example, encouraging the children to wash their hands before meals and after going to the bathroom. An appropriate sick children policy is in place to ensure the risk of cross infection is minimised. Suitable systems are in place with regard to the administration and recording of medication and the childminder understands the importance of sharing records with parents. The childminder is trained in first aid, which means children's accidents could be handled appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates how she would promote healthy eating through discussion of the type of meals she would offer, which would include fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of drinking water being accessible at all times. Information would be sought from parents regarding the children's individual dietary needs in order to meet their needs. Children's physical play would be promoted regularly through visits to the park and walks in the community.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Resources are organised appropriately to enable children to self-select their own toys. The toys, furniture and equipment available would be appropriate for children of various ages and abilities. The childminder states that equipment would be cleaned and is checked regularly to ensure it remains safe for children to use. Appropriate safety measures have been put in place to minimise any potential hazards. For example, smoke alarms and a fire blanket are fitted, and safety gates are available. The childminder states that children would begin to learn about keeping themselves safe through simple discussions, for example, on road safely, and they would practise the emergency evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the action to take should she have concerns regarding a child's welfare. However, the childminder is not aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board to fully protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder states that she provides children with suitable activities that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. For example, board and computer games, role play and craft. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of children's developmental needs and an awareness of providing appropriate activities to enable them to make progress. Children would be provided with opportunities to socialise with other children at toddler groups. The childminder is able to speak French and Arabic and would discuss with parents if they wish her to introduce their children to a new language. Through discussion the childminder shows a suitable understanding of the importance of building close relationships with children. As a result, building their self-esteem and meeting their individual 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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder would ensure that children's individual needs are known in order for her to provide appropriate care. She states that all children are fully included in all of the activities provided and their individual needs are met. Appropriate systems are in place for managing children's behaviour. The childminder states that simple house rules will be in place and would be discussed with parents and children. From discussion the childminder demonstrates that she has a suitable understanding and experience in providing care for children with disabilities or learning difficulties. She is aware of the importance of working closely with parents and other professionals to ensure children receive appropriate care and support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder states that she would build positive relationships with the parents of minded children. She would provide opportunities to share verbal information about their child's day. This means parents would be kept informed about the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is aware of the necessary documentation she needs to ensure that children's health, safety and well-being is promoted. She demonstrates a sound understanding of the consents she needs to request from parents, which enables her to care for children in line with their wishes. Records will be appropriately organised to ensure they are readily available and stored securely for confidentiality. Children would be able to access play opportunities through the suitable organisation of space and resources, enabling them to play independently.

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Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would meet 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 two actions to improve were raised. The childminder was asked to ensure all persons over the age of 16 years have undertaken a Criminal Records Bureau check and that she updates her understanding of the complaints procedure. She has informed Ofsted of all persons living on the premises and has details of the current complaints policy. As a result, the childminder has successfully improved the children's overall safety.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 knowledge of current child protection 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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