Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY361127 Unique Reference Number 21 April 2008 Inspection date Yvonne Victoria Facey Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2007. She lives with her family in Sheffield. Local shops, schools and parks are within walking or driving distance. Children have free access to the kitchen, playroom, downstairs toilet and hallway. Children have access to a fully enclosed area for outdoor play to the rear and side of the property. The childminder is a member of the Sheffield Childminding Association. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll. The childminder works with a co-childminder on a regular basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as they are cared for in clean and well maintained premises. Simple discussions are held with the children about how they keep themselves healthy. They follow effective daily routines to ensure personal hygiene needs are met. Hands are washed regularly throughout the day and individual towels are provided, limiting the risks of cross-contamination. Children are protected from infection because the childminder has a clear

p.2

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 sickness policy that is shared with parents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and keeps accident and medication records as required. The childminder ensures she is aware of any special diets or allergies through discussions with parents. Children benefit as they are provided with a good range of healthy snacks and meals each day. The childminder encourages them to try different foods and offers healthy items such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Children have access to regular drinks mainly water and milk.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children have lots of opportunity for fresh air and exercise which contributes to their good health. They enjoy visits to the local park , playgroup and soft play area. They have access to a wide range of equipment that promotes their physical development such as skipping ropes, sit and ride toys and sea-saws.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit as they are cared for in a well organised home environment, which has been made safe and secure. They have access to a designated play room where they have plenty of space to play. The play room is very child orientated with displays of children's work and equipment stored at their level for easy access. The childminder ensures that resources are suitable for the ages of children cared for and risk assessments are carried out to ensure that all equipment is safe. The childminder supervises children well as they play indoors and outdoors.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about fire safety as they practise fire drills with the childminder and appropriate fire equipment is in place. They regularly practise the Green Cross Code and understand safety rules, such as holding hands and staying together when on outings. Children are protected as the childminder has a suitable knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. She has a detailed written policy in place and has contact numbers for the relevant agencies if concerns arise. She is in the process of developing her knowledge further to include new legislation regarding safeguarding children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder as she provides a very good range of developmentally appropriate and interesting play activities. Children enjoy crafts, painting and dressing up activities. They use their imaginations well and the childminder uses good questioning skills to make them think. For example, a child explains that she is going on the bus shopping, the childminder ask her where she is going, to which she replies 'to France on the pink bus'. All children, including very young children are eager to learn. For example, a toddler chooses a book and sits on the sofa alone reading to himself.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning as they play, because the childminder provides many stimulating and fun activities for them to enjoy. The childminder is very aware of the children’s different stages of development and provides resources and activities to suit. Children enjoy a good relationship with the childminder, who is sensitive to their individual needs and meets these well. For example, the childminder recognises when children need support during activities. The childminder uses observations and children's interest to influence her planning . As a result children's individual needs are met well. She plans themes that are interesting and adapts them well to include all children. Children play well together and include the childminder into their play, they laugh together and enjoy a warm and caring relationship with her.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals, which helps to give them a sense of belonging. They are able to experience a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity through the some resources. However, the selection is basic to fully secure the children's understanding of our wider world. Children do have good opportunities to learn about the local community as they visit places of interest. For example, they visit the park and the library.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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, therefore, are learning to show care and concern for each other. The childminder ensures information is obtained from parents and used to meet the needs of their children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

She shares good information with parents about her provision so that very positive links are formed between them. This benefits the children who feel secure within her home. She ensures parents receive daily information about the care provided for their children and the activities completed. Theses include children's progress and the theme they are completing in order for parents to join in their children's learning. The childminder is aware of the complaints procedure and shares this with parents. However some detail is not included as a result parents are not full informed of the complete procedure.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel settled and content within the childminders home, which provides an organised environment where children can play, rest and eat. Information is shared with parents on a regular basis in the form of verbal and written communication. Parents have access to the policies available for all aspects of practice. The childminder has a very good awareness of children's developmental needs, which ensures that she plans activities appropriately, taking into consideration the ages of children she cares for. She ensures children enjoy a stimulating environment where they play happily and feel contented. The childminder enhances her knowledge and skills by attending relevant training.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted which required the provider, or Ofsted, to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • further develop knowledge of the complaints policy and safeguarding • develop the range of resources which reflect diversity to further enhance children's understanding of the wider world.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5