Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY369634 Unique Reference Number 17 June 2008 Inspection date Carolyn Gifford 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 was registered in 2008. She lives with her family at Halfway in Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outside play. The family has a pet cat.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children, and she takes children to local parks, play areas and the library.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder works with a co-childminder. When working alone, the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old at any one time and is currently minding two children under eight years old. When working with a co-childminder she is registered to care for a maximum of eight children under eight years.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have regular opportunity for exercise and fresh air as the childminder takes children on walks to local pre-school groups, parks and play areas, which effectively contributes to keeping them fit and healthy. Time for rest and relaxation is incorporated into the daily routine and the childminder discusses children's routines with parents, which ensures that children's individual needs are met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of good hygiene practices and children learn about personal hygiene through everyday routines. They show some understanding of the reasons why they need to wash their hands at certain times, which helps to extend their knowledge and contributes to their general well-being. The majority of relevant written consents from parents are in evidence, however, there is no written parental consent for taking photographs or administering first aid or sun cream, which compromises children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of promoting healthy eating and offers fresh fruit to children at snack times. Children confidently talk about and identify food which is good for them, which shows they are developing a sound knowledge and understanding of healthy eating.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and very child-friendly environment. The childminder organises space and resources well to reduce potential hazards and actively promote independence. Children use a broad range of good quality toys and resources that meets safety standards, helping them to enjoy a wide variety of experiences safely. The childminder reviews resources on a regular basis to ensure that they remain safe and are suitable for the age and stage of development of the children attending.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant regarding the safety of children and completes a daily risk assessment before children arrive. She has taken appropriate steps to identify and minimise all potential hazards, which effectively contributes to keeping children safe. The childminder talks to children about personal safety and road safety when on routine outings, which helps to raise their awareness of safety both indoors and out.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very clear understanding regarding her role within child protection procedures, which effectively safeguards and protects children. She continues to extend her knowledge and understanding by accessing further training, which increases her confidence in her ability to protect and keep children safe.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and use equipment and resources well, which encourages them to spend their time purposefully and to learn as they play. The childminder uses appropriate questioning techniques and introduces concepts such as number, size and shape to help children learn to problem solve and develop their knowledge and

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 understanding. For example, when playing the 'shopping game' children are easily able to identify foods that are good for them and to describe items on the game cards and match them successfully.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are very good opportunities for children to explore their immediate environment, which builds on their natural curiosity as learners. The childminder considers each child's age and abilities when planning activities, which ensures that activities are suitably challenging and help children to make progress in all areas of their development.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language skills develop well as they talk about what they are doing and are able to communicate their needs and ideas. The childminder nurtures early communication skills as she responds to what young children say and do with smiles, lots of eye contact and by echoing their words. Children gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence as the childminder's consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to learn and develop what they can do and know when to ask for help.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show a strong sense of belonging and good levels of independence, curiosity and imagination, which the childminder encourages by ensuring that suitable resources are readily accessible. Children are able to progress because the childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and equipment that increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder offers an inclusive service for all children and shows a very good understanding of the areas she would need to consider to care for children who have learning difficulties or disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Good communication and welcoming routines show that there are positive relationships between the childminder and parents. The childminder respects children as individuals as she discusses their needs, including likes and dislikes, which effectively contributes to meeting children's needs and ensures that parents are actively involved. The childminder makes sure there is time each day to share the day's events with parents when they come to collect their children. She also maintains a daily diary for each child, which parents can take home and contribute to if they wish.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is good and the childminder discusses behaviour management with parents to ensure consistency of approach. The childminder uses appropriate behaviour management strategies and offers frequent praise and encouragement, which reassures children and promotes their confidence and self-esteem.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder maintains the required documentation and the majority of the relevant written parental consents, to ensure that the childcare service runs smoothly and that arrangements with parents are clear. She has a very positive attitude regarding where improvements can be made to enhance the childcare, and develops positive relationships with parents and children, which contributes to the effectiveness of the service.

p.4

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 Space and resources are organised to meet individual children's needs and flexible planning allows children to make choices and organise their own play, with the childminder supporting them to extend their play and learning.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

p.5

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.5

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): • request written parental consent to administer first aid and sun cream, and to take photographs of children.

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