Childminder in Sheffield

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 300301 Inspection date 20/01/2009 Inspector Karen Cockings

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1996. She lives with her two grown up children in a suburb of Sheffield, within walking distance of local schools, parks and other amenities. The house is accessed via a level path, with a step to the front and rear doors. The ground floor rooms are used for childminding and the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She currently minds six children in the early years age group and seven older children. They attend for a variety of sessions. She is included on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a level 2 qualification in early years practice.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder plans stimulating activities, based around children's interests, to help them to make good progress in their learning. She actively promotes children's safety and welfare, working effectively with children to raise their own awareness of hygiene and safety issues. Close liaison with parents enables her to meet children's individual needs successfully, and there are good links with other settings involved in children's care. Most record keeping systems are maintained well, although risk assessments lack necessary detail and some policies have not been reviewed and updated. The childminder evaluates her practice effectively, accurately targeting areas for further development.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 review and update policies to ensure they reflect current regulations and are specific to the setting  consider further ways of involving parents in their children's learning and enabling them to contribute to their development records.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 maintain a record of risk assessments for the indoor and outdoor environment (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 28/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to the continuous improvement of the service she provides. She attends relevant training to develop skills and knowledge, including working currently towards the attainment of a level three early years qualification. In response to the recommendation made at her previous inspection, she developed the provision made for the younger children in her care by attending a 'Birth to three matters' course and using new ideas, such as the promotion of exploratory play through the use of treasure baskets, to enhance play experiences for this age group. She makes good use of self- evaluation systems to help her to reflect upon her practice and to identify areas for future development, taking into account also the views of parents and children.

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provision

There is a strong partnership with parents, which enables the childminder to meet children's individual needs successfully. She ensures that information is shared with them about the service and that clear arrangements are made about children's care. Through daily discussions and the sharing of photographs and children's folders, parents are kept well informed about their children's progress. However, opportunities for them to contribute formally to these records are not yet fully developed. Good links with other settings involved in children's care, such as the local pre-school and nursery, help to promote continuity of care and the development of their learning experiences. The childminder provides a welcoming and inclusive setting, where careful consideration is given to the support of children with additional needs.

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provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She ensures that her knowledge is routinely updated and is confident to follow the appropriate procedures, should she have any concerns. Required records, policies and procedures are in place and generally maintained well, to promote children's safety and well-being. The childminder has completed written risk assessments for specific outings, but she does not have clear recording systems for the assessment of risks within the home and garden, which is a breach in requirements. She does, however, carry out daily checks of the premises before children arrive and importantly, she gives high priority to raising children's awareness of dangers and teaching them to use the environment and equipment safely.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. She interacts warmly with them, helping them to make good progress in their learning and development. They enjoy a varied range of toys and play materials, which are stored accessibly in clear boxes, labelled with word and picture, to promote independent choices. Resources are used imaginatively, capturing children's interest and encouraging their learning. For example, the childminder has made a 'nature bingo' game which the children play when they are out and about in the local area. They hunt for items on their card to see who can complete it first, developing their observation and matching skills. Coco, a small cuddly puppet, is used effectively to help This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children to communicate, share feelings and listen to others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy creative and sensory play experiences as they help to make a corn flour mixture, watch it dribble from their spoon and sprinkle it onto their toy animals like snow. They say the flour 'looks like fur', and are interested in the photographs of polar bears and walruses in the books the childminder has put nearby for them. She introduces them to new vocabulary and brings number, shape and colour naturally into their play and conversation. They compare the 'big and little' animals and look at the size of their tusks and feet. Older children make a simple graph together to show which types of cheese are the favourites within the group. They become active, independent learners as they use books to find out information, access the computer or play with an electronic robot game. They learn about nature and the world around them because they go on interesting local outings. They help to make hanging baskets and make special containers to catch

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

water for their plants. A favourite event is the sports day in the holidays, an occasion jointly planned with another childminder, and which involves children in a variety of physical activities suited to their ages and abilities. They all receive home-made certificates and medals to acknowledge their achievements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is making good use of the Early Years Foundation Stage materials to guide her planning of activities. She observes the children at play to help her to identify children's interests and the support they may need to enable them to make the next steps in their learning. All of the children have their own folders where observations, photographs and examples of their work are stored. Older children often like to bring things they have made at home to add to their own folder. The childminder identifies the consolidation of her practice in relation to the new requirements as an area for further development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and welfare are effectively promoted within the setting. They go out in all weathers, have fun splashing in puddles, or playing on large equipment in the park. They enjoy healthy meals and snacks and are involved as much as possible in their preparation. For example, they gather and cut up fruit from the garden to make a plum crumble or fruit kebabs. The childminder nurtures their growing independence by teaching them how to handle knives safely, and to look after themselves and each other during outings. Children are encouraged to take some responsibility and to consider the needs and feelings of others, so that they learn how to play cooperatively together and enjoy each other's company. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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