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 300524 Inspection date 13/11/2008 Inspector Lynn Rodgers

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a semi-detached house, which is located in a suburb of Sheffield. The local bus service is easily accessible and the local school, shops and parks are within walking distance of the property. The whole of the ground floor of the premises, plus the first floor bathroom, is used for childminding. The outdoor play area is to the rear of the premises which is a fully enclosed, safe and secure. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round. The family have a pet rabbit, and a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and there are currently five children on roll, all in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. The childminder has a current relevant first aid certificate and has completed an approved basic childminders training course.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Inclusion of children is positively fostered, because they all have free access to toys and equipment and are able to make choices regarding what they play with. The childminder meets children's individual needs appropriately through good communications with parents, and by observing what the children like to do. Children participate with enjoyment, are confident with daily routines and show a sense of belonging. Partnership with parents is effective, daily communication between the childminder and parents ensures that there is a two way flow of information and shared knowledge of what children do and how they are cared for.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that low-level glass is made safe or inaccessible  include Oftsed's address and telephone number in the complaints policy and pass this information to parents  ensure all household waste is inaccessible to children. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 obtain written parental permission to leave an assistant in sole charge of the children at certain times (Early Years Register) 11/12/2008  implement a system for assessing and monitoring children's next steps (Organisation). 11/12/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has completed many relevant training workshops and continues to access further on-going training. For example, treasure baskets, advanced behaviour management, first aid, safeguarding children, family learning, planning and assessment, and every disabled child matters. The childminder regularly seeks the views of parents during collection and arrival times, which helps her to establish what children know and what they like to do. Documentation relevant to the setting is in place, clearly written and available to parents. Risk assessments are carried out and clearly documented. The planning of children's activities is very informal, with nothing written down to indicate what they do or their next steps, and how their progression is monitored. Some assessments of the children are partly recorded with photographic evidence included. Children’s information and personnel details are recorded and regularly reviewed with the parents, and

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provision

children's medical needs are met when appropriate.

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provision

The environment is safe and secure, all boundaries are in good repair and well maintained. The childminder has completed a relevant safeguarding children course and some improvements highlighted at the last inspection have been completed. However, there is still the issue of the internal glass doors to be addressed. Partnership with parents is good, relationships are fostered, and the childminder shares all relevant information and speaks to parents daily. Home learning is encouraged by the childminder and she passes on information, regarding what children are doing, and how they can re-enforce this by helping them at home. However, the childminder has not obtained written parental permission to leave her assistant in sole charge of the children at certain times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder talks to children about activities and outings that they have had, and what they want to do to more of. The children are encouraged to develop through a wide range of activities to stimulate and interest them. Photographs taken of children participating in activities are placed in their port folios and shared with parents. Children listen to music and enjoy dance and attend local play groups several times a week. Activities are not formally planned, however, photographic evidence suggests the children take part in a wide range of play situations. For example, outdoor play, planting seeds, water play, sand play, going for walks to the park and to local farm, creative play, collect natural objects for collage and paint with brushes, sponges, fingers. Children are learning to be healthy through a sensible and healthy diet, discussions take place regarding food that is good and bad for us, and children's personnel hygiene skills are developing. However,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

household waste is not inaccessible to the children at times, for example, waste bins overflowing.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Safeguarding children is met through keeping clear records containing details of authorised persons, parents know to tell her when someone else is collecting the children. The childminder has completed a relevant child protection course and is aware of the relevant procedures. Parents are aware of the childminder's duty to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 report any concerns she may have about a child. There is a written parent's complaints procedure and parents have access to this, however, the childminder has not included Ofsted's address and telephone number on this document. Details of any allergies and special diets are recorded on contracts and in children's records. The children learn about keeping safe through, discussions, holding hands, and crossing the road safely. Fire evacuation is regularly practiced and all children know what to do. Toys and equipment are regularly checked and cleaned.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning to share, take turns and be kind to one another. Regular praise and encouragement helps them to do this and raise their self-esteem. House rules are established and the childminder helps children to enjoy their learning, through a wide range of activities that are age appropriate and stimulating. Children have some say in what they want to play with and can freely access all toys and resources. However there is no clear indication of the early learning goals being worked towards and the childminder does not monitor the children's next steps from their starting points. She encourages the children to be active learners and offers them good support and stimulation. They have the opportunity to access fresh air and exercise and look at the local environment. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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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