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 300664 Inspection date 16/12/2008 Inspector Pauline Garfield

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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 2000. She lives with her son aged 13 in Hackenthorpe, Sheffield. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

There are three places for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers one place for children aged between six and seven years before and after school: this provision is registered on the Childcare Register. Children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding one child in the early years group, and two children on the Childcare Register on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a pet dog, rabbit and a hamster.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a secure knowledge of the children in her care, and provides appropriate activities to help them make progress in their learning and development. Children's individual needs are fostered as the childminder is aware of their capabilities and plans accordingly, promoting their welfare. The childminder has completed a 'truthful and accurate' self-evaluation which identifies most areas for improvement including developing planning and assessment systems. This ensures that children's needs are sufficiently addressed and that there is scope for improvement. Appropriate links with parents and other settings help to maintain continuity of care for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop planning and asessment systems  reveiw risk assessments to ensure hazardous materials under the sink are made safe or inaccessible  involve parents in developing the selection of healthy and nutritious foods and snacks for children.

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provision

The childminder has addressed the recommendations from the last inspection and ensures parents are informed of her child protection responsibilities. She has also obtained written consent for children to have contact with the family pets. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder plans a range of activities according to their needs and is beginning to develop observations for children, which include planning 'what next' for children. However, planning and assessment systems are not directly linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. The childminder is currently working towards a level 3 qualification in Children's Learning and Development, and is seeking help and advice to ensure planning and assessment systems are improved.

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provision

The childminder recognises children's uniqueness and provides sufficient resources which are age and developmentally appropriate. She has an understanding of safeguarding children and has recently attended safeguarding training. Written risk assessments are in place and daily checks are made on the home. However, they do not identify how hazardous materials which are kept under the sink in the kitchen will be made safe or inaccessible. The childminder's self-evaluation recognises strengths and weaknesses of the setting and areas to develop. The childminder offers children crisps, biscuits and fruit for snack and recognises that involving parents in developing the selection of healthy and nutritious foods and snacks will promote the good health and well-being of children.

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provision

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents. Parents are given copies of policies and procedures which are reviewed regularly. The childminder takes time to talk to parents about their children's day and shares daily dairies and observations with them. This enables parents to be involved with their children's progress, learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder knows the children well and gives them one-to-one attention. She promotes children's individual learning through everyday activities and games, such as counting steps when going upstairs. Children seek to be looked at and approved of and the childminder comforts young babies when they awake from their sleep. Children explore their surroundings and use variety of resources, such as an 'activity cradle'. They communicate in a variety of ways including crying, gurgling, babbling and squealing.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder sings nursery rhymes to young children to comfort them, such as 'Twinkle, twinkle little star'. She encourages children's early writing skills and children reach for and grasp toys and equipment. Children explore objects and materials with their hands and mouth. They make movements with arms and legs and thrive on warm physical contact. Children respond to familiar sounds and turn towards the childminder when she speaks. The childminder promotes children's physical skills through a range of activities and resources, such as construction bricks, rattles and jigsaws.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to develop good habits and behaviour and are rewarded with praise, encouragement and stickers on a star chart. Children are encouraged to respect each other and learn about people from other cultures, through activities and celebrating religious festivals and celebrations from around the world. The childminder talks to children about keeping safe when on outings or being collected from school. The emergency evacuation of the premises is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 regularly practised and recorded in a log. The childminder teaches children to understand the benefits of physical activities and encourages them to take part in activities, such as 'musical dress up' and sports day. She has made links with other providers and attends the local parent and toddler group to share good practise ideas. 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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