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 EY279014 Inspection date 05/05/2009 Inspector Sarah Gilpin

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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 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 2004. She lives with her daughter aged five years old in Sheffield. Local shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. Children have access to all downstairs rooms, including dining and kitchen, conservatory and lounge, with upstairs access to the bathroom. There is a secure area of the rear of the property for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Care is provided between 07.30 and 18.00, Monday to Friday throughout the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school, and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the local childminding group and the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The quality of the provision is good. The childminder works hard to ensure that children's individual care and learning needs are known and met. She has a system to observe and assess what the children know and can do, which she is beginning to use to inform the planning of activities. A good range of resources and fun activities are provided for all children, which helps them to make good progress in their learning given their starting points. There is a wealth of information for parents to share in and links are developing with other care settings to ensure children's care is consistent. The childminder has used the Ofsted self-evaluation form to reflect on her practice, and through this process she has identified areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 consider ways of ensuring that the children's parents and carers are in agreement with the links and discussions with other care settings.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the links between observation, assessment and planning including some evaluation of the impact on children's learning and development (Learning and development). 19/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder uses her secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure that the policies and procedures she puts into practice meet requirements, which means that the children's welfare is supported effectively. For example, the risk assessments for the premises are comprehensive because the childminder has a good understanding of how to assess risks to children and take action to minimise hazards. She shows a good understanding of the potential risks to children when on outings, and keeps a record of the risk assessments she makes. The children are protected because the childminder is keen to continue to improve the provision for them and seeks opportunities to attend training, such as, a safeguarding course that keep her up to date with current practice. She has made good use of the Ofsted self-evaluation form, and through this process she has identified the need to continue to develop the resources for the children and

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provision

develop the planning and assessment system. She routinely seeks the views of parents through the use of questionnaires, and follows up any queries they have to ensure she works in close partnership with them. In addition, the childminder has dealt with the recommendations from the last inspection, which shows her ability to improve the provision further.

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provision

The childminder uses a relatively new system to observe what the children do each time they are in her care; this includes general observations and more focused monitoring of specific planned activities, all of which contribute to the assessment folders. Through this process the childminder is beginning to gain an understanding of each child's individual stage of development. She recognises that this particular assessment system is developing, and is aware that it requires further evaluation to securely identify the next steps for each child's individual learning. She effectively uses information gathered from parents when the children first enter the setting to become familiar with their starting points. Activity planning is linked to the children's interests, the seasons and cultural celebrations and provides children with a varied range of hands on play experiences, which contributes to their good progress. Parents and carers share in their children's

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provision

learning because information is displayed for them and the assessment records are shared. The childminder is establishing good links with the other care settings that the children attend, she has discussed this with the parents but does not have documentary evidence of their agreement or these conversations.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are very happy and well settled in the care of the childminder. She is well organised and provides a child-centred environment where they can choose from the resources made available to them. The conservatory is set out with low tables, shelving and labelled boxes of equipment, which the children can easily and safely access for themselves. The childminder uses her time well to ensure that all of the children are able to engage in the planned activities, and have chance to play freely with resources most suited to their age and stage of development. She successfully helps the children to develop their awareness of the safety of themselves and others, through clear reminders about taking care when playing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with small pieces and through discussions about road safety on the journey to and from school. Praise and encouragement are given freely, which helps to raise the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children's self-esteem and helps to make them feel proud of their achievements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children's communication skills are developing because they are listened to and participate in detailed conversations with the childminder. She skilfully extends their thinking and challenges their learning by asking them open ended questions, for example she keeps probing as the older child talks at length about who competed in the world snooker championships. She uses more simple sentences when engaging with the younger child to ensure he understands what is being asked of him. They show a good awareness of numbers and counting, there are tape measures for them to calculate the distance cars travel, and the children use a calculator to add together '33 and 33 to make 66'. The children are helped to develop their hand-eye coordination through activities where they build cars with small pieces, and use beads and bobbins for threading. They learn about the world around them through going on outings in the local area and through resources,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

such as, books about different people. The children practice and refine their creative skills when they engage in painting and craft activities. The childminder uses suitable children's television programmes to provide children with a relaxing quiet time during the day.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children learn about healthy eating from the childminder who provides them with meals and snacks that meet their individual dietary needs, as well as their likes and dislikes. Their snack consists of fresh fruits, such as bananas. There are many opportunities for the children to enjoy fresh air and exercise, the outdoor area is adjacent to the conservatory, which allows the children free-flow play. The children demonstrate an understanding of good hygiene, and when asked they eagerly clean their faces and hands after their lunch. All of which contributes to them enjoying positive outcomes in their health and welfare. The children are learning about safety through routines for fire evacuation and because the childminder talks to them about keeping safe. 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

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