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 300611 Inspection date 12/06/2009 Inspector Tracey Jane Outram

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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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her partner and their son aged 12 years. The family live in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in a well- established residential area close to local shops, schools and play areas. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding; children do not use the first floor of the home except to use the bathroom. Children have access to a fully enclosed area for outdoor play to the rear of the property.

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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 three children in this age group and she also offers care to two children aged over five years. She is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is extremely friendly, welcoming and approachable. She uses her time effectively to interact with the children and offer them access to activities that are stimulating and appropriate to their individual interests, preferences and developmental stages. Partnership with parents is good and the childminder has a strong commitment towards the future development of the service through her attendance on training programmes arranged by the local authority.

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further?

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

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further?

 liaise with other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to provide minded children with continuity of learning and care  make plans for the continuous development of the service by the use of self- evaluation  enhance the systems of observation, planning and assessment for children in the early years age range.

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provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She provides a comprehensive range of records, policies and procedures, which underpin the safe and efficient management of the setting.

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provision

The children are safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of the child protection procedures including the indicators of child abuse and neglect. There are clearly defined procedures in place to record and report any concerns about children’s welfare, immediately, to the Local Safeguarding Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Board. The childminder is keen to ensure that children placed in her care remain safe, and as a result, she has completed thorough risks assessment of the premises and for outings. The environment is welcoming and hygienic; children have space to play indoors and outdoors in the secure and freely accessible garden. Due to the childminder’s good organisational skills, the children are supervised at all times and effective systems are in place for their safe arrival and departure from the premises.

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provision

The childminder takes positive steps to build strong relationships with the parents recognising the part they play as children’s primary educators. As a result, she aims to support the children’s development by establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships. She achieves this by talking with parents before children enter the setting and through negotiating the next steps in their learning and development. The childminder understands that positive relationships add to the children’s security and therefore she is flexible and willing to accommodate parent’s requests wherever possible. The process of self-evaluation is new to the childminder; however, she is able to critically reflect on her service and she accurately identifies areas for future development, such as the observations, planning and assessment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of children’s learning and development needs. She acknowledges each child’s uniqueness and makes plans to ensure that their individual interests and preferences are addressed through the provision of the activities and early years experiences. The childminder has systems in place to make observations of the children and make plans for the next steps in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder skilfully shares her time between children and ensures that each benefit from a balance of adult-led and freely chosen activities, which are incorporated in the daily routine through both indoor and outdoor play. For instance, toddlers are encouraged to enjoy the use of heuristic play materials, creative activities and music, all of which assist their confidence and sensory development. Older children have access to the same range of activities, but they are also helped to develop some of the skills, which support their transition to school. This includes being introduced to numbers, letters, measure and the concept of time. The childminder understands the importance of liaising with other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to provide minded children with continuity of learning and care. Consequently, she is in the process of developing links with the schools that the some children attend.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children have a strong sense of belonging in the care of the childminder who offers high-levels of praise and encouragement. The children have high levels of self-esteem and are extremely confident and happy. A particular strength of the service is the childminder’s commitment to encouraging the children to become skilled communicators. She provides activities that encourage them to talk and listen in order to build their vocabulary and promote language development. The children are keen learners and enjoy demonstrating what they know and can do. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The children have developed a firm attachment to the childminder who addresses their emotional needs very well. She is sensitive and ensures that the service she provides is free from discrimination and bias. The children are extremely well behaved and the ethos of the setting is one of calm and mutual respect. The

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children are helped to appreciate each other and deal with conflict in a positive manner. The children are helped to become independent and through everyday activities, they learn how to maintain their good health and safety. For instance, they learn about taking care of their physical needs, such as personal hygiene, eating a healthy diet and enjoying frequent exercise. Likewise, on outings, they are helped to learn about environmental dangers, such as roads, traffic, standing water and strangers. This helps the children to become aware of the wider world and prepares them for the future. 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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