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 501011 Inspection date 10/02/2009 Inspector Geneen Yvonne Hulse-Brown

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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 has been registered since February 2001. She lives with her family in a semi-detached property in Sheffield. The childminder has two children aged seven and 10 years. Local schools, shops and parks are within walking distance.

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Description of the childminding

Children have access to all downstairs rooms including kitchen, dining room and lounge, with upstairs access to the toilet, bathroom and all bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed area for outdoor play to the rear of the property. Premises are accessible via two steps to the front door. The family have a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered for the care of five children under the age of eight years and is presently caring for five children in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She holds National Vocational Qualification level 3 in Childcare and Education. She meets regularly with other childminders and has started to establish links with other childcare providers.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder’s excellent knowledge of the children in her care enables her to plan an extensive range of activities tailored to their individual needs. Exciting activities stimulate and challenge them to attain new skills and undertake fresh experiences as they extend their independence. Partnerships with parents, carers and other childcare providers effectively contribute to meeting all children’s needs. The childminder demonstrates a high commitment to continuous improvement by making comprehensive assessments of her strengths and areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to build upon the links established with other settings providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates an excellent awareness of Early Years Foundation Stage framework as she plans stimulating activities for all minded children. A clear strength of the setting is the childminder’s effective use of self-evaluation to identify her practice and highlight areas for development. The childminder has completed her National Vocational Qualification level 3 in Childcare and Education and coupled with her attendance on short courses, use of the library and internet effectively consolidates her knowledge and understanding. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Comprehensive policies and procedures successfully support the childminder’s working practice. She has a strong understanding of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children, which ensures that children remain safe and well protected. Parents and carers receive a wealth of information about the childminding service,

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provision

including contracts, permission forms, policies and procedures. They have established purposeful relationships, which in turn ensure consistent and effective sharing of children’s progress and achievements. Children’s individual records contain a wide range of information, including examples of their work and photographs of them undertaking numerous activities. The childminder’s observations of the children clearly identify the next steps in the learning process. Parents receive many opportunities to share their children’s achievements, by looking at records and seeing excellent photographic evidence of their children at play.

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provision

The childminder meets regularly with other childminders to review and develop their practice. She has started to develop links with local schools for older children to build on their experiences and share information. Younger children do not attend other provisions at this time and therefore systems are not established to show how they will complement each other to support children’s all-round development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play together in an inspiring environment, enthusiastically undertaking extensive stimulating activities, as they make excellent progress towards the early learning goals for all areas of learning. Routines are imaginatively planned and tailored to the individual child, as the childminder is proactive in following their ideas and interests. Freely accessible resources throughout the home allow children numerous opportunities to make active choices and become independent learners. The childminder sits with the children as she plays with them, successfully supporting them to develop new skills and extend their thinking. Excellent activities based on all areas of learning effectively promote children’s all round learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enthusiastically enjoy number, as they count out how many bowls are needed for snack and carefully slice up a banana into enough pieces for all the children. They use early problem skills as they make patterns, cut and shape play dough into squares, balls and sausages. Children confidently extend their vocabulary as they hold conversations with each other and adults alike. They listen intently to stories, joining in with familiar storylines. Children are very confident with visitors, including them in their games and exploring the laptop to see what happens when they press different keys. They are competent users of new technology as they investigate cause and effect toys.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s physical development and understanding of their environment flourish as they investigate indoors and outdoors with increasing motivation. They enjoy numerous outings to the museum, woods and explore climbing equipment. The childminder’s innovative use photographs on computer slide shows adds to children’s experiences as they excitedly recall outings, games and events. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 chatter about visits to a working museum, collecting frogspawn and seeking out mini beasts in the garden, showing wonder as they recall seeing a bearded dragon and playing out in the snow at home. Children are valued and respected, as they are learning how to manage their own behaviour, share and take turns. Consistent praise and encouragement from their childminder ensures they develop high levels of self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Effective use of topics regarding exercise and our bodies ensures the successful promotion of children’s health and well-being. The childminder talks to children about healthy eating and she demonstrates an extensive understanding of children’s specific dietary needs and allergies. Children receive many choices as they enjoy blueberries, rice cakes and grapes for snack and choose from a variety of sandwich fillings at lunch. The childminder completes comprehensive risk assessments to ensure a safe and secure environment for children. She sensitively reminds the children to take care when climbing and negotiating the stairs with increasing confidence, using language appropriate to their ages and understanding. Children are learning how to manage their own safety as they competently use knives to cut fruit and understand that they may cut themselves if they put them in their mouths. 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? 1 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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