Childminder, Out-of school day care 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 300507 Inspection date 15/01/2009 Inspector Angela Howard

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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 son aged 16 years. They live in Halfway, a large village on the outskirts of Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently eight children on roll of which, six children are in the early year's age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, Compulsory and Voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminder's Association, the Mosborough Townships Childminder's Cooperative and the Sheffield Come First childminding network. She has a level three childcare qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

A top priority for the childminder is the welfare of children, she ensures she knows each child very well and works very closely with parents to ensure children develop a highly strong sense of belonging and that an inclusive service is provided. Children access a very varied and exciting range of experiences, which enrich their overall development. However, the planning of activities is not clearly recorded to show how the learning intentions will be achieved. Children participate eagerly and with enjoyment in a very safe and secure environment. Although the childminder has developed a very thorough risk assessment for the setting she has not formalised this for outings. Highly effective steps are taken by the childminder to evaluate her practice and this gives an accurate reflection of the 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?

 develop further the risk assessments completed for outings  develop the use of observations to formalise the planning of activities linked to children’s individual learning needs to show how the learning intentions will be achieved.

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provision

The environment is planned very well so that children can choose what they want to do from a wide range of interesting resources, natural material's and exciting activities. Children use an abundance of toys and equipment including every day household items, that are of good quality and safe. The childminder treats everything that happens as an opportunity for children to learn showing that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children are at the heart of all that happens. She listens attentively and responds to children sensitively. This enables children to feel valued and encourages them to make good progress in all areas of learning. A strong sense of participation and belonging promotes a very inclusive service where a 'can do' attitude is promoted.

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provision

Child safety is a high priority for the childminder. She effectively uses well documented policies and procedures, and monitoring of practice is rigorous. The childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities and is very careful about assessing potential risk and taking effective steps to prevent accidents, while allowing children some independence and freedom to discover and learn about safe practice. Although the risk assessments for the premises are very thorough and a lot of thought goes into the preparation for outings, no formal risk assessment record of any outings are completed. The childminder's knowledge about safeguarding procedures is good. She has up-to-date knowledge of signs and symptoms of possible abuse and the correct procedures to follow.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the strengths of the setting and areas for improvement showing a clear sense of purpose and direction. She is committed to continuous improvement, by developing her knowledge, reflecting on her practice, attending training and applying what she learns to enhance outcomes for children. She therefore, has good knowledge and skills in promoting children's welfare and supporting their learning development. From the outset of a placement the partnership with parents is given high priority by the childminder. She ensures that she promotes a system that values communication and creates a sense of belonging for both parents and children. Home visits take place to reassure parents and to arrange a smooth transition to the setting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder understands how children learn and engages children enthusiastically in challenging activities encouraging them to reach achievable targets, building their self-esteem and confidence. The structure to the day and the planning of activities is flexibly and tailored to children's individual needs and interests. Where ever possible children are actively involved in planning activities. However, the records of the planning of activities is not sufficiently clear to show how the learning intentions will be achieved. This is because most of the planning for children's individual learning needs is mostly verbal. Medium term planning is in written form linked to themes for the year, which children help to decide will be covered. These plans are very detailed and cover all six areas of learning. For example, the theme Easter, children make candle holders, book marks, wooden spoon rabbits and Easter bonnets. They visit church and make pictures about the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

festival of Easter. This is then linked to seasons, spring time and new life, looking at the frog spawn life cycle and painting with spring colours. Children's progress is good relative to their starting points and is consistently and rigorously monitored.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Consistent very positive interaction enables children to feel secure and help them thrive in their learning. For example, babies begin to realise they have influence on people around them. They want picking up and shout out, then giggle and smile as the childminder picks them up. She spends a great deal of time talking, laughing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and having lots of eye contact with babies, encouraging them to explore their hands and toes. She explains what she is doing which encourages children to link word with actions. Even when the babies do not have direct attention the childminder explains what she is doing, getting a bottle, finding a bib she responds positively to the sounds babies make cooing and squealing. The childminder puts interesting toys that make sounds, such as crinkly sounds near to the baby. They are encouraged to make movements with their arms, legs and hands reaching out

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

slowly touching the toy and show delight at their achievement. Babies grip the childminder's fingers, pulling her hands and show how relaxed they are snuggling in to go to sleep, reaching up to be picked up and touching the childminder's face as she feeds them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The child friendly environment allows children to explore and take risks while being appropriately supervised. Therefore, children move around freely and are protected from harm. Children's health is promoted very well due to the good steps taken to promote children's understanding of personal hygiene and the brushing of teeth after meals to keep them healthy. They are provided with a wholesome, nutritious and balanced diet which they sometimes shop for, help to prepare and cook. They make good progress in their physical development due to the good opportunities for physical play. Children delight in attending the setting. 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 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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