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 300189 Inspection date 07/08/2009 Inspector Karen Cockings

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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 1991. She lives with her husband and adult son in a suburb to the south west of Sheffield. The house is within walking distance of local schools, parks and other amenities. The ground floor rooms of the house are used for childminding and the bathroom and front bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a dog and two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She currently minds five children in the early years age group and 10 older children, who attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder is also included on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a local childminder support group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has developed clear systems for observing children as they play to help her in planning for their future learning. She works in partnership with parents, sharing information effectively with them. The childminder is supportive where there are additional needs. She demonstrates a firm commitment to continuous improvement, by accessing a wide range of relevant training and using self-evaluation to help her to identify areas for future development.

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further?

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

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further?

 review and develop risk assessments for outings, to take into account the nature of each specific outing and any particular hazards related to it  continue to encourage parents' contributions to children's records in order to involve them more fully in their children's learning. Also continue to develop partnerships with other settings involved in children's care  consider further ways of raising children's awareness and appreciation of similarities and differences.

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provision

The childminder makes good use of training opportunities to update her knowledge of childcare issues. She has given priority to familiarising herself with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has regular contact with her network coordinator for support and advice. Safeguarding training has also been prioritised since the last inspection. As a result, the childminder has a good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of her responsibilities in this area, with guidance materials readily available should she have any child protection concerns. She is using self- evaluation systems effectively overall to help her to reflect upon her practice and to identify ways in which she can improve further. Recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed well, which has improved outcomes for children. For example, in addition to updating her knowledge of child protection procedures,

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provision

she has made resources more accessible to children and developed clear procedures for dealing with complaints.

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provision

Documentation for the safe management of the provision is generally well organised and promotes children's safety and well-being. The childminder has adapted her medication policy, using guidance documents for reference. Risk assessment and daily checking systems help to maintain children's safety, although the records of risk assessments for outings are quite general and do not clearly specify the potential hazards attached to particular venues. The childminder makes careful assessments of children's levels of understanding with regard to dangers, so that she can make any necessary adaptations, such as the use of reins for some younger children near busy roads. During their outings, they learn how to cross roads safely and how they should behave when travelling by car.

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provision

The childminder builds strong partnerships with parents, which helps her to meet children's individual needs. Many parents have supplied very positive references, commenting particularly on her kindness and the flexible and caring approach she takes. Information about the service is communicated effectively through ongoing conversations and through the sharing of her handbook, policies and procedures. The childminder has introduced an 'All about me' form ,which she asks parents to complete about their children. This is included in children's development folders, and together with her own observations, helps her to form a picture of their interests and abilities. Children's records are shared regularly with parents, although the childminder would like to encourage more of their own contributions to this process, identifying this as an area for further development. She recognises that to promote continuity of care it is also important to build partnerships with

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provision

any other providers who work with her minded children. She takes note of any topics children are covering at school, so that she can extend activities at home, and is trying to develop links with other childminders where there is shared care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a comfortable and welcoming home, where they have easy access to a varied range of toys, books and play materials. The conservatory is dedicated to children's play, with toys set out attractively at child height to promote independent choices. Children also have use of other rooms on the ground floor and there is a large selection of games and puzzles for older children. The childminder seeks their views about new equipment so that she can provide resources that appeal to them and support their learning. She has recently extended her range of outdoor equipment to include interesting items, such as a wooden balancing toy and bucket stilts. The childminder acknowledges that she could incorporate more resources and activities to raise children's awareness of diversity and help them to appreciate similarities and differences. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a balanced range of activities, both indoors and outside the setting. They communicate very confidently as they introduce themselves to visitors and talk with excitement about starting school. Younger children use an old telephone to have pretend conversations and with easy access to pens, papers and drawing materials, they soon begin to develop early mark making skills. They roll and pat dough into shapes, or just explore how it feels and smells. Children use number in their play and access resources to develop counting and mathematical skills. For example, they play a number hopscotch game and use tape measures. They have regular opportunity to take part in outdoor activity, which helps to keep them fit and well. Older children organise games of basket ball in the garden, while younger ones enjoy the small slide or play in the sand and water tray. The childminder plans a number of outings in the school holidays, so that children get

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to know more about their local community. They visit the old bear pit in the Botanical Gardens or go to Endcliffe Park or Forge Dam, where they can play ball games or use larger equipment, such as slides and swings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a well established system of recording her observations of children. She brings children's development records up- to-date at the end of each week, reviewing how they are progressing and using her observations to identify the possible next steps in their learning. Included in children's folders are many photographs and examples of children's work. She is sensitive to any additional difficulties children may have and gives effective support to help them to participate fully.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder takes positive steps to protect children from the spread of infection. The environment is clean and comfortable and all policies and procedures are shared with parents, including the childminder's policy with regard to the care of sick children. Useful guidance materials are available for reference if necessary. Children are gently reminded about washing their hands after they have used the toilet and know why it is important to do so. The childminder aims to encourage healthy eating patterns although this is sometimes more difficult with older children who have their own preferences. Some parents opt to send packed lunches for their children, while for others the childminder provides meals and snacks, including fruit and yoghurts. She ensures she is well informed about any special dietary needs, liaising closely with parents where necessary. Children sit together sociably at meal times and are sometimes involved in baking and food

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

preparation activities, which provide good opportunities for learning. 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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