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 EY294269 Inspection date 21/04/2009 Inspector Karen Ann Byfleet

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 11 and nine years. They live in Halfway, a large residential suburb in Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor of the premises, except for the office, is used for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The family have a cat. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she receives support from the local authority.

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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 three children on roll, of whom two are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. The childminder has sound systems in place to safeguard and protect the children in her care and the variety of activities and resources provided enables children to enjoy their time at the setting. Observations of children's learning have been implemented. However, the childminder has not started to link these observations to assessments of the children's learning and development around all the areas of learning. Therefore their progress and planning of the next steps in their learning is not fully effective. Inclusion is promoted as the childminder has formed strong, professional relationships with parents to ensure the children's individual needs are identified and met. The childminder has started to undertake evaluation of her provision. However, this is still in the early stages of development and does not yet identify any 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 assessments system to ensure all areas of learning are covered and that planning for the next steps in children's learning is effective develop further the evaluation system of the provision and identify areas for improvement.

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provision

Children's emotional and social skills are developing well, as the childminder has warm and caring attachments with them. The childminder places appropriate emphasis on ensuring that her practice is inclusive for all children and families. Children are supported in their play and the childminder engages with them, asking age-appropriate questions which contributes to their learning. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder provides a warm, welcoming and child friendly environment in which children have access to a good range of age-appropriate resources, and the childminder engages with the children in their freely chosen play.

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provision

All required documentation is in place and is well-organised. Written policies and procedures are in place to ensure the safe management of the setting and these are all shared with parents. Records relating to accidents and the administration of any medication are in place and written consents from parents are obtained before any medication is administered. The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of how to protect children and has attended up-to-date training in child protection. Actions raised at the last inspection have all been addressed as she has devised and implemented an effective written risk assessment of the premises and outings which she reviews regularly to ensure hazards to children are minimised. A complaints procedure is now in place and parents have been copy of this for their reference. Although the childminder has started to evaluate her provision, it is still in the early stages of development.

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provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents. All policies and procedures are shared with them and they are provided with detailed information about the setting as well as the local community. Daily diaries are completed which show parents what the children have been doing and what they have enjoyed. Parents are encouraged to comment in the dairies ensuring there is a two way flow of information. Children's work is displayed in the childminder's home, giving them a sense of belonging. Files of their work are also kept and shared with parents. Links with other settings, where children in the Early Years Foundation Stage attend, have been formed and are used effectively to ensure continuity of care and help with monitoring the progress of children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled within the childminder's care. Their safety is paramount as the childminder ensures the premises are kept secure and all toys and resources are clean and well-maintained. Children know and follow general hygiene procedures as they wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Dietary needs are met and healthy snacks are provided for the children. For example, they enjoy fresh fruit, toast and vegetable sticks. Parents provide the children with packed lunches which are stored appropriately, although the childminder is happy to provide meals for children if parents wish. Children are learning how to stay safe as the childminder talks to them about road safety when they are out and about. An emergency evacuation plan is in place and this is practised with the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder engages fully with the children and has a warm and caring relationship with them. She allows the children to freely choose what activities they would like to play with and also plans some creative and outdoor play into the day. Children are confident as they tell the childminder what they are doing. For example, when using the tools in the playdough they show the childminder how they can cut out shapes and use the scissors to cut it. Children enjoy visits into the local community and attend the local childminding group most mornings where This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they socialise with other children and childminders. It is at the childminding group where children have access to information technology such as computers. Children know their colours and can identify objects on an alphabet poster. For example, when the childminder points to certain objects such as umbrella, heart, queen and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

snake the child easily names these. They participate in baking activities within the childminder's home and enjoy outdoor activities which promote their physical development such as ball games, trampoline, climbing and balancing. There is a suitable balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities and the childminder has started to undertake written observations to help her identify the children's progress. However, systems for planning the next steps in their learning and assessing their progress around the six areas of learning, are not fully in place. Therefore children's progress is satisfactory. 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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