Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY267627 Inspection date 04/09/2009 Inspector Karen Cockings

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 14 years old on the outskirts of Sheffield, within walking distance of local schools, parks and other amenities. The ground floor rooms and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years old at any one time, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years old. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. On occasions, she may work with an assistant or with another childminder in her registered premises.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and of Sheffield Childminding Network. She has a level 3 early years qualification.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder evaluates her practice effectively, is appreciative of support offered by advisors and keen to develop skills further through training. She takes positive steps to promote children's safety, welfare and development. Good use is made of resources within the local community, to provide a wider range of learning experiences. Most aspects of partnership working are strong, which helps to promote continuity of care for children and to meet their individual needs effectively.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop partnerships with other settings involved in children's care, and to involve parents as fully as possible in their children's learning  further develop the use of observations to identify learning priorities and plan for individual children  review and develop safeguarding procedures to include the measures to be taken if an allegation is made against the provider.

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the early years provision

Children's safety and well-being are promoted effectively at the setting. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 protection, having recently attended training to ensure she is fully up-to-date with current issues. She speaks confidently about the signs and symptoms that would concern her, and knows what action she would take. Her written procedures do not currently include information about the procedures she would follow if an allegation were to be made against her, although she is fully aware of the measures she should take in these circumstances. Thorough risk assessments are conducted and recorded, taking into account all areas of the home and garden, as well as outings and visits to specific venues. The childminder has good links with colleagues, working effectively when necessary with an assistant or co-

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the early years provision

childminder, who are familiar with her minded children. This helps to promote continuity for children and their families. Records, policies and procedures supporting the effective management of the provision are maintained well, and help to promote positive outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a service that is welcoming and inclusive. She ensures that toys and activities are accessible to all, and makes good use of incidental opportunities to raise children's awareness and appreciation of similarities and differences. For example, she discusses with children why some people may need a wheelchair to aid their mobility and about different forms of communication, such as signing. She takes advantage of children's own experiences, such as a holiday abroad or their contact with local families who are emigrating to encourage them to find out more about the wider world. She has some experience of supporting children with disabilities, through her occasional joint working with a colleague who has particular expertise in this area.

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the early years provision

Close liaison with parents helps to ensure that children's individual needs are met successfully. The childminder talks in depth to parents before children are placed with her, building up her knowledge of children's needs and interests. She shares her well presented information file with new parents, which ensures that they have a good insight into the way in which she operates her service. There is ongoing daily communication with parents about significant events, and about the progress children are making. Children's development folders are readily available and given to parents when children leave. Opportunities for involving parents in their children's learning and inviting their own contributions to children's records, are not yet fully exploited. However, the childminder actively seeks their views about her service through discussion and through the use of questionnaires. Parents speak very positively of the progress their children have made while in her care.

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the early years provision

The childminder recognises the importance of also working in partnership with other settings involved in children's care, although she acknowledges that she has stronger links with some local nurseries and schools than with others.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a firm commitment to the continuous improvement of her practice. She has attained a level 3 qualification since her last inspection, which, together with other forms of self-evaluation, has encouraged her to reflect upon what she does and ways in which she might further improve. She also values the support of local authority advisors and of her peers in the childminding network. The recommendation made at the last inspection has been addressed effectively, resulting in positive outcomes for children. The childminder manages her time and resources well, ensuring that children enjoy a varied range of worthwhile play and learning experiences. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They build trusting relationships with her, approaching her confidently when they need help and support. Parents particularly comment on their children's growing independence and social skills. The childminder supports this by recognising when young children are keen to do things for themselves and praising their achievements. They learn to share and to play cooperatively together because they have many opportunities to play with others, both in the childminder's home and when they visit local groups. Children love to look through their 'scrapbooks', pointing out special friends and recalling activities they have enjoyed together.

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and outcomes for children

The environment is well organised, secure and welcoming. Toys and books are set out on low window sills and in boxes within children's reach, so that they can make independent choices about their play. Younger children learn how to use resources safely as they play. The childminder also makes use of walks and outings to develop their awareness of road safety and of their own physical capabilities when using large equipment in parks and play areas. For example, they learn to climb and balance during their visits to a local setting, where they can access resources, such as a small climbing wall and slides. Regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise contribute to children's overall good health, which is further promoted through the provision of nourishing meals and snacks. Children are encouraged to try new tastes as they eat a selection of chopped fruits at snack time. They learn about foods that are good for them as they use vegetables in their pretend shop,

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and outcomes for children

or make collage pictures of different foods. They sometimes help with food preparation or go on strawberry picking outings.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children effectively as they play, helping them to make good progress in their learning. She successfully adapts activities to suit different age groups and interests. For example, she recognises that a younger child prefers the sensory experience of covering her hands with paint, while older children may like to design their own patterns and pictures. Regular observations of the children at play help her to identify their interests, and how she can support the next steps in their learning. She gathers these observations, photographs and examples of children's work together to compile an attractive record of their progress. Written plans provide a framework but do not yet clearly show links to her findings abut individual children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder talks and listens to children, nurturing the development of their own language skills. Younger children are confident to express their own needs, letting her know their preferences. They are interested in books and visit the library with her to choose new books and enjoy story time sessions. She also takes them to a 'mini-music' group, where they learn lots of songs and rhymes and use musical instruments. They re-enact familiar experiences in their role play, such as going to the supermarket and getting their dolls ready to go outside. Even the very young children show their knowledge of technology as they 'scan' items through This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the till, making a beeping sound as they have heard during their real life shopping trips. The childminder brings simple mathematics into their play as she encourages children to match the dolls' socks and to count. They begin to work out problems

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and outcomes for children

as they fit the train track together or use building bricks to make a bridge big enough for the train to pass through. Their understanding and appreciation of the world around them is fostered; they notice changes in the weather, help to make bird feeders and enjoy a visit to the local pet shop. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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