Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300512 Inspection date 24 May 2005 Inspector Yvonne Victoria Facey

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been a registered childminder since 1998. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 11 years and aged 6 years. The family lives in mid terraced house. The property is situated within easy walking distance of the local schools, toddler groups, park, library and shopping centre. The areas of the home to be used for childminding includes the whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder is registered to care for four children at anyone time and currently has five on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to learn the importance of personal hygiene through good practice and daily routines. For example, they wash hands before meals and are encouraged to cover their mouth when coughing. Good policies and procedures are in place and are used effectively to ensure children are protected from the spread of infection. The home is also well maintained and clean enabling children to relax and learn in a pleasant environment. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities. Regular visits to parks and access to an outdoor play area allows children to develop their all round physical skills. Children have well established routines that ensures they can rest and sleep according to their needs. The childminder provides children with nutritious and healthy meals and snacks. She takes account of parent's wishes and children's choices so that individual dietary needs are met. Children are beginning to be aware of how healthy foods are good for

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Helping children to be healthy

them, through everyday conversations and because the childminder provides fresh fruit and raw vegetables which they enjoy. Mealtimes are relaxed and sociable events, where children sit together and engage in conversations with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment where risk assessments are made and safety equipment is in place according to their individual needs. They are able to move around safely both in doors and outdoors. Equipment used by children is safe and appropriate for their ages and abilities. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe. For example, they are encouraged to be careful when walking upstairs and no running indoors. The childminder ensures that she is able to provide good levels of supervision at all times including when on outings. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and policies are used effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The provision is good. Children are confident in a stimulating atmosphere that encourages them to develop new skills. They are interested in the activities provided and are able to choose independently. They are actively involved in every day routines that develops their skills and interest. For example, children help to prepare lunch and set the table. They have a variety of materials to explore and are praised for their achievements which they respond to positively. Children form good relationships with each other and the childminder enabling them to progress and develop their self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel at home and show a sense of belonging because they are familiar with routines and confident with the childminder. There are appropriate toys and equipment available for children of all ages and abilities. Children behave well and are beginning to show an understanding of right and wrong. There is a good partnership between parents and the childminder which enables children's individual needs to be met. Information shared between them about the care children receive is good. Children are able to talk about home experiences and incorporate them in their day. They are able to consider that they have different needs and have access to resources which reflect positive images of culture , gender and disability. The childminder continues to improve her understanding of equal opportunities to help develop children's awareness of diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good quality care because the childminder understands their needs and continues to access further training to improve and develop the service she provides. She has policies and procedures in place that she uses effectively to promote the care and welfare of children. Appropriate documentation is in place although the register lacks all the required information. The space is organised well to help children feel secure and ensures they receive a balanced range of activities and experiences. The day is planned around individual needs and adult to child ratios are maintained. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that the childminder kept the attendance register up-to-date and he children's outdoor play space secure. The childminder has made the outdoor play area safe by keeping the gate locked,

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 which contributes to the safety of the children attending the setting. She has rearranged her register but it still lacks all the relevant detail.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure daily records of attendance contains all required information. • continue to improve understanding of equal opportunities to help develop children's awareness of diversity.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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