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 EY339434 Inspection date 27/08/2009 Inspector Carolyn Gifford

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and four children aged 10, seven, four and 15 months old at Halfway in Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding, which includes a lounge, dining room, playroom, kitchen, hallway and downstairs toilet with hand washing facilities. The premises are accessible via a level driveway and one step to the front door. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

Local schools, play areas and shops are within walking distance.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years old at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, two of whom are in the early years age group. Children attend for varying days and times.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Registers. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Description of the childminding

The provider works in partnership with other settings providing the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is inadequate. The childminder is in breach of her conditions of registration, as she has not informed Ofsted of significant events as soon as reasonably practicable, or in any event within 14 days of the event occurring. The provider is caring for more children than her conditions of registration allow, as she did not inform Ofsted when she gave birth to her youngest child in May 2008, and when major extensions to the premises were taking place. This compromises children's overall welfare. The childminder does offer a fully inclusive childcare service and has a sufficient knowledge and understanding of the EYFS. However, planning systems are basic and not all of the relevant written parental consents are in evidence.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the early years provision requires significant improvement. The registered person is given a Notice to Improve that sets out actions to be carried out.

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further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

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further?

 ensure that Ofsted is informed within 14 days of significant events that affect the childminding. (Suitable people) (also applies to both parts of the 27/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childcare register) To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 further develop planning systems to include activities that meet the individual needs of children and link activities to the six areas of learning  request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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provision

The childminder does not demonstrate a sufficiently good enough understanding of effective leadership and management, as she is in breach of her conditions of registration. However, she understands her role and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children, and knows the procedure to follow in the event of having concerns about children in her care. She helps children to learn to keep themselves safe, as she discusses road safety when on routine outings. Carefully considered risk assessments are undertaken and appropriate action taken to minimise risks to children, so that they are cared for in a safe and secure environment. However, because the childminder is caring for more children than her conditions of registration allow, children's overall safety and welfare is compromised.

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provision

Some improvements have been made since the last inspection, and the childminder has taken appropriate action to comply with the recommendations made. For example, she has improved her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and now practises emergency evacuation with children, which effectively contributes to keeping children safe. The childminder does evaluate her childcare service and identifies areas for further improvement. She accesses relevant training opportunities to enhance her childcare service, and extends her knowledge and understanding of how young children learn and develop.

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provision

The childminder has a basic knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, and provides age appropriate activities and resources that enable children to make steady progress towards the early learning goals, given their starting points. She does makes regular observations of children, However, planning systems are weak and observations do not always feed clearly into planning to link activities to the six areas of learning for individual children.

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provision

The childminder works in partnership with parents and other setting providing the EYFS and discusses children's individual needs with parents at the admission stage. Most of the relevant written parental consents are in evidence. However, the childminder does not have evidence of written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, which means that children's general welfare needs are not met. There are appropriate policies and procedures in place and the childminder gives copies to parents, which ensures they are fully informed and involved with the childcare. 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 are cared for in a welcoming, clean and comfortable environment where they are at ease and enjoy a warm and friendly relationship with the childminder. Children are confident with each other and with the childminder, and their self- esteem is promoted through effective use of praise and encouragement. Behaviour is generally good and children learn to share, take turns and cooperative in their play with appropriate levels of support and guidance from the childminder. For example, when children choose to play a 'matching' game, they discuss the rules of the game and how to fairly decide who goes first. The childminder uses good questioning techniques to encourage children to develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills. For example, when a child asks the childminder to make 'steps' with the construction bricks, the childminder encourages the child to consider what they need and how they need to position the bricks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Resources are easily accessible, which effectively encourages children to make choices about their play. There is a varied range of good quality resources including books, musical instruments, mark-making materials, role play items, jigsaws and messy play opportunities. The childminder knows the children well and provides for their individual needs, as she discusses their interests, likes and dislikes with parents when they first start. Children's dietary needs are met well and the childminder promotes healthy eating by giving children fresh fruit and vegetables, and talking to them about the benefits of good food and exercise, which effectively contributes to children developing a healthy lifestyle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Policies and procedures that underpin important elements of the childcare are in place and shared effectively with parents. All children are included and the childminder demonstrates a sufficient understanding of the areas to consider when caring for children with special educational needs or disabilities. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene and learn to manage their own needs with appropriate support from the childminder. For example, children show some understanding of the reasons why they need to wash their hands before meals, after touching animals and going to the toilet. Necessary steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection, and appropriate procedures are in place if children are ill whilst in the care of the childminder. 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 qua lity 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? 3 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? 4

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 4 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report 27/08/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. 27/08/2009

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