Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY390927 Inspection date 10/11/2009 Inspector Liz Whitehead

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 2009. She lives with her husband and children aged seven, six and four years, in a suburb of Sheffield. The ground floor and first floor bathroom and two bedrooms of the property are used for childminding purposes, and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has three guinea pigs.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder works Monday to Thursday during term-time only. She is registered to provide care for children on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of three children at any one time and two children overnight. She has four children in the early years age group on roll. The childminder takes and collects children from school and they access local groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is motivated and keen to ensure that children's needs are met well and as a result, children's progress in learning and development is good. She successfully reflects on her practice to maintain continuous improvement through effective self-evaluation. Most of the required documentation is in place and consistently implemented systems enhance children's health, safety and well- being. Links with other providers and parents are well developed, therefore outcomes for children are good.

p.4

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 request written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for all children. (Documentation) 24/11/2009

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve systems to ensure that written parental permission is obtained prior to administering medication to children.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how to safeguard the children in her care. She knows how to record and report any concerns in line with the Local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Safeguarding Children Board procedures and systems are in place to record existing injuries. Additionally, all adults living and working on the premises have undergone the required background checks. The childminder has a sound understanding of how to keep children safe and ensures that a first aid kit, blankets and a fire extinguisher are always available in the car, in case of emergencies. Her assessments of risks are recorded in detail and clearly identify all possible hazards to keep children safe indoors, outdoors and on outings.

p.4

the early years provision

All records and documents are in place, they are well organised and easily accessible and contain most of the required details from parents. However, written parental consent for medication and emergency medical treatment and advice is not consistently obtained and this does not fully meet regulations. The childminder regularly reviews her practice and seeks the views and opinions of children, parents and other professionals to ensure that she effectively promotes the outcomes for all children. She is proactive in sharing information and best practice with other child carers to establish successful networking within the local community. Internal and external resources are used well, for example, regularly visiting the library, park and woodlands to ensure that the children develop a good understanding of the local and wider community in which they live. Additionally, wildlife in the garden enhances children's awareness of the natural world.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are professionally managed and a wide range of written information is readily available, including policies and procedures which detail all aspects of the provision. Parental views and opinions are appreciated and valued, and are used positively to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the setting and to meet the individual needs of all children. Parents express their confidence in the childminder's ability to care and educate their children in a homely and stimulating environment. The childminder has a good understanding of the diverse backgrounds of the children she is caring for and works closely with parents to ensure that children feel fully included and valued, for example, learning key words in their home language.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The children's learning and development is well supported and enhanced in a language rich environment, particularly in quieter moments when they snuggle up with the childminder to browse a favourite book and listen intently as the story unfolds. Children are confident communicators and join in enthusiastically with the words and actions of familiar songs and rhymes. They have a good understanding of the natural world and explore the outdoor environment to discover insects during bug hunts and discussing seasonal changes and daily weather conditions.

p.5

and outcomes for children

During their everyday play the children make a positive contribution towards their own safety and care needs. They know to wash their hands after toileting and before they eat and are prompted to follow this routine through posters and recognising their individual towels. They are very familiar with how to leave the home in an emergency through regular rehearsals, and are becoming familiar with road safety and 'stranger danger'. Additionally, they use tools and equipment, such This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 as scissors safely. They are beginning to understand what is expected of them and they behave well. The childminder uses praise and encouragement to promote positive behaviour and sets realistic boundaries, consequently the children know how to share, take turns and be kind to their friends.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The children are becoming increasingly independent and the childminder actively involves them in day to day activities, such as clearing away toys and setting the table. Children have a real sense of belonging and are confident to make their needs known, for example, bringing their coat when they want to play outdoors. They feel really special and valued as they each have a treasure box to keep personal items which are precious to them. The children express their curiosity in insects during their play and the childminder skilfully extends this by organising a bug hunt in the garden, reading 'The Hungry Caterpillar' and providing resources for children to make their own butterfly pictures.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of how to support the children's learning and is confident to use the Early Years Framework to carry out regular observations which are clearly linked to the six areas of learning. This information is used effectively to plan for the next steps in children's learning and to identify individual learning needs and interests. Children's progress is recorded in individual files with written captions and photographs and are shared regularly with parents. Good links with other providers and settings, such as schools and the children's centre are in place to enhance children's care and learning and to ease the transition between settings. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8