Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY373474 Inspection date 03/02/2010 Inspector Lynn Rodgers

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 has been registered since 2008. She lives with her seven children, whose ages range from five to 17 years, in a detached house, in a suburb of Sheffield, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, the first floor toilet facilities and four children's bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area to the front of the premises. Care is offered Monday to Friday, plus weekends, all year round. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding one child in the early years age group. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder regularly meets with fellow childminders. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has a teaching assistants qualification, level 2.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provider demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of her strengths and areas for development, which effectively contributes to the ongoing improvement of the service. The childminder has identified her areas of strength and where improvements can be made. However, some of her documentation requires amending and updating, in line with the requirements. The system for risk assessment is not robust enough and the childminder does not display her certificate of registration whilst childminding. The childminder meets children's individual needs positively and gathers all relevant information from the parents to help her monitor their progress.

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further?

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

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further?

 reassess the safeguarding policy, to include the procedure for allegations made against herself or a family member (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) (also applies to the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register) 17/02/2010

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further?

 establish a more thorough system for carrying out risk assessments and keep a record of any hazards and the action taken. (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) (this also applies to the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register) 17/02/2010 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 display the certificate of registration when childminding is taking place.

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the early years provision

The steps taken to safeguard children are satisfactory. The childminder identifies dangers, takes steps to eliminate them and helps children to keep safe. There is a well written policy. However, this does not contain the procedure for any allegations made against the childminder or family members. There is a suitable system for recording any existing injuries, accidents or concerns regarding the children and parents are informed of the childminder's duty to report any such concerns. The system for carrying out risk assessments is not robust enough and does not identify any hazards or the action taken. The childminder self-evaluates her provision, through talking to parents and the children, asking for their views and suggestions, accesses training courses when she can and keeping up with any new legislation. The childminder shows ambition and wants to extend her practice, by having her two eldest daughters train to be childminders and work alongside

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the early years provision

her. She is hoping to convert her premises to a full day care setting in the future. Resources are effectively used, in good condition and suitable for the ages of the minded children. The children are able to access activities that are set out for their enjoyment, taking into account their interests. Most documentation is in place and available.

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the early years provision

The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity is satisfactory. The childminder treats all children as individuals, with equal care and concern. She does not offer any gender based activities. She promotes awareness of other cultures and religions. Children have free choice and access to all toys. The children are welcomed warmly and their individual needs established and met. The childminder talks to parents to find out what their children like and dislike. She uses this information to provide age appropriate play situations. Parents are fully informed about their children's day and she is flexible with regard to the hours of care that meet their individual lifestyles. Parents receive verbal and written information on a daily basis. All relevant information is gathered and documented, to ensure she meets children's individual needs and there is relevant information available regarding the procedures for making a complaint. The parent's contracts

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the early years provision

are appropriate and children's details are documented. The attendance register clearly indicates when children are present, however, the childminder does not display her certificate of registration when childminding. She has the necessary public liability insurance, has business insurance for the family vehicle and has completed a relevant first aid course for babies and young children. The childminder fully engages with the children and their parents and is already building positive relationship with the families she provides care for. She seeks and takes into account the views of parents and important issues. The children are involved in making decisions to some extent and there is a regular exchange of information. The premises are very clean and child friendly, with airy light rooms, offering plenty of free space, which is very well organised. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Overall, the children are making some progress in their learning and are beginning to settle and willing to take part in all activities. They are able to make some choices about what they do and show they feel safe when they are with the childminder. They are beginning to comply and understand health, safety and care routines. The children are beginning to adopt and understand acceptable levels of behaviour and know how to behave, care for and use the resources offered, however, sometimes need gentle reminders. Babies and young children are starting to develop a sense of security and confidence, due to the generally good interaction from the childminder. They are happy and settled, with growing confidence and independence. They are beginning to gain an understanding of diversity through everyday activities and experiences. Children are beginning to show some understanding about healthy lifestyles, as they follow appropriate

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and outcomes for children

personal hygiene routines, with support from the childminder. They enjoy healthy and nutritious foods, access fresh air and regular exercise. Their religious and dietary requirements are met.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to make some progress in communication and numeracy. They are developing co-operation skills and are able to negotiate with their peers and show an interest in what is around them, to support their future learning. The childminder has some knowledge and understanding of learning and development, as well as a reasonable range of resources to provide a sufficient range of activities and experiences, to meet children's needs. The level of challenge is satisfactory, to interest and engage the children. The childminder informally plans activities that are age appropriate and suitable for the children's level of knowledge and understanding. She has a record of the children's starting points and is beginning to assess children's progression and monitor their overall development. The childminder has begun to make initial observations and keeps a written record of this information, to enable her to pinpoint the next steps in their development. The

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and outcomes for children

environment is safe and secure. She is beginning to work well with parents and other carers. The outdoor play is limited but there are alternatives, such as, the park, walks, as well as visiting the library and shops. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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: 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 17/02/2010

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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 17/02/2010

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