Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303831 Inspection date 26 October 2005 Inspector Jill Lee

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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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in April 2004. She lives with her parents. Her mother works with her as a co-childminder. The downstairs of the home is used mainly for childminding activities, although one bedroom is available for sleeping and overnight care. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for nine children in total at any one time when working with her co-childminder. She is currently caring for seven children, all of

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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 whom attend on a part time basis. The family have two dogs. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder adopts good hygiene practices, which help children to be healthy. Arrangements for first aid and administration of medication meet requirements and protect children. Parents have clear information that sick children cannot be cared for. Children learn about good hygiene in their everyday routines; they go upstairs to wash their hands before helping to prepare lunch. Children's rest and sleep routines are flexible according to their needs; they often choose to rest quietly on the settee for a time after school to unwind. Children are able to make their own needs known, and confidently let the childminder know what they like and dislike doing. She agrees a care plan with parents to help her respond appropriately to their needs. The childminder exchanges information with parents on a daily basis, so she keeps up to date with children's health and dietary needs. Arrangements for snacks, meals

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Helping children to be healthy

and drinks are negotiated carefully with parents. The childminder provides light lunches and snack teas for children. She sometimes finds it difficult to achieve a balance between allowing them freedom to express their own preferences, whilst encouraging them to make healthy choices. For example, they are offered yoghurt or fruit for lunch, but often want to choose biscuits for snack. They can independently help themselves to fruit squash or water to drink when they are thirsty. They develop independence skills as they help to make the sandwiches for lunch. Children enjoy outdoor activities in the fresh air. They have regular exercise as they walk to and from school, to the library and the shops. The childminder has few large play resources in the garden so they plan regular visits to the local play park, where the children enjoy playing on the slide and swings and sometimes have a game of football. Discussion about the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle in

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Helping children to be healthy

promoting good health is not sufficiently introduced into everyday activities and conversations, to raise children's awareness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Risks and hazards are appropriately assessed to promote children's safety and enjoyment. For example, the garden is used rarely at present as the childminder has only temporary barriers in place to prevent children accessing the pond, which is not yet covered. The childminder gives priority to safe supervision and takes into account the age range present when planning different activities. The available space is used effectively to provide safe play areas for children's different needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children have access to a reasonable range of toys and equipment and these are maintained in a safe condition. They are stored at child height so children can access them safely. They use the whole environment, moving freely between rooms. Older children can visit the toilet independently. They are developing an awareness of safety, for example some craft resources are kept in a cupboard with a safety catch which only older children can undo. They are learning that they must think carefully if they want to do some activities, for example, if small pieces are involved and younger children are present. Children learn about road safety when they walk to and from school and they practise emergency evacuation procedures. However, the childminder does not actively aim to alert children to safety issues in a wide variety of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

situations, so that they develop an increased awareness of how to keep themselves safe. She has not fully considered the implications, within her fire safety procedure, if children are asleep upstairs or being cared for overnight. The childminder has sufficient knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of her responsibilities in ensuring children are protected from harm. Where concerns are identified, she understands she must follow the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures. Required records are maintained appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very secure and settled in the child friendly environment. They are able choose quiet or active play according to how they feel and their current interests. The childminder talks with parents to find out what children enjoy, and she tries to involve older children in planning ideas for activities and outings. Although the range of resources is still quite limited, they are age appropriate and carefully reflect children interests. A wide and varied range of activities help to engage children's interest and promote enthusiasm in their play; craft activities are especially popular and the children love 'making stuff'. Children happily share their home experiences, chatting away about a recent birthday party as they make Halloween pictures and ghosts. They confidently initiate their own play ideas as they independently access resources, which are stored at child height

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in the playroom. They get out the shop and enjoy imaginary play together. Creative and exploratory play, like sand, water, paint and play dough, is always available for them to choose; baking is also a favourite activity. The childminder plans regular activities outdoors and in the local community to vary their experiences. She uses displays of photographs well to brighten the playroom and encourage conversation about activities children have enjoyed, like their visit to Graves Park farm. Children's own work is valued and displayed. Children develop warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and with each other, which increases their sense of well being and confidence. They behave very well and begin to understand why some behaviour is unacceptable; they learn to take turns, as they share the craft resources and support each other's play. They are encouraged to be polite and have good manners.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals so that their needs are met effectively. They receive support and encouragement as they play, providing reassurance and promoting confidence and self-esteem. Rules are simple but clear and positive; the childminder explains the reasons for them so that children understand. They begin to take responsibility for their own behaviour and show that they know why certain rules are in place. For example, they learn to respect other people's property as they walk to and from school and help to tidy away toys when they have finished with them. Children develop a growing awareness of themselves; they contribute to their own everyday experiences, and manage some of their own needs. Children develop confidence as they play cooperatively and enjoy regular outings, for example to the local shops and library, finding out about their local community. There

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are few resources which raise children's awareness of other cultures and different abilities. However, the childminder uses the library well to extend the range of books available and introduces some activities to help children learn more about different lifestyles and varying needs. For example, she plans simple activities to encourage them to think about how festivals are celebrated in other cultures, like Diwali and Chinese New Year. The childminder is interested in caring for children with special needs and is aware that this is an area in which she would like to extend her knowledge. The childminder works closely with parents to understand children's needs and ensure appropriate links with home; this helps them to feel secure and included. She provides clear written information about her practice and ensures there is time to give daily feedback about children's experiences and at school. She encourages children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to save examples of their work to take home and photographs are used to share some of the child's experiences with parents. Some of the agreements reached with parents are not sufficiently clearly recorded.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The safe and well organised environment effectively supports individual needs; a special play room has been created for children's use. Space and resources are organised to enable children to move around freely and gain independence within daily routines. The childminder and her mother work together flexibly to ensure they meet the differing needs of children who are cared for. They involve children and take account of their ideas when planning activities. The childminder plans access to training and development opportunities to enhance her ability to organise enjoyable and stimulating experiences for children. She evaluates her own practice effectively. Children are kept safe and their welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding and implementation of required policies and procedures. All the required documentation is in place and agreements reached with parents influence

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Organisation

day to day practice. The childminder has extended the required documentation with a

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 number of written policies and procedures, which are concise and informative for parents. Overall the childminder promotes children's well-being and effectively meets the individual needs of all the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • use everyday routines to raise children's understanding of why a healthy lifestyle is important and consistently promote opportunities for them to make healthy choices at mealtimes • review safe evacuation procedures in an emergency to include overnight care and times when children are sleeping upstairs • encourage children to share in developing safety rules and routines to promote their active involvement in keeping themselves safe • further develop the range of resources and activities available for children to choose, including resources which raise their awareness of diversity • clarify written agreements with parents, so that consents are clear with regard to emergency treatment, administering of emergency medication and planning of outings.

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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 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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