Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY279014 Inspection date 18 January 2006 Inspector Susan Kathleen Wormald

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her daughter aged 2 years in Sheffield within reach of local schools, parks and other amenities. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment where good standards of hygiene are maintained. The childminder helps children to be healthy. Children learn about good hygiene in everyday routines and through discussion and explanation. The childminder finds out about children's individual needs, such as eating, sleeping and dietary requirements, by consulting parents. There are good arrangements in place to protect children from infection and effective procedures for the recording of accidents and medication. Children have regular interesting opportunities to enjoy physical and outdoor play, which contributes to their good health. They walk in local parks collecting leaves and twigs and have fun running up and down the hills. They are encouraged to use the garden all the year round and have access to a variety of outdoor resources. The childminder is aware of each child's dietary needs and ensures these are met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

She encourages children to eat healthily and to enjoy fruit and vegetables and freshly prepared snacks. Children's understanding and awareness of the importance of healthy eating is promoted through discussion and role play using a wide range of pretend fruit and vegetables.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure, welcoming environment which enables them to explore and take risks while being appropriately supervised. They are able to move round freely and independently while protected from harm. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder helps them to understand danger and develop safe practice. They receive appropriate challenge due to the childminder's consideration of their age and understanding. For example, she teaches older children how to negotiate stairs safely. Children independently select resources from the good quality toys and equipment available. The childminder organises play materials in low level storage so that children can reach them easily and make choices about their play. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the child minder has a good understanding of how to protect children and recognises that this is her first priority.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She is aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and knows the appropriate procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

p.3

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 Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They arrive eagerly and quickly make themselves at home soon becoming involved in the activities offered. They are comfortable and at ease as the childminder recognises they need a predictable, calm environment with regular routines and familiar resources. Children share a comfortable and friendly relationship with the childminder which contributes to their sense of security and belonging. They communicate well with each other and enjoy each other's company. The childminder listens carefully and encourages them to talk about what they are doing. She shows interest in what they do and involves herself in their play. They have fun together pretending to have a picnic. She helps them develop their play by interacting and making suggestions to extend their ideas.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from her individual attention, support and encouragement which develops their self-esteem and confidence. Children enjoy a variety of play experiences and activities which contribute to their development. They spend their time purposefully and learn together with the childminder. Children are helped to progress as the childminder has a good understanding of the way children learn and develop. They are encouraged to think for themselves and to solve simple problems.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show a sense of belonging as they are warmly welcomed in the childminder's home. Their individual needs are met well because the childminder takes time to get to know children and parents and is sensitive to their needs. She finds out what is important to the children such as their particular beliefs and customs. Children learn to feel good about themselves as their achievements are acknowledged and they are given lots of praise and attention and are clearly valued. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards inclusion. She makes appropriate adaptations to her service to meet the needs of both children and their parents. Children's behaviour is good as they follow the example of the childminder in showing courtesy and consideration for others. They take turns and share toys when playing together and learn to respect others. They are polite and helpful and respond

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

well to the childminder's clear and consistent boundaries and her positive approach. Children benefit from the good partnership with parents, which contributes to their well-being. The childminder supports and encourages parental involvement ensuring that children's individual needs are met well. She helps parents to share in their children's experiences and keeps them well informed by talking to them daily.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are secure and well cared for because the childminder organises her home and time effectively to promote their play and care. This ensures she has time to

p.4

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 meet children's demands and is able to give them some individual attention. Indoor space is used well to provide a range of suitable activities where children can relax and play and which helps them progress and develop. The childminder makes good use of local facilities and regularly arranges outings to parks and the local library. All required records and documents which contribute to children's health, safety and welfare are in place. The childminder ensures that parents are generally kept well informed of her practice and their children's development. No clear procedures are in place regarding the recording and management of complaints made by parents. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 that there are appropriate procedures in place to record and process any complaints made by parents and that parents are informed of these.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5