Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY257343 Inspection date 13 July 2005 Inspector Yvonne Victoria Facey

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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 good. 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 has been a registered since May 2003. She lives with her husband and their two children, aged five years and nine years. The family live in a semi-detached house in the Sheffield area. The property is situated within walking distance of the local schools, park and shops. The areas of the home used for childminding purposes include the lounge, dining kitchen and bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children of whom two may be under the age of five years. There are currently two children on roll attending

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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 on a part time basis. The childminder is a membership of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and welcoming environment where they can relax and play. They are beginning to learn about personal hygiene through good daily routines and good practice from the childminder. They are encouraged to wash their hands before lunch and snacks. The childminder implements effective procedures for nappy changing to sustain high levels of hygiene and to prevent the spread of infection. Children's individual dietary needs are being met. Children are beginning to understand the importance of being healthy because the childminder involves them in choosing healthy foods for themselves. For example, they visit the local fruit shop where children can buy their own fruit and vegetables. Meal times are sociable occasions that children enjoy, in a pleasant homely atmosphere. The healthy snacks and drinks offered, contribute to a balanced diet for children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to take part in physical activities that develop both large and small motor skills. The childminder makes sure they begin to learn about the benefits of an active lifestyle as the planned routine includes visits to the park, walks and soft play area. The childminder is able to recognise the signs of tiredness in children and acts on this knowledge to plan and support appropriate periods of rest and play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment where the childminder identifies and minimises risks. This means that children are able to move around safely and independently. A good range of well-maintained toys and age-appropriate resources are stored at child-height in toy boxes, from which children can safely select. Children use the space to its full potential accessing both the indoor and outdoor areas freely. The childminder constantly interacts with the children and takes positive steps to helping them understand how to keep themselves safe. She gives clear explanations as to why care should be taken when engaging in activities. For example, she explains to a child to be careful in water as she might slip. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and has high regard for children's welfare.

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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 The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder because she provides stimulating activities and experiences for them both indoors and outdoors. Children are beginning to develop their independence and are inquisitive and fascinated in their play showing good concentration skills. Children are able to choose from a wide variety of resources and are able to pursue their own interests. For example, a child chooses to play outdoors in the water tray. The Children are enthusiastic and confident in a stimulating environment where they develop good self-esteem because the childminder provides good levels of support and praise. They are motivated and interested in the activities provided, which are adapted to their individual needs and are appropriate to their stage of development. The childminder’s expectations of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children are clear and realistic allowing children to progress in their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel at home and show a sense of belonging because they are familiar with routines and are confident with the childminder. There are appropriate toys and equipment available for children of all ages and abilities. Children behave well and are beginning to show an understanding of right and wrong. The childminder encourages them to share and take turns and she uses appropriate strategies to promote good behaviour. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world because they have generally good access to appropriate toys and books. The childminder works closely with parents and respects their wishes, resulting in children's individual needs being met . Information is shared on a daily basis regarding the children's daily activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The well-organised and relaxed environment allows children to feel at home and gives them the confidence to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder uses her time efficiently to ensure that she meets the individual needs of all the children in her care, such as time to eat, rest and play. The majority of the required documentation is in place and stored confidentially and the childminder regularly attends relevant training courses to update and extend her childcare knowledge and practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended the childminder considered ways of expanding the range of resources which reflect positive images, and give consideration to the production of written information for parents about the childminding service provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder has extended her range of resources, to reflect positive images by using the local toy library and has some written information provided for parents, which informs them of her childminding practice. These improvements begin to contribute to the care and welfare of children attending the setting.

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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 good. 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): • ensure confidentiality is maintained when recording incidents in the accident book

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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

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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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