Childminder, Out-of school day care in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300684 Inspection date 10 May 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and their 14 year old son and two adult children. They live in a semi-detached house in the Chapeltown area of Sheffield close to local shops, schools, park and library. The lounge, dinning room and kitchen on the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding . There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and currently has seven on roll. The family have a cat and a rabbit.

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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

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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. Children are aware of keeping healthy. Well-established routines help them learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, they understand the importance of washing their hands after visiting the toilet and before meals. 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. Children are able to take part in physical activities that develop both large and small motor skills. The childminder has a s good understanding of children's developmental stages which encourages children's awareness of their bodies and how they work and enables her to identify difficulties at an early stage.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move freely around the home in a safe environment. Risk assessments and safety measures are in place according to the needs of children present. Children use the space to its full potential; they understand what areas they can use and for what purpose for example meal times and creative play in kitchen area. Suitable furniture and equipment is available to ensure children's safety is maintained. Children have an understanding of keeping themselves safe and recognising potential dangers. For example, they recognise which tap is hot. Procedures used are effective to ensure children are safe. A current first aid certificate and a secure understanding of child protection procedures ensures children are protected from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are enthusiastic and confident in a welcoming environment where they are encouraged to develop self-esteem. They make independent choices throughout the day and have opportunities to self-select from a good range of activities and resources. Children are motivated and interested in activities that are adapted to their individual needs and are appropriate to their stage of development. The childminder and children share very good relationships with each other, which

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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 enables children to learn and enjoy themselves in a secure atmosphere. They are able to play alone or join in each other’s play to help and learn from each other. The children develop good communication skills and are encouraged to express themselves and listen to others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously. They are able to contribute to the choice of activities provided. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged and appropriate strategies are in place. Children behave very well and show a good understanding of rules and boundaries. They share, take turns and co-operate well with each other. Children use please and thank you spontaneously. Well established relationships with parents have been formed. Information is gathered and shared regarding the individual needs of their children. Children confidently talk about home experiences forming sound links with home and childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. A well-organised provision helps children feel settled and secure. Space used promotes a variety of play opportunities for children. The day is organised appropriately with the children's needs being the focus. Written policies and procedures assist in ensuring children's experiences are positive. There is appropriate documentation in place although some lack the required detail. 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 secure written parental permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and record medication. The childminder has recorded medication appropriately however written permission to seek emergency treatment is not in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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Complaints 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

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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 daily records of attendance and accident recording contain all the required information. • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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