Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

300189 Unique Reference Number 28 September 2006 Inspection date Jill Lee Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 satisfactory. 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 1991. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Sheffield.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The downstairs only of the home is used for childminding activities, except for access to the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have two cats and a dog.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently 12 children on roll, all of whom attend on a part time basis; seven of the children cared for are aged over eight years.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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 satisfactory. Children enjoy outdoor activities in the fresh air. They have regular exercise as they walk to and from school each day. A varied range of outings is organised during school holidays; children visit local large parks where they have picnics, enjoy games of football and have fun on the climbing equipment. They have less opportunity for active, outdoor play after school as there is not sufficient time to visit the local park where there is more space than in the garden. Younger children are often taken to parks and enjoy regular visits to local toddler groups, where they have opportunity to experience large physical play. Discussion about the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle in promoting good health is not routinely introduced into everyday activities and conversations, to raise children's awareness.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder adopts good hygiene practices, which help children to be healthy. Consents to administer medication are sought in writing from parents. However, the record of administration of medicines is not sufficiently clearly linked to consents and some consents are not dated. This means that the start date of the arrangement is not recorded. Parents are clearly informed that sick children cannot be cared for. Children learn about good hygiene in their everyday routines; they know they must wash their hands before lunch. Children's rest and sleep routines are flexible according to their needs; older children often choose to rest quietly on the settee for a time after school to unwind.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

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 and drinks are discussed fully 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, 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 sometimes help to make the sandwiches for lunch but have less opportunity to be involved after school.

p.3

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 in the daily environment are appropriately assessed to promote children's safety and enjoyment. 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.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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. Their awareness of road safety issues is raised as they walk to and from school. They learn to walk with the childminder, wait at the crossing and cross the road together. They

p.3

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 learn to be careful with knives if they are helping to cook, so that accidents are minimised. The childminder discusses the emergency evacuation procedures but does not practise them with the children. Children are not actively involved in developing and maintaining safety rules and routines to enhance their active involvement in keeping themselves safe.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has adequate knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of her responsibility to ensure children are protected from harm. Where concerns arise, she understands she must follow the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, although she is not sufficiently familiar with these. She has attempted to book a place on a child protection course to update her knowledge of her responsibilities but so far has been unsuccessful in finding a suitable date. She records accidents appropriately but has no system in place to record existing injuries. She encourages children to share any worries or concerns and one parent noted in a reference how helpful the childminder's role as a 'confidante' had been to her child.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are able choose quiet or active play according to how they feel and their current interests; they confidently let the childminder know what they like and dislike doing. The childminder talks with parents to find out what children enjoy and involves the older children in planning ideas for activities and outings. Resources are age appropriate and reflect children interests. For example, football is a current favourite activity and a large box of soft balls is readily accessible indoors. The childminder is not familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which may help to enhance her ideas for planning activities for younger children.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to initiate their own play ideas as they independently access resources, which are stored at child height. Children have to ask the childminder for creative and exploratory play, like crafts, paint and play dough. She is aware that in managing the safety needs of younger children, older children's ability to organise some activities independently is restricted. The childminder plans regular activities outdoors and in the local community, especially in the holidays, to vary children's experiences. Younger children enjoy small world play with the garage and cars, they love reading stories and singing nursery rhymes. Older children prefer videos and electronic games. They sometimes bring homework to complete after school.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's relationships with the childminder are warm and trusting; they are relaxed and secure in her care. They behave very well and begin to understand why some behaviour is unacceptable; they learn to take turns, share resources and support each other's play. They are encouraged to be polite and have good manners.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive support and encouragement as they play, providing reassurance and promoting confidence. Rules are simple but clear; the childminder explains the reasons for them so that children understand. They begin to take some responsibility for their own behaviour and show

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 that they know why certain rules are in place. For example, they learn to help to tidy away toys when they have finished with them. Children contribute to their own everyday experiences and begin to manage some of their own needs. Parents feel that her approach is 'firm but friendly'.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop confidence as they play cooperatively and enjoy regular outings, finding out about their local community. The childminder has started using the library with the children to extend the range of books promoting awareness of diversity. The childminder is very aware of children's personal circumstances and provides sensitive support, particularly during difficult periods. One parent commented that the childminder is 'very professional and reliable' and has 'restored her faith and respect'.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to understand children's needs and ensure appropriate links with home; this helps children to feel secure and included. She talks through information about her practice and ensures she shares information on a daily basis with parents. Most agreements reached with parents are clearly recorded. The childminder is not aware of the responsibility to respond to complaints made by parents, in writing, and the need to keep a record. This is a breach of a requirement in regulations. She has not received any complaints and an Ofsted information poster is displayed, informing parents how to contact the regulator.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder effectively supports individual needs within a safe environment. Space and resources are organised to enable children to move around freely and gain some independence within daily routines. The childminder involves children and takes account of their ideas when planning activities. The numbers of children cared for after school does place some restrictions on planning, as practical activities like preparing tea and greeting parents make it a very busy time. She has not been able to plan access to any training and development opportunities, to help update and enhance her practice, because of personal commitments.

p.5

Organisation

Children are kept safe and their welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's understanding and implementation of required policies and procedures. Most required documentation is in place and agreements reached with parents influence the childminder's day to day practice. The childminder shows her registration certificate to parents, along with other appropriate certificates. It is not, however, displayed routinely as required.

p.5

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to increase the range of resources to support anti-discriminatory practice and offer positive images of a multi-cultural society.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The range of resources promoting children's awareness of diversity is still not extensive. The childminder has obtained some small world resources which reflect the multi-cultural society and she now uses the library to introduce more books about other countries and cultures. She is aware that with more research she could further enhance the range of resources available

p.5

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 and activities planned, so that she is better able to help children think about and value difference.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

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.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • enhance the clarity of recording with regard to consent for and administration of medicines • 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 • become more familiar with current guidance and local procedures regarding protection of children, and establish a procedure for the recording of existing injuries • enhance the quality of play experiences, particularly for younger children, and find ways to increase children's independence in planning their own play • improve knowledge of the regulations regarding the responsibility to respond to complaints made by parents and develop systems for keeping a record if any complaints are received.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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.6