Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300456 Inspection date 13 March 2006 Inspector Angela Howard

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and adult daughter. They live in Halfway, a large village on the outskirts of Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor of the premises, excluding the lounge are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently has six children under 8 years and five children over 8 years on roll. The childminder uses the car to take and collect children from the local school. She meets regularly with local childminders and attends local toddler and carer groups.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association and a member of the Sheffield Children First Childminding Network. She is also a member of the Mosborough Townships Childminders Cooperative.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because they are well protected from illness and infection as they follow good hygiene procedures and are cared for in very clean and well maintained premises. They are encouraged to learn the importance of personal hygiene through good practice and daily routines. For example, they are reminded about the importance of washing hands before meals and after using the toilet. They are well supported by the childminder to take responsibility for their own hygiene. She makes sure children can reach such things as wipes and tissues independently. This results in children actively learning about the importance of personal hygiene. Children enjoy a good range of challenging physical activities. Regular visits to parks, toddler groups, daily activities at toddler groups, walks to the park and access to a well equipped outdoor play area allows children to develop their all round physical

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Helping children to be healthy

skills. Children spontaneously engage in physical activities as they dance and sing to the music playing in the back ground. For instance, children sing and march to 'the Grand Old Duke of York' and jump to 'Five Little Monkeys', jumping on the bed. For babies there is a good range of every day natural objects to be sucked, pulled, squeezed and held to encourage exploration and development of physical skills. The access to a wide range of physical activities contributes to children's good health in a positive manner and ensures that they develop confidence in their physical abilities. Children are well rested and alert and so enjoy their play. This is due to the childminder following children's individual eating and sleeping routines that have been agreed with parents. Children's rest and sleep routines are flexible, therefore, children are able to choose to rest quietly or play. This ensures children thrive as

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Helping children to be healthy

their individual needs are met successfully. Children enjoy a good range of healthy snacks and drinks, which takes into account children's dietary needs and parents' wishes. This contributes significantly to children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Meal times are treated as an opportunity to help children to enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves. Babies are encouraged to share control of the bottle and children are encouraged to feed themselves using fingers, forks and spoons. This provides opportunities for sensory learning and increased independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in very safe and well maintained premises. Positive steps have been taken to ensure children are able to move around designated play areas

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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 independently. Potential hazards are effectively addressed in order to maintain a secure environment both indoors and out. For example, the use of a fire blanket, safety gates, socket covers, smoke alarms and a fully enclosed outdoor play area means children can move around freely and safely. The childminder reinforces safe practice by talking to the children and actively encourages them to be aware of their own safety and how to avoid accidents. She initiates discussions about crossing the road safely when playing with the train set and small people and gives explanations to children about safe practice indoors, like no pushing or running around inside. This results in children being given the opportunity to practise what they can do in safe surroundings and young children learn some sense of danger. They enjoy a good

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

balance between the freedom to explore and the childminder's setting of safe limits. Good quality resources are easily accessed allowing children to make choices in a safe manner. Children's toys and equipment are very carefully monitored to make sure they remain safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and recognises the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. This ensures that the safety of children in her care is always a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and uses this knowledge well. She provides a very good range of activities that have good levels of challenge. For example, the range of equipment is linked to the age, stage and individual needs and interests of children attending. Therefore, children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided. They are encouraged to access resources themselves, so developing their sense of self assurance. Children engage in concentrated imaginative play in which they extend their language, try out new ideas and select suitable resources as they build towers, a train track and imagine they are cooking biscuits. Children's learning is reinforced with skilful intervention by the childminder. She successfully introduces counting in daily activities, such as, 'How many bowls do we need for snack?' 'How many bags do we

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

have?' 'Can we have one each?' Therefore, children are being encouraged to learn through their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very happy and content. They are confident and settled in the environment. There are good daily routines in place, which help children to feel secure and at ease in their surroundings. The flexible routine allows children to pursue their own interests so that they discover more about what they like and dislike. Children relate very well to the childminder. They share a warm and caring relationship with each other and have formed good friendships. This is due to the childminder showing she values what each child has to offer, such as asking the

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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 children which way to build the train track. Children know the childminder is interested in what they do and say because she listens, asks questions and is actively involved in their play. They are learning very good social skills and enjoy being with, and talking to, adults and other children. This results in them being able to build meaningful relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very happy and content and are showing a strong sense of belonging. They are familiar with daily routines and have formed good relationships with each other, the childminder and her family. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self confidence, a belief in themselves and healthy self-esteem. The childminder treats children with equal concern and their individual needs are met well. This is due to her taking time to get to know the children and working with parents to ensure their daily routine is followed successfully. Children's awareness of the local community is promoted well through regular outings to local carer groups and local places of interest. They have equal access to all resources and are beginning to learn about the wider world through the use of books, small role play people and dolls, and dressing up clothes that positively

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Helping children make a positive contribution

address diversity. A clear and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. Children are given clear instruction and guidance and this results in them knowing what is expected of them. For example, they are given clear explanations when they are asked to conform or, in the case of younger children, distraction techniques are used effectively. They play harmoniously together, following the lead set by the childminder in treating each other with respect and consideration. For instance, getting a chair for each other, finding another train so they can all join in and saying 'bless you' when someone sneezes. Partnerships with parents and carers are very good, which contributes to the children's overall well-being. Ongoing verbal communication ensures that parents are kept up-to-date about their child's care. Children are clearly benefiting from the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

positive partnership and are very settled in response to this.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are very well organised. Space and time is used effectively to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder plans her day to ensure she meets the demands of the children of different ages and stages. This results in children remaining settled and feeling secure in their surroundings.

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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 Documentation is kept in a well organised and professional manner and confidentiality is maintained at all times. There are a number of well written policies and procedures. These are shared with parents to promote the children's welfare and care. However, records regarding administration of medication does not contain written consent from parents and there is no system in place for the recording of complaints. The childminder is very keen to enhance her professional development. She regularly attends relevant courses, such as Birth to three matters, child protection and basic food hygiene training, which is reflected in her good practice. Required adult to child ratios are met; this provides good levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported in their learning and care. Overall,

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Organisation

the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

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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): • improve records of any medication administered and parents consent • develop a system for the recording of complaints.

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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:

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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 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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