Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300611 Inspection date 15 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 1999. She lives with her partner and son aged 9 years. They live in Frecheville, a large village on the outskirts of Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor of the premises, plus toilet facilities and two bedrooms on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently has three children under 8 years and two children over 8 years on roll. The childminder walks to take and collect children from the local school. She meets regularly with local childminders.

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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 Childminder's Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well-protected from illness and infection as they follow good hygiene procedures and are cared for in 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 their hands before meals, after using the toilet and outdoor play. Children are well supported by the childminder to take responsibility for their own hygiene. She makes sure they 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, soft play areas and daily walks to school and the park allows children to develop their all round physical skills. Children spontaneously engage in physical activities as they

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Helping children to be healthy

dance and sing. For example, children sing action rhymes like 'incy wincy' spider when lacing cards and 'rock a bye baby' whilst rocking a dolly to sleep. 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. A good range of healthy snacks and drinks is provided, 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 encourage them to become independent in feeding themselves. 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. Potential hazards are effectively addressed in order to maintain a safe and secure environment. For example, the use of safety gates, socket covers, fire blanket, smoke alarms and the completing of regular safety checks means that children can move around freely and safely. Although the fire blanket is available it is not appropriately sited. Children are actively encouraged to be aware of their own safety and how to avoid accidents. They are given clear explanations about safe practice indoors, for example, not climbing on furniture and not to run around inside. Children are aware of the consequences, for instance, you may hurt some one or get hurt yourself. This results in children being given the opportunity to practice what they can do in safe surroundings and young children learn some sense of danger. Good quality resources are easily accessed allowing children to make choices in a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe manner. Children's toys and equipment are very carefully monitored to make

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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 sure that 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. Children make their own choices about their play from a good range of resources. They are encouraged to access resources themselves, so developing their sense of self-assurance. They play happily because they feel secure and settled in the childminder's care. Younger children engage in concentrated imaginative play in which they extend their language, try out new ideas and select suitable resources as they play with the play dough and accessories making trees and birds. Activities provide good levels of challenge, appropriate to the age and stage of children's development and what they are interested in. For example, the range of equipment is linked to the individual needs and interests of children attending. Therefore, children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided. Children relate very well to the childminder. They share a warm and caring relationship with each other and have formed good friendships. Children are learning

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

good social skills and enjoy being with, and talking to adults and other children. This is due to the childminder showing she values what each child has to offer. For instance, asking the children what to make with the play dough, what they would like to do next and asks for their opinion about how good her threading is. This results in them being able to build meaningful relationships. Children know the childminder is interested in what they do and say because she listens, asks questions and is actively involved in their play.

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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. Children's awareness of the community and the wider world is promoted appropriately through regular outings to 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, equipment, such as dolls, jigsaws, small play people and craft activities that positively address diversity. A clear and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour effectively

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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 encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. Kindness and consideration for others is a high priority. This is successfully achieved by the childminder being a good role model. Children follow her lead in saying 'please', 'thank you' and 'excuse me' at all times. Children are given clear instruction and guidance, 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. Partnerships with parents and carers are very good which contributes to the children's overall well being. Daily ongoing verbal communication ensures that parents are kept up-to-date about their child's care and progress. Children are clearly

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Helping children make a positive contribution

benefiting from the positive partnership and are very settled in response to this.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. 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 in place. These are shared with parents to promote the children's welfare and care, and contribute to the child's continuity of care. However, 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, child protection, makaton and special needs awareness training which is reflected in her good practice. Further training is planned to ensure she continues to improve her practice. Children are happy and content because the childminder organises her time and home to ensure she is able to support children's care and learning effectively. She has flexible plans each day and works mainly on a one-to-one basis. As a result,

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Organisation

children remain settled, feel very secure and are confident in the childminder's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, it was recommended that the childminder develop her resources which would raise children's' awareness of diversity. Resources now include books, dolls and small play people. The childminder uses different celebrations through out the year, such as Chinese New year, to raise children's awareness of other cultures. This positive step forward contributes to children developing a positive view of the world. The childminder was asked to obtain written permission to take children in vehicles, to obtain emergency treatment consent and seek permission prior to administering medication. She was also asked to improve fire safety by providing a working smoke alarm. All necessary documentation is now in place and the smoke alarm is appropriately sited and in working order. This has improved children's safety and-well

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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 being.

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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): • ensure the fire blanket is appropriately sited • 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: 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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