Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 501011 Inspection date 20 March 2006 Inspector Susan Kathleen Wormald

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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 2001. She lives in Sheffield with her husband and two young children. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden suitable for outdoor play. The family has a dog, rabbit and a guinea pig. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for two children during the day and two after school. She is registered to care for two children overnight.

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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 outstanding. Children are developing a thorough understanding of their personal care. They receive excellent support and guidance to help them learn how to keep themselves healthy. For example, they learn why it is important they should wash their hands and about the spread of germs and infection. Children are developing an excellent understanding of healthy living. They enjoy regular well planned outdoor physical play. This ensures that children make good progress in their physical development and helps them develop confidence to enjoy moving with control. The interesting outdoor area and range of resources for outdoor play encourages children to enjoy being outside and using the garden. There are numerous opportunities to enjoy robust physical exercise. For example, they walk to local parks where they use swings and slides. They have fun paddling in streams and balancing on stepping

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Helping children to be healthy

stones and make good use of the park ranger service and the visiting sports van. Young children develop confidence and very good manipulative skills using a variety of tools, such as scissors and cutters as they have regular opportunities to practise. Children are well nourished as they eat freshly prepared nutritious meals and snacks. Snack times are thoughtfully planned, enjoyable, social occasions, where the childminder involves children in helping to prepare the food and they sit and talk together. Children are encouraged to enjoy the food that is offered and learn to appreciate why it is good for them. The childminder promotes children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle as they chat about re-cycling banana skins on the compost heap, growing lettuces in the garden and feeding apple cores to the guinea pigs. Children's individual dietary needs are well met as the childminder fully consults with parents about both these and their children's care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in safe and secure, comfortable surroundings. The thoughtful organisation of space and creation of a child friendly environment enables children to explore and take risks while being appropriately supervised. They are able to move around freely and independently while being protected from harm. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder helps them to understand danger and develop safe practice. For example, they learn that eating some berries will make them ill and they practise evacuating the house in an emergency. Children use a broad range of good quality resources and equipment that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. They are able to access these independently and safely helping them to enjoy a wide variety of experiences and to make choices about their play. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of how to protect children and recognises that this is her first priority.

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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 She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and is clear regarding the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have a very enjoyable and happy time because the childminder consistently puts children first and uses her secure knowledge of child development to plan the day around their needs. Children become absorbed in a wide range of purposeful activities, which capture their imagination, stimulate their interest and help them progress. The childminder is very skilled in talking to children, asking questions that extend their experience and learning. Children learn new skills, make connections with other experiences and talk and listen while involved in their play. For example, children aged 2 years are eager to participate in an activity using play dough. They make models of a spider and butterfly, confidently using a selection of tools. They have animated discussions with the childminder about the life cycle of the butterfly and other wildlife, such as the tadpoles that they hope will use the garden pond.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are stimulated and motivated because of the successful planning and preparation of activities, which takes into account children's particular needs and enable them to consolidate their learning. Children benefit from a wide range of pleasurable and interesting experiences outside the setting, such as visits to farms, pet shops and cafes. Children are relaxed and settled. They are comfortable and at ease in the environment as the childminder recognises that they benefit from a predictable, calm environment with regular routines and familiar resources. Good, warm and caring relationships between the childminder and the children are evident and contribute to their sense of security and belonging. Relationships flourish because the childminder plans many shared experiences where children learn from each other, such as music time, shared meal times and outings. Children learn to be independent because they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

know they have someone they can depend on. Her attention, support and ongoing encouragement very successfully promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder takes time to get to know children, is sensitive to their needs and works in close partnership with their parents. She finds out what is important to them and uses this information to increase their confidence and sense of well-being. For example, she learns familiar words in the children's home language and uses this to comfort and reassure them. They are helped to appreciate cultural differences and learn about the wider society. Children learn to feel good about themselves as their achievements are acknowledged, they are given praise and attention and are clearly valued. Children are learning to behave well as they are encouraged to share and co-operate as they play. They are polite and helpful and respond well to the childminder's clear

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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 and consistent boundaries and her calm and positive approach. They are learning to care for one another and to show consideration for others. The childminder works in close association with parents. This contributes to children's wellbeing and helps ensure they are settled and secure. She talks with parents about her childcare practice and has some helpful written information and also photos of the children. Parents have very positive comments about the quality of care provided for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are secure and well cared for because the childminder organises her home and time effectively to promote their play and care. This ensures she has time to meet children's demands and is able to give them some individual attention. Indoor and outdoor space is organised well to provide a range of suitable activities where children can relax and play and which helps them progress and develop. The childminder makes good use of local facilities and children are regularly taken on trips to the local park and library and have opportunities to socialise with other children. All required records and documents which contribute to children's health, safety and welfare are in place, are maintained clearly and accurately and are easily accessible. The childminder demonstrates commitment towards her own personal development, has attended relevant training and is currently completing an NVQ3 qualification in

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Organisation

childcare. She uses this knowledge effectively to improve her practice and provide children with a wide range of enjoyable experiences. Written policies support her professional practice, however, procedures regarding complaints have not been updated to reflect current guidance. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop plans for emergency evacuation and ensure that written consents are obtained for the administration of medicine. Suitable written plans are in place for emergency evacuation and these procedures are practised with the children. There are effective procedures for the recording and administration of medicine and written parental consent is obtained. This ensures that children are well taken care of if they become ill and are safe and secure in the setting.

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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

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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 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 procedures for dealing with complaints reflect current guidance.

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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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