Childminder, Out-of school day care in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY344026 Inspection date 16/02/2011 Inspector Helen Blackburn

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband, two adult daughters and grandson in the Wadsley Bridge area of Sheffield. There are shops, parks, schools and public transport links in the local area. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom and two bedrooms of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder has a rabbit and guinea pigs as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and she can care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in the early years age group. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. She is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently minding four children in this age range. The childminder is temporarily working alongside another childminder, her daughter, from the same premises. When they are together, they may care for a maximum of 11 children under eight years at any one time, no more than six of which may be in the early years age range. The childminder is also registered to offer overnight care.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and nurseries and she goes to several toddler groups regularly. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a safe and stimulating learning environment, which supports children in becoming well-behaved and independent learners. The childminder promotes diversity and difference very well and she has high regard towards helping children to learn about the world in which they live. Overall, the childminder maintains and implements a good range of documentation, policies and procedures. The childminder has good relationships with parents, children and other settings involved in children's learning. The children are happy and settled and they have an enthusiastic approach towards their play. Through effective self- evaluation processes, the childminder is proactive in bringing about improvement.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 improve the record of risk assessments and ensure it clearly states when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review (Documentation). 11/03/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve knowledge and understanding of the procedures to be followed in the event of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person living or working on the premises  improve hand washing and drying procedures so that each child has their own flannel and towel.

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the early years provision

There are good arrangements in place to promote and safeguard children's welfare. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities in keeping children safe and protected from harm. For example, through keeping up to date with safeguarding training, she has a good knowledge of possible signs of abuse and neglect and the procedures to follow regarding reporting concerns. This ensures children's welfare is paramount. However, although she is fully aware of how to manage concerns relating to children, her understanding of dealing with allegations against herself or others in the home is not as secure. The childminder ensures all adults living on the premises have undergone appropriate checks and she supervises any visitors to the home. This contributes to keeping children safe. The childminder maintains her home to good standards of safety and cleanliness. Through supervising children's play, carrying out regular safety checks and risk

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the early years provision

assessments, she identifies any potential hazards and puts in place good measures to minimise accidents. This means she provides a safe environment for children to play. However, the record of these risk assessments does not include all the relevant information, such as the date of review. This is a breach of a specific legal requirement. Overall, the childminder maintains a good range of documentation, policies and procedures, which contributes to promoting the safe and efficient management of the setting. For example, her policies include how she manages illness, promotes positive behaviour, equality and inclusion. Through effective organisation of resources, children can make safe and independent choices in their play. In addition, because the childminder manages her time well, she builds children's individual routines into the day. This contributes to effectively meeting their needs and promotes continuity of care for children.

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the early years provision

Through effective self-evaluation and reflective practice, the childminder demonstrates a good commitment towards promoting a service striving towards ongoing improvement. She identifies areas of development well, which promote good outcomes for children. For example, by adding labels, numbers, rhymes and other resources in the garden, she promotes all areas of learning in her outdoor environment. In addition, she has successfully addressed the recommendations made at her last inspection. This demonstrates her commitment towards promoting ongoing development. The childminder's approach to self-evaluation is very inclusive. For example, she welcomes any ideas and comments from parents and other professionals. In addition, through using a 'wish tree' children can share their ideas in fun and interactive ways. The childminder accesses a wide range of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

training courses. This demonstrates her commitment to promoting her ongoing professional development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has good relationships with parents and other settings involved in children's learning. For example, they regularly exchange and share relevant information, including activities and experiences children receive in nursery. This promotes continuity and coherence in children's learning and care. A wide range of written policies, procedures and discussions provide parents with good quality information about the service children receive. The childminder involves parents in children's learning. For example, they have access to their child's progress records and she encourages them to share any 'magic moments' children experience at home. The childminder has a very good understanding of the importance of working with other professionals or external agencies. This ensures children receive any additional support or help they may need to meet their individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

Overall, there are good arrangements in place for managing illness, infection and hygiene. For example, regular cleaning routines and good regard to food preparation minimises the risk of spreading infection. Through everyday practical routines, such as hand washing, the children have a good understanding of effective personal hygiene practices. However, children do share hand-drying facilities, which may result in spreading infection. The childminder offers children a varied range of nutritious snacks and meals and this contributes to them learning about making healthy choices. In addition, children enjoy eating the tomatoes and pears that grow in the garden. The children are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle because they have regular opportunities to be active and to access fresh air. For instance, when playing in the garden they learn to run, climb, slide, jump and balance, which promotes their physical development. In addition, through

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and outcomes for children

activities, such as drawing, baking, mixing and pouring children are developing good coordination and dexterity skills.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children in making good progress in their learning. She knows them well and she has a good understanding of the principles of observation, planning and assessment. For example, she uses her observations to identify and plan for children's learning priorities. The childminder is actively involved in children's play, she has good relationships with them and she challenges their learning well. For example, when looking at books, she challenges children to think about whether objects are heavy or light, she encourages them to count objects and to name shapes and colours. The childminder provides a good range of activities and experiences across all areas of learning. This results in the children having a positive and enthusiastic approach to their learning. For example, children are creative and imaginative thinkers as they engage in role play, music, art and craft activities. In addition, the childminder makes good use of resources

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and outcomes for children

within the local community to extend children's experiences. For example, children go on outings to local parks, they visit the library, theatre and other places of interest. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has good relationships with the children. She provides consistent routines, which effectively incorporate their individual needs. This provides security for children and results in them feeling safe. The children are developing a good understanding of ways in which they can keep themselves safe. For instance, they talk about road safety on outings and take part in fire evacuation practises. The children's behaviour is good and they have cooperative and positive relationships with their peers. For example, through play, they learn about being kind to others, sharing and taking turns. The children have good self-esteem and confidence

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and outcomes for children

because the childminder regularly praises their achievements. The children are developing a very good understanding of diversity and difference and the world in which they live. For example, the childminder involves children in fundraising events that raise money for groups and communities around the world and she discusses issues such as Fair trade with the children. In addition, children recognise that some of the resources purchased provide necessary funding for the education of children in other countries. This helps children to develop an understanding and respect for all people in society. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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