Childminder in Sheffield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300306 Inspection date 04/04/2007 Inspector Angela Howard

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Type of inspection Care Type of care Childminding

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Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be freely reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided the source and date of publication are stated.

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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.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

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.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

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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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The provider must give a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must give a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Day Care and Childminding (inspection) (England) Regulations 2005 No 2300 Regulations 5 and 6).

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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

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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

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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 satisfactory. 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 1997. She lives with her husband and son aged 10 years. The premises are a house situated in Frecheville, a suburb on the outskirts of Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding with access to toilet facilities on the first floor. There is access to a fully enclosed outdoor play area. The local bus service is easily accessed and local schools and shops are within walking distance. The family have two guinea pigs as family pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. She currently has five children under eight years and three children over eight years of age on roll. The childminder walks to take and collect children from the local school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Sheffield childminding association.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are appropriately protected from illness and infection as the childminder follows suitable hygiene routines. She encourages children to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines, such as washing of hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder ensures she is aware of any health or dietary needs and keeps appropriate records of any accidents or medication administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are appropriately nourished as they are provided with a mainly healthy and nutritionally balanced range of snacks and meals. They enjoy fruit and vegetables daily. Parents' wishes are carefully considered and any dietary requirements adhered to.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to a reasonable range of physical activities, both within the setting and in the local community. They visit toddler groups to ride on toys and climb on apparatus, and outdoors at the setting access the garden to run and jump and play with push along toys and balls. Therefore, children are developing their physical skills in a positive manner.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken appropriate steps to ensure the premises are safe, secure and comfortable. For example, there are safety gates, a fireguard and socket covers in place. The garden is fully enclosed and low-level cupboards have safety locks fitted. Children are appropriately supervised as the childminder ensures children are within sight or sound at all times. The fire precautions in place are satisfactory. There is a clear fire evacuation plan, however, this is not routinely practised with the children. The fire blanket is appropriately sited and the smoke alarms are in working order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children self-select activities from a wide range of resources and equipment that meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and safety appropriately. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and has a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities. However, she does not have the up-to-date Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Relationships are warm and trusting. The childminder is very caring and has utmost patience when dealing with very young children. Children seek out the childminder for reassurance and comfort; cuddles and reassurance are a regular feature. As a result, children are confident to explore their surroundings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident in the warm and welcoming environment. The childminder plans her day according to the needs of the children. There are times for free play, structured and focused activities as well as time to relax. Regular outings are offered, which provide children with opportunities to socialise and develop links with the community. For example, they enjoy visiting the soft play area, shops, library and toddler groups in the area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toddler's early communication skills are supported appropriately as the childminder encourages them to communicate in their own way. For example, they take part in conversations by making eye contact and using gestures, sounds and words. The childminder gives good support to encourage language skills as she continually repeats words, such as sheep, cow and horse when playing with the farm animals. The childminder is well aware of the different needs of children and allows time and space for them to play or relax quietly. The range of equipment is linked to the individual needs and interests of children attending. Older children enjoy more focused activities, such as creating pictures with craft materials, playing board games and baking or drawing. Therefore, they spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the resources provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder helps children to feel good about themselves as she uses praise and encouragement appropriately to increase their self-esteem and confidence. She knows the children well and is able to respond to their individual needs successfully. For example, she understands the children's own language and responds by presenting the children with juice when they indicate they are thirsty. The children are happy and play contently because they are settled and enjoy the activities she provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A clear and consistent positive approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. They receive clear instruction and guidance, and plenty of praise. This results in children knowing what is expected of them, therefore, they learn right from wrong in a caring environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of the local community and wider world is promoted appropriately through regular visits to local places of interest. They have equal access to all resources which positively address diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with clear and informative information about the service the childminder provides. Ongoing verbal communication keeps parents appropriately informed about their child's care and ensures that the childminder and parent have a sound working relationship. This results in children being appropriately cared for and they are settled in response to this.

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Organisation

Space, resources and the childminder's time are appropriately organised to ensure children's individual routines are catered for effectively. This promotes children's welfare and development reasonably well. Children feel at home and at ease in their surroundings. They move around confidently and are clearly happy.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place and any agreements reached with parents are clearly and appropriately recorded. This promotes continuity of care. However, she does not display her registration certificate, but does have it readily available for parents in a file. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection five recommendations were made. Three in relation to documentation and two regarding equipment and activities to ensure a broad range are offered daily and which promote equal opportunities.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has reviewed documentation and now ensures the daily register contains accurate information. She has obtained written permission to release a child to another adult and records appropriate information when administering medication. This promotes children's health and safety. The range of activities has been enhanced to ensure a broad range is covered daily and that equipment reflects and promotes positive images and diversity. This ensures children are provided with toys and equipment to promote their welfare and development.

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Complaints about the childcare provision

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint made to Ofsted. The concern raised related to National Standard 1: Suitable person. The concern was originally shared with another agency. An Ofsted Early Years childcare inspector then conducted an announced visit to the provision on 17 January 2005. A voluntary agreement was signed whilst an investigation was conducted. As a result of the investigation, Ofsted are satisfied that the provider remains qualified for registration.

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Complaints about the childcare provision

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

 ensure fire evacuation procedures are practised routinely with the children  obtain Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures  comply with conditions of registration with regard to displaying the certificate.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

procedures 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 2473) which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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