Inspection report for early years provision Unique Reference Number Inspection date Inspector 300088 07 February 2007 Yvonne Victoria Facey Type of inspection Type of care Childcare Childminding
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 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. 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. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT? The childminder has been registered since 1981. She lives in a mid-terraced house which is situated in the Walkley area of Sheffield, within walking distance of local schools and parks. There are two cats in the household. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding with access to first floor bathroom and bedroom. The garden is used for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding three children on a part time basis. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION Helping children to be healthy Children are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, they wash hands before meals, after visiting the toilet and have their own towel and face cloths.
Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment, where suitable measures are taken to promote their good health and minimise the risks of infection. For example, the childminder ensures that she uses gloves when changing nappies and cleans toys and equipment frequently. Children's health is promoted because suitable arrangements are made if they are ill. The sick children policy states that the childminder does not care for sick children if they are infectious and she has a list of notifiable diseases. The children receive a suitable diet because the childminder discusses their individual likes, dislikes and any particular allergies with parents, providing food accordingly. Mealtime is organised so that children are developing healthy eating habits. They sit comfortably at the table and they are learning good social skills. Children play outdoors and have opportunities to visit the park and toddler group where they can access larger play equipment. As a result they are able to develop their physical skills. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe The children benefit from a safe, secure and homely environment where they are closely supervised by the childminder at all times. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder reminds them of potential hazards within their environment and when using equipment. There is suitable safety equipment in place to help reduce the risk of accidents. For example, there is a fireguard, safety gates and socket covers. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place, although this is not practised with the children. As a result children do not fully understand what to do in the event of an emergency. Children have access to a balanced range of toys and play materials, which are stored in low-level boxes so that they can make their own choices within safe limits. Resources and equipment are regularly checked to ensure that they are safe and suitable for children's use. The childminder has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow to keep children safe from harm and shares a written policy with parents. She is aware of who to contact if a concern arose. As a result children's well-being is safeguarded. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. She is very warm and responsive to them and involves herself in their play. Children are creative as they explore and use imaginative play well to express themselves. For example, they use blankets to dress up as princesses and little red riding hood and interact well while playing in the home corner. They are fully occupied during their time with the childminder and have access to a stimulating range of activities, such as baking, creative activities and role play. The childminder is actively encouraging children to develop their language skills by talking, listening and reading stories to them. Children listen intently as the childminder reads stories that they enjoy such as 'Daisy the doctor' and 'Thomas the tank engine'. She talks about
numbers and colours in everyday conversation, as well as when playing games and during activities, which is helping children to become familiar with them. Children enjoy sharing experiences as they talk and laugh together. As a result they are developing warm and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. They have fun and are learning to develop negotiating skills and sharing as the childminder supports their play and provides good care for them. Helping children make a positive contribution The childminder discusses the needs of the individual children with parents to ensure she is offering the most appropriate care for them. Information is shared verbally with parents on a daily basis. Parents are made aware of policies and procedures because the childminder shares written documents at the initial visit so that parents have a good understanding of the service she offers. The childminder has a supportive approach regarding children who may be identified as having learning difficulties or disabilities and is aware of providing children with an inclusive environment. Children become aware of the diversity in society through access to a varied range of books and toys that provide positive images. They are beginning learn about good behaviour because the childminder helps them to understand simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder gives meaningful praise and acknowledges their achievements. Organisation The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. She reads and puts into practice current guidelines successfully. Children are happy and at ease in their surroundings. The home is sufficiently well-organised to ensure children can initiate their own play. All required documentation is in place, although the registration certificate is not displayed. The childminder has well maintained record keeping systems and ensures that all documentation is stored accordingly to maintain confidently. There are written policies and procedures in place to support practice and promote children's health, safety and well-being. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. Improvements since the last inspection At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to keep information regarding notifiable illnesses and informing parents about the complaints procedure and extending the range of resources which reflect positive images. The childminder has satisfactory addressed the recommendations. This contributes to children's safety and well-being.
Complaints since the last inspection Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT? 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): practise the emergency evacuation procedures with children display the certificate of registration. Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the 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 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk