Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318595 Inspection date 14 June 2006 Inspector Karen Louise Prager

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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 January 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 17, 13 and two years in the Moredon area of Swindon, Wiltshire. The ground and first floor of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and 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 and is currently minding two children over five before and after school and in the school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder also takes and collects children from the local preschool. The family

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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 have a rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She occasionally works with an assistant.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are effectively protected from the unnecessary spread of infection because the childminder agrees with parents at registration that the children should remain at home if they are unwell. Children are cared for in clean surroundings. They are taught the importance of good hygiene routines including washing their hands before meals. Children have easy access to drinks. Parents are consulted about their children’s dietary needs at registration. The childminder is well informed about healthy eating and provides a wide range of nutritious foods. Children learn the value of healthy eating themselves when they assist in making their meals and snacks. Children benefit from plenty of regular exercise. They enjoy playing in the garden with a variety of toys, and regular visits are made to local parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure home environment where they have sufficient space for play and rest. They have access to a good selection of toys, books and resources that actively promote children's development and learning. The toys are clean safe and attractive and the childminder ensures that they are maintained in this condition. Children’s risk of accidental injury is minimised by the childminder’s good awareness of danger and because effective safety precautions are in place. The home and garden are secured with locks and inside the house appropriate equipment, such as stair gates and socket covers, is fitted. Children’s welfare is safeguarded in relation to child protection issues because the childminder is well informed. She is aware of possible signs or symptoms that could suggest ill-treatment and the appropriate steps to take if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are eager to attend and relish their time spent in this settled and secure homely environment. Children's learning and play opportunities are extended through

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 provision of a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor experiences. They decide for themselves what they will play with and become absorbed in their play, such as when making Father’s Day cards or sorting the toy cars. The childminder demonstrates clear communication skills with the children which encourages a positive relationship with the children to enable them to learn in a positive environment. The childminder supports children’s play successfully and questions them effectively to extend their thinking. Children enjoy varied activities in the garden when they play with the rabbit or on the trampoline. Children play imaginatively with resources, such as action figures. Regular visits into the local community offer further interesting opportunities for the children. For

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

example, they enjoy visiting the local library to choose books and a variety of parks around Swindon. The childminder remains flexible in her planning of activities and weekly events putting the children’s interests and welfare first. Children also participate in the planning of the activities with the childminder responding enthusiastically to their interests which further promotes children’s enjoyment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle into the provision well as the childminder has a good understanding of the importance of developing a good partnership with the parents and the need for regular discussion. The childminder ensures that she collects enough information from their parents before they start to know what the individual needs of the children are. She continues to talk to the children and parents daily so that she is constantly updated. This cooperation helps the children feel secure and ensures that their needs are met. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities regarding the recording of complaints and parents are made aware of the role of the regulator. Children develop some awareness of the wider society, for example, as they carry out craft activities which promote positive images of different cultures. However, the childminder’s knowledge of others is limited which in turn restricts children’s growing

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understanding. Children develop caring and cooperative relationships. They are able to manage their own behaviour and show respect for others. The childminder is consistent with her approach to behaviour management and gives the children lots of praise. A successful reward system is in place which the children enjoy participating in. Children have a sense of belonging in the setting, and although they have not been attending for long, are relaxed and comfortable with the routines and enjoy helping.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of the children who attend the

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 setting. She makes good use of the space within her home and the time spent together. Children know what different rooms are used for, such as the kitchen is used for eating and messier activities. Paperwork is well organised and easily to hand. A file with policies and information relating to the childminding is made available for parents. The childminder also effectively records the children’s time spent with her and with the help of the children is collating a scrap book to record activities carried out. Relevant records are maintained in consultation with the parents and stored in a locked container. The childminder is committing to furthering her knowledge and has completed her necessary training in first aid and childminding practice, and has also attended training in the Birth to three matters framework. She interacts with other, more

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Organisation

experienced childminders, in order to improve her own knowledge and practice. The provider meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • extend knowledge about other cultures and use this knowledge to widen the children's understanding of others.

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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 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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