Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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506058 Unique Reference Number 14 October 2006 Inspection date Karen Louise Prager Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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 has been registered for around 19 years. She lives with her husband and three children, one of whom is under 16 years, in a house in the Gorse Hill area of Swindon. It is within walking distance of shops, community facilities and parks. The downstairs of the house and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding one four-year-old part time. No children were present at the time of the inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a pet dog and keep indoor tropical fish.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a sufficient example of how children’s good health is promoted. She describes how children learn about their personal hygiene through their normal daily routines. For example, she makes sure that children are aware that they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder’s home presents as generally clean and tidy, though the toys are currently not regularly cleaned.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. The childminder has not completed a course on first aid emergency treatment for children but plans to attend the next available session. She has procedures in place to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

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Helping children to be healthy

From discussion the childminder demonstrated incomplete knowledge of the need to encourage children to eat healthily. Fruit is often offered as a snack and regular drinks include sugar-free squash and milk. However, the childminder is not consistent in this provision and is not working sufficiently with the parent to ensure the child is able to eat healthy food whilst at the childminder's.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware that regular exercise is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle and through discussion she demonstrated that she provides this through play in the garden and visits to the local park or on walks to school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are suitably cleaned and maintained. Children are able to move freely and safely in areas which are bright, comfortable and sufficient for their age. An appropriate selection of toys is available to suit children under the age of eight years. The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks in and outside her home have been reduced, so that children can play safely. She explains how children learn about their own safety through discussion about fire evacuation and road safety. The childminder has some knowledge of first aid treatment, though does not currently hold a first aid qualification.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected well from potential hazards, for example, the childminder implements a regular visual risk assessment of her home. Therefore, risks have been identified and minimised, for example, stair gates are available and the front door is kept locked to ensure children are unable to leave the premises of their own accord. The childminder verbally demonstrated a satisfactory understanding of child protection. As a result of her knowledge children are suitably safeguarded.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder shows a good understanding of children’s development and is knowledgeable about how to provide valuable play experiences. The childminder talks about encouraging children’s language through discussion about activities carried out.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Observation of resources suggests that they are organised and accessible, the provision of which means that children have access to a variety of activities that meets their stage of development. The childminder talks about the provision of activities outside the home which offer appropriate challenge, for example, playing football or swimming, and are suitable to children’s ages and stages of development. The childminder gave evidence of how she is aware of the individual needs of the children and good examples of how she seeks to meet these needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder talks about how children learn about the world around them by providing outings to the park and when walking to school. She provides a limited range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, and this has a minimal impact on children's awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Evidence suggests that children are valued and respected as individuals; their needs are met well as they follow their daily routine. The childminder showed a sound example of behaviour management giving examples of distraction and praise which are regularly used.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has effective systems in place to gather information from parents about their child’s care and individual needs. She described how she has daily conversations with parents that help with consistency of care for the children

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is an experienced childminder. Her home is well organised and laid out to provide suitable areas for children’s play. This warm and caring environment will encourage children to feel at home and at ease. Play resources are organised in a manner which helps to promote children’s free choice. They are sufficient in quantity and easily accessible on low level shelving.

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Organisation

Evidence suggests that documentation is organised in a folder, mostly up to date and accessible for inspection. However, not all persons living in the home have been suitably cleared with Ofsted. The childminder has effective procedures for passing on any information to parents through daily communication. Parents are made aware of the procedures to follow should they wish to make a complaint. Evidence suggests that the needs of all children are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to improve fire safety precautions by practising the evacuation procedure. Children's safety whilst in the care of the childminder has improved as the procedure is now practised every three months.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

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Complaints 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 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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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): • attend a paediatric first aid course • ensure checks are completed for all household members over the age of 16 years • ensure toys and equipment are maintained in a clean and suitable condition • ensure that the provision of food promotes good health

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The quality and standards of the care

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

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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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