Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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505890 Unique Reference Number 25 September 2007 Inspection date Jenny Scarlett 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 was registered in 1990. She lives with her partner and two adult children in Swindon, Wiltshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, four of whom are under eight years on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning about healthy living as they are supported and encouraged to take regular exercise when walking to and from school everyday. They have opportunities to play in the local park and in the childminder's garden where they can access ride-on toys and ball games which help to develop their muscles and coordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are able to access drinks throughout their time in the childminder's home. This helps to ensure they are consuming fluids in sufficient quantities to meet their needs. Allergies or dietary issues are discussed with parents prior to a child commencing in the setting. Parents provide packed meals for their children, which are supplemented by the childminder if required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning good hygiene practises such as washing their hands before eating. They have access to nose tissues and develop their independence because they know where they are and can reach them easily. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of first aid and her awareness of the correct administrative arrangements, if accidents occur or children require medication.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment where appropriate precautions such as cupboard locks, smoke detectors and socket covers are in place to keep children safe. There is access to a secure outside play area, which has been risk-assessed to ensure children can play safely. Older children understand why emergency evacuations are in place because the childminder discusses this with them. However, these are not put into practise to ensure children are fully aware of the procedure. Good procedures are in place to ensure children are safe when on outings, these include the use of appropriate car seats and pushchairs for non-mobile children. Contact telephone numbers for the children are held on the mobile phone. However, there are no formal written procedures for recording children's emergency details when taking them out and about in the community.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently access a good range of safe equipment that is suitable for their age and stage of development. They are able to help themselves to a good range of clean, well maintained, age appropriate resources that are stored in low-level, clear boxes. This enables the children to see what resources there are to play with. Resources are checked regularly to ensure that they are of good quality and suitable for the children being cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected against harm as the childminder has satisfactory knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and her role in ensuring that children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are able to choose from a suitable selection of play equipment and resources that are appropriate to their age and development. The availability of the toys and resources allow the children to choose the toys they want to play with, for example, tractors and diggers. The childminder is kind to the children, making them feel safe and valued. She has good relationships with the children as they talk and play together. It is evident that they have a secure and warm relationship with the childminder, as they frequently go to her for cuddles and general attention.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning to develop positive relationships with their peers as they begin to share toys and help each other in their play. Younger children enjoy bringing older ones a toy to hold which promotes positive relationships. Their language is developing well as they learn to say new words such as "gone" and "dog" and explore sounds they hear. They become excited as they watch the grass being cut on the green in the front of the house. They wait for the lawn mower to turn around and point as they see it drive along the road.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder knows the children well, she appreciates their differing needs and understands their varying home circumstances. Children's cultural backgrounds are acknowledged. A list of key words enable the childminder and the children to begin to communicate and develop an understanding of the home language used. Children have access to a satisfactory range of resources that value diversity. They have equal access to the resources available and there is time for each of them to have special one-to-one time with the childminder. Children feel secure as they bring comforters from home such as blankets and dummies, which they access when they are feeling tired. They are developing an awareness of their own needs as they request drinks and help themselves to their water beaker when appropriate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's understanding of responsible behaviour is evident as they play cooperatively with each other. This is clearly supported by the positive role models displayed by the childminder. Children are able to make choices about their play and they can rest appropriately when they are tired. Children are cared for by a childminder who works in partnership with their parents to meet their very individual needs, they share information verbally on a daily basis. There is adequate documentation in place to support the care of the children, although, not all consents have been countersigned by parents. This compromises children's well being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a suitable welcoming environment in which children are happy and their welfare is her first concern. The premises are well maintained and provide good space for the children. Children receive good support which enables them to have opportunities to play, eat and rest in comfort. The daily routine is structured so that children feel secure, but is flexible enough to allow their individual needs to be met. Children are settled and know that they can rely on the childminder for support, affection and assistance at any time. The environment both indoors and out is organised flexibly so children can choose and initiate their own activities, thus developing their independence. The childminder makes use of the local facilities and regularly arranges outings within the community, to extend the children's learning and social skills. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Children's personal safety is maintained, as the childminder has a sound understanding of appropriate vetting procedures and the requirement to safeguard children in her care. The childminder ensures that adult ratios are maintained at all times and keeps a register of children's attendance. Procedures are in place to promote children's general well-being. However, there are some aspects of documentation with regard to consents that are not consistently maintained. This means children's welfare may be compromised.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were made for the provider to extend resources and opportunities for children to use their imagination, organise reading resources and make them accessible to children, practise the emergency escape plan and provide toys and materials that promote equality of opportunity. Children have access to a satisfactory range of resources and activities, reflecting anti discriminatory practice. There is a varied range of resources to enable the children to use their imagination and books are accessible for the children to read on their own or with the childminder. These improvements have had a positive impact on the quality

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 of care offered to the children. Older children understand why emergency evacuations are in place because the childminder discusses this with them. However, these are not put into practise to ensure children are fully aware of the procedure.

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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. 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): • ensure emergency details for the children are accessible on outings • ensure that all parents sign the consent forms at the time of placement.

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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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