Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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152601 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2007 Inspection date Charlotte Jenkin 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 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 has been a registered since February 2001. She lives in a four bed-roomed, detached house in the Westlea district of the town. She lives with her husband and three children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the downstairs of the house as appropriate with toilet and sleeping facilities provided. The upstairs of the house and the garden are not included in the registration. The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight years and currently cares for five children on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She regularly attends a local toddler group. The home is close to the local primary school and there is good access to local bus routes and local amenities.

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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 good. Children play in warm, clean premises. They learn about the importance of hand washing routines, doing so after messy play, using the toilet and prior to eating. The childminder maintains good standards of hygiene in the home, for example, cleaning surfaces and general housework. Thus, preventing the spread of infection. Children's health is protected by a childminder who is aware of the correct procedures to follow for recording accidents and medication administered to the children in her care. The sickness policy is formally shared with parents and this promotes the health of the children as they are not exposed to unnecessary illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their awareness of healthy eating through the nutritious snacks they enjoy whilst in the setting. They regularly engage in activities that help them learn about the importance of eating a healthy diet, and the effects of these on their growth, for example, fruit tasting. The childminder liaises with parents regarding children's dietary needs and allergies and any preferences are catered for. Children bring their own packed lunches to the childminder's house and these are stored appropriately in the fridge to protect the children's health. Children's dietary needs are well met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily access to fresh air and exercise as they walk to the local school daily and stop in the play area on the way home. They frequently visit local parks, and at toddler groups they have access to physical activities including dancing. Children often go for nature walks where they collect natural objects and observe nature. They visit parks where they are able to play on the large apparatus. Children have their physical skills suitably supported.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in welcoming premises, where they have plenty of space for play, as well as areas for eating, resting and engaging in craft activities. Children have access to a good range of interesting toys and equipment that help support their development in all areas. They are able to select the toys and activities they wish to play with as these are stored to enable the children to help themselves, and do so with confidence. All toys and equipment are well maintained, therefore children play with toys that are suitable, safe and age appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in safe premises, free from risks as the childminder has identified potential hazards to the children and effectively minimised these. For example, sockets are covered, the fire has a guard on it and the premises are all secure. Children, therefore, play in safety. All fire precautions are in place, records are kept of smoke alarm tests and the fire evacuation plan is practised with the minded children. This ensures it is effective in keeping children safe in the event of a fire. There is a clear and well though out emergency plan in place, to promote the children's welfare. All required safety equipment is used to keep children safe when out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is supported by a childminder who has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. However, she does not currently share her child protection duties with parents and this does not actively promote the children's well-being.

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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 good. Children are extremely relaxed and at ease in the childminder's care. They appear 'at home', and confidently greet the visitor as she enters, introducing themselves to her. Children form good relationships with their peers, as they sit happily together playing, talking about what they are doing. For example, when playing with the dough, they put the pieces on together to make 'Pilchard' the cat. The childminder interacts very well with the minded children, supporting them well during their play. For example, she encourages children to smell the play dough and they talk about how it feels. The environment is happy with the childminder and the children laughing and talking as they engage in their play together. Children's language development is well supported as children readily talk to the childminder about their personal lives. For example, what they do at play group, what they want to play with, and what they are going to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

do after lunch. Children develop secure relationships with the childminder, readily approaching her for assistance, for example, when upset. The childminder quickly responds to the children's needs, supporting their self-confidence well. For example, offering cuddles and sitting with them when wary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a wide range of activities that help support their development in all areas. They regularly engage in art and craft activities, role play, music and singing, as well as free play. They also engage in family type activities such as cooking and baking cakes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who takes time to know the children in her care well, recognises their individuality and supports their self-esteem. She ensures all children are included in all activities, offering extra support where necessary. Children have regular opportunities to explore their local environment, as well as to visit local groups where they are able to socialise with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good; they show concern for others, helping younger children during their play. For example, an older child says to a younger child, 'let me help you and show you how to do this'. Children are encouraged to share and take turns in their play, showing and helping the children negotiate. The childminder is a good role model to the minded children, she is calm in her manner and consistent in her approach to managing their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the sound partnership with parents as they have their routines respected and are cared for in line with parents' wishes. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of the need to establish positive relationships with parents and how this helps the children feel happy and contented whilst in her care. She exchanges information with parents daily, regarding their well-being as well as the activities they have participated in. The childminder has a complaints policy in place and is aware of the requirement for responding to and maintaining a log of complaints. However, she has not updated her policy to include current contact details for the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a suitable and appropriately qualified childminder. She has attended training to support her professional development and this enables her to continually update

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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 her practice within the Early Years. The register is accurate and shows the exact times the children are in the care of the childminder. The childminder maintains the required adult to child ratios at all times. This means the children receive good adult support, as the childminder is able to spend time playing and interacting with the children in her care. This results in the children feeling confident and settled in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder gains all necessary consents from parents regarding children's participation in routines and activities. This ensures they are card for in line with parents' wishes and protects their well-being. All required documentation is kept on the premises, stored securely and well organised. However, the complaints policy has not been updated to include the current contact details for the regulator. The childminder implements her policies and procedures in a way that promotes the children's welfare, care and learning.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve safety by making sure that the premises are secure and that electric sockets in areas accessible to children are fitted with socket covers.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All sockets are now covered and the premises are secure, with a key available for easy evacuation in the event of an emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection no complaints have been made to Ofsted that has 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 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): • promote the children's well-being by ensuring parents are aware of child protection duties • ensure the complaints policy is updated to include current contact details of the regulator

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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 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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