Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 145238 Inspection date 15 June 2005 Inspector Doreen Forsyth

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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 has been a registered childminder since 1993. She lives with her husband and three children aged three, ten and twelve, in the village of Baydon, near Marlborough, Wiltshire. The home is within walking distance of the local school and pre-school. She is registered to care for up to 5 children under the age of 8. At present she provides care for 10 children aged from 9 months to 7 years old, all on a part-time basis.

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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 Only the ground floor of the semi-detached house is used for minded children, this provides all necessary facilities. The sitting room can provide sleeping facilities, there is access to a downstairs toilet. The sitting room, dining room and enclosed rear garden are used as play areas. Family pets include a dog and a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. When with the childminder, children learn good hygiene practices, for example, they learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Their health is protected by the childminder's good use of appropriate health and hygiene routines, such as ensuring the nappy changing mat is cleaned after each use. Children have easy access to fresh drinks so they do not become thirsty. The childminder ensures children are offered healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. Children talk with the childminder about what foods are good for you, so they learn about healthy lifestyles. The childminder records and observes children's individual dietary requirements and preferences. Children enjoy regular exercise, they walk to the local school and pre-school, and go for walks in the local area. They have access to a very good range of outside play resources that help encourage their physical development and skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well supported. The childminder is aware of any potential hazards in her home and takes appropriate action to minimise any risks. However, at this inspection some cleaning materials were in reach in the cloakroom which could compromise children's safety. Children play in a secure, clean and child friendly environment. All required emergency equipment is in place. The childminder and older children have discussed how they would evacuate the home in an emergency, this helps to ensure children's safety. Children choose what they play with from a very good range of age appropriate resources which are stored within children's reach. In the secure garden they have access to well maintained equipment for physical and outside play which they can safely use. Children's rest and relaxation needs are provided for as necessary. The childminder's confidence and understanding of the procedures she would follow

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

if child protection issue arise means that children's welfare is well 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 good. Children play happily and are well occupied. They interact very well with the childminder. The large range of toys available allows children to make independent choices and initiate their own play. The childminder is skilled at joining in with the children and developing their play. Children are offered activities that promote all areas of their learning. The childminder regularly reads stories to the children, helping to foster their communication and language skills. She provides them with a large selection of dressing up clothes and role play resources for imaginative play, and encourages children's creative development in painting, collage and craft activities. The childminder has attended appropriate training in supporting the development of children under the age of three. She now uses the 'Birth to three' framework very well to ensure the younger children in her care learn and progress appropriately. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder regularly takes children to the toddler group that she organises, where they have good opportunities to interact with other adults and children. They also go for walks, visit the library and go on outings, for example, to soft play centres.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and the childminder interact well together. The childminder values the children's individuality and knows them and their families well. She accepts all children into her care, and welcomes children with special needs. Resources are available that encourage children's understanding of equal opportunities and opportunities to learn about the wider world. The childminder's good partnership with parents helps her to meet children's individual needs and ensure the children are settled and secure. She always makes time to talk to parents and share information so there is a consistent approach to their care. Children's achievements and good behaviour is valued. The childminder encourages positive behaviour with praise and rewards, she is calm and consistent and provides a positive approach to behaviour management.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she cares. She is very experienced and well organised. She ensures children are offered a good range of activities both in her home and outside. She adequately maintains all the required documentation. The childminder has attended recent first aid training and has enrolled on training for National Vocational Qualifications, to help enhance the service she offers. All adults in the home are suitable to have contact with children. The childminder protects children by constantly supervising them and ensuring

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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 children do not have unsupervised contact with unvetted adults.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed the two safety issues that were raised at the last inspection. She has removed the bucket that contained standing water in the garden and has taken suitable measures to prevent cats entering her garden. She regularly risk assesses the garden to make sure it is safe for children's play.

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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): • ensure any hazardous materials are stored out of children's reach

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The quality and standards of the care

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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