Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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505888 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 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 registered since November 1996. She lives with her daughter, in the Liden area of Swindon. The whole of the house is available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have five cats, two rabbits and three tanks of fish.

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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. She is currently caring for four children under five, two of whom attend full time, and two children before and after school. She collects children from the local school and pre-school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and is a member of the local childminders' group. She has gained a level three qualification in childminding.

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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 and rest in warm clean premises. The childminder implements good standards of hygiene in the home, both personally and with regard to the children in her care. Children also have their own labelled flannels and towels in the bathroom, and they confidently know which one belongs to them. Pictorial guides remind children to wash their hands and this prevents the spread of infection. Children's health is well protected by a childminder who has an up to date knowledge of first aid and is aware of the correct procedures to follow if children have an accident or require medication whilst in her care. However, the childminder records medication given in children's daily diaries, hence this does not ensure records are maintained on premises. The childminder has a detailed sickness policy in place which is formally shared with parents. This includes details of exclusion periods for infectious illnesses and limits children's exposure

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder liaises with parents regarding children's dietary needs and allergies. This information is recorded and any requirements are catered for. It is not the childminder's policy to provide meals for the children, they bring their own to her house and these are stored appropriately to protect the children's health. However, she does provide snacks for the children, and these encourage the children's awareness of healthy eating. Children have access to drinks at all times and this ensures they have enough fluids throughout the day. Children's dietary needs are very well met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to fresh air and exercise daily. They walk to school and pre-school, visit the lake to feed the ducks and visit the local park where they play on the large apparatus. Children have access to lots of exercise when attending toddler group, being able to play on the slides, ride on toys and engage in singing and dancing activities. They also have access to the garden and have their physical skills well promoted.

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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 access to child size furniture for engaging in activities, areas for resting and plenty of floor space for play. The premises are child friendly and include attractive posters for the children, displays of their work and all children have created named hand prints which are displayed on the wall. This helps the children develop a sense of belonging in the childminder's care, with children being able to name all their peers that attend the provision. Children have access to a wide range of stimulating toys and equipment that encourage their development in all areas. These are stored in a large toy cupboard and the children confidently access those they wish to play with, helping develop their independence. The childminder is very aware of her responsibility with regard to the purchase and maintenance of toys and equipment. Hence, children play with toys that are safe,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in mainly safe premises, free from risks as the childminder has identified most potential hazards in the home and minimised these to promote safety and prevent accidents. For example, sockets are covered, medicines and cleaning materials are in locked cupboards and safety gates prevent access to the stairs. Hence, children play in safety. However, although the children are well supervised by the childminder and are always in her sight and hearing, the

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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 front door is not secure and children are potentially able to leave the premises unsupervised. All fire precautions are in place and the childminder practices the fire evacuation plan with the minded children and records the drills in detail. This encourages the children to learn how to respond and keep safe in the event of a real fire. The childminder has a detailed procedure in place for outings and for in the event of an emergency, demonstrating her commitment to keeping children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted by a childminder who has a good knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. The childminder formally shares her child protection duties with parents and this actively promotes the children's well being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are keen to engage in the activities, as they sit at the table to participate in a sticking activity, and confidently talk about what they are going to do. For example, 'I'm making butterflies' and 'I want green as it is my favourite'. The childminder interacts well with the children during their play. She encourages the children's language development, through talking about the animal shapes they are sticking with, supporting their speech well. This also supports younger children's curiosity and concentration, as they spend long periods engaged in activities, exploring the shapes and animals with her. Older children confidently talk about what they are making, with the childminder supporting their skills in other areas. For example, they talk about the colours, noises animals make and shapes of the paper. Children are able to make choices with regard

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to the toys they wish to play with, going to the well resourced toy cupboard to get out cutters to use with the play dough. They then enjoy rolling the dough and making shapes and patterns with this. Children develop close relationships with the childminder, readily approaching her for assistance or to request play. They play well together with peers, sharing equipment and taking turns as they engage in role play. For example, making a shop and buying toy cars. The childminder supports younger children's play well, and they enjoy rolling the car to each other, with children showing their delight through making high pitched noises and laughing. This promotes their self-confidence well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a wide range of activities that promote their development in all areas. The childminder has a good knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and how children learn through play. Children participate in pretend play, arts and crafts activities, play games and have regular trips to local groups where they socialise with other children. Younger children have lots of opportunities to develop their senses through various textured play, such as 'Gloop', spaghetti play and exploring shaving foam. They also engage in family type activities including cooking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for by a childminder who knows the children in her care extremely well, values and respects them and promotes their self-esteem fully. All children are included in all activities whilst in the childminder's care, with her supporting younger children to enable them to join in. The childminder is very aware of the differing needs of children and promotes respect for the cultures and lives of others, through displaying posters and having resources available

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 that promote positive images of diversity. Children regularly attend local Toddler groups which enables them to socialise with others and become a part of the community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary. The childminder has clear boundaries for the children in her care and is consistent in her approach to managing unwanted behaviour. She is an excellent role model and is highly respectful and calm in her manner to the children. Children, therefore, learn right from wrong and begin to share and take turns in their play. They develop respect for younger children and include them in their play. Children are well occupied and engaged in purposeful play, hence, they do not become bored or frustrated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong and positive partnership with parents as children have their routines respected and are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Childcare issues are discussed in confidence and this enables the childminder to keep updated with the children's backgrounds and enables her to offer them continuity of care. The childminder exchanges information with parents daily both verbally and in writing, and this informs parents of their child's day and routine. Children take home items they have made to share with their parents which helps them become involved in their child's care and learning. Parents receive comprehensive information regarding the childminder's policies and the procedures she is required to follow, including details of how to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

Children are cared for by a suitable, experienced and well qualified childminder who has gained a level three qualification in childminding. She has also attended lots of additional training to support her professional development. This has enabled the childminder to reflect on her practice and implement new ideas into her daily routine. Hence, this enhances the children's care and learning opportunities within the setting. The childminder maintains the required adult to child ratios and this means the children in her care receive good adult support, as she is able to organise her day to meet their needs, and support their development through play and interaction. The register is all accurate and shows a true record of the times the children are in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

The childminder has created a comprehensive portfolio that details all her policies and how she is able to implement these into her daily practice. These are implemented consistently and hence, promotes the children's welfare, care and learning. All required consents have been gained from parents regarding their children participating in all activities and routines of the day. This protects their well being and ensures they are cared for in line with parents' wishes. All required documentation is stored securely and is available for inspection. However, medication records leave the premises and this does not ensure they are retained for the correct period of time. The childminder maintains a record of the activities she does with the children, and evaluates these to ensure they are suitable and how to adjust these for future if they were not successful. Hence, she is committed to providing high quality childcare for children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that the attendance record includes the children's actual arrival and departure times.

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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 The childminder now maintains an accurate record of children arrival and departure times and this shows a true record of when the children are in her care.

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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): • make sure medication records are kept on premises to ensure they are retained for the required period of time • ensure children are cared for in secure premises and are not able to leave unsupervised

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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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