Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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506003 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2008 Inspection date Rosemary Davies 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 registered in 1996. She lives with her child aged 13 years in central Swindon, Wiltshire. Shops, parks, public gardens, a library, toddler groups and other amenities lie within walking distance. The childminder can take children to and collect them from, local schools and pre-schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children may use the entire house, although upstairs is used solely for sleeping purposes. A fully enclosed rear courtyard is available for outside play. The childminder's registration permits her to care for six children under the age of eight years, at any one time. She currently minds eight children aged from one to eight years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder uses a wide range of good procedures to keep children in good health and prevent cross-infection. Children use a very clean home environment in which the childminder employs thorough daily routines to maintain good kitchen and bathroom hygiene. Toys and

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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 equipment are cleaned regularly. Children learn good personal independence routines, with the older ones knowing they use individual hand towels to dry their hands after using the toilet and hand-wipes before eating their snack. The childminder wipes babies' and toddlers' hands for them. Required records are maintained; she holds a suitable current first aid certificate and parents' permission is obtained for emergency medical care and treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy lifestyles. They take walks in the local community, visiting parks and gardens to use a variety of physical play apparatus. Younger children use additional equipment when attending toddler groups and participate in activities such as parachute play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Most parents provide packed lunches for their children, which the childminder refrigerates until needed. She does not discuss a healthy eating policy with parents, although currently all send in healthy options for their children's lunches. Children eagerly eat healthy snacks provided by the childminder, tucking into fresh fruit and bread sticks. They drink water with their meals and as needed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a warm, secure and welcoming homely environment. One room is designated as a playroom, where most toys and resources are stored. Children enjoy helping themselves to items they wish to play with. Equipment is maintained in good working order. The childminder chooses new equipment with care to suit the ages of the children minded. She has recently provided additional puzzles, games and books for the youngest children, being aware that these were needed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder identifies many potential dangers to children's safety and minimises these appropriately, such as covering electrical sockets and placing a guard around the fireplace. However, some bathroom toiletries remain within children's reach and children wear socks on wooden flooring. These both present possible hazards to children as they may try to consume the toiletries or slip over and knock themselves. The childminder remains vigilant for their safety in the home, however, giving clear explanations as to why some behaviour is unsafe. Suitable fire prevention precautions are in place and the childminder practises her emergency evacuation procedures with the children. The childminder encourages children to learn how to keep themselves safe when out for walks, teaching them how to cross roads safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children and knows what procedure to follow if she has a concern. She undertakes training to keep her knowledge of child protection updated.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the activities and experiences provided by this childminder. She often follows the children's lead and is very aware of what individual children enjoy particularly. Children engage in a wide range of worthwhile, practical play activities, such as making puzzles, mark-making and pretend play. Their experiences are widened through walks and visits in the locality, such as to a museum and library. The childminder supports children's play and all round development well, helping the speech development of the youngest ones and providing additional resources for older children, as needed. Children of different ages play amicably alongside each other under the gentle guidance of the childminder who helps them learn to

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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 share toys. Relationships are very good with everyone clearly getting on well together and children happily having a cuddle whilst listening to stories.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder gives all children individual attention, meeting their needs well. Her understanding of child development and of the children in her care helps her in identifying if any children have additional needs. She maintains good communication with parents having frequent chats and discussions, which help her care for the children appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents speak warmly of her support to them and of the advice she gives, so that a common approach is taken; this includes sharing her methods of managing children's behaviour. Children behave very well because the childminder gives clear explanations to them about anything that is not acceptable behaviour; she intervenes quickly to diffuse potential arguments and gives lots of appropriate praise, such as when older children tell her what the younger ones have done rather than retaliating. Children quickly learn 'house rules' such as taking off their shoes when indoors. Older children gain tolerance as they develop, learning to treat the younger children kindly. They begin to understand that people differ and see the diversity of modern life reflected in the resources they with which they play. The childminder builds on this by encouraging children to respond to special cultural and religious events, such as Easter, Divali

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She understands her responsibility for protecting children from people who have not been vetted. As an experienced childminder, she adopts a committed approach, keeping abreast of new developments and managing her home and time well for childminding purposes. She has written several statements about her practice, which she shares with parents, so that they understand her methods. All required documentation is in place and stored securely, with due regard to confidentiality. Her certificate of registration is displayed. The childminder provides parents with a written complaints procedure and with current contact details of the regulator, Ofsted, should they require these.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the quality of care was judged as inadequate. The childminder was required to address two actions relating to children's health. The childminder has adjusted her paperwork and undertaken a relevant first aid course, so has successfully addressed both issues. Additionally, she has provided some new resources and introduced regular 'fire drills'. Consequently, the quality of care offered to the children has improved.

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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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Complaints 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

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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): • further promote children's safety by making bathroom products inaccessible to them and by ensuring suitable footwear is worn on wooden flooring.

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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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