Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356165 Unique Reference Number 17 June 2008 Inspection date Rachel Edwards 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 2007. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 12 and 14 years, in a house in the Liden district of Swindon, Wiltshire. Shops, a park, toddler groups, a library and other amenities are within walking distance. The house lies on a regular bus route. The childminder can take children to, and collect them from, local schools and pre-schools. The family keeps a pet cat. Minded children may use the entire house but in practice, the upstairs is used for bathroom requirements and sleeping purposes only. A rear garden is available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years, at any one time. She currently cares for four children. The childminder holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Care and Education. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children lead very healthy lives whilst they are with the childminder. She does all she can to reduce the risk of illness and cross infection. Children play in a clean environment and with

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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 clean toys and equipment. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene and from the start are shown how to thoroughly wash and dry their hands. They sing a washing song together whilst doing this, which helps reinforce their learning. The childminder makes sure that parents understand that she cannot care for children whilst they are unwell and she shares with them information on withdrawal periods for common childhood illnesses. She has a food hygiene and first aid certificate and uses this knowledge to protect children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy and benefit from the range of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals that the childminder provides. They all eat together at the table to create a social atmosphere that encourages them to eat well and try new tastes. They take time over meals and learn about the food they are eating, for example, that they have to wait until pears are soft before they are good to eat and how to peel an orange. The childminder works with parents so that she can accommodate any special dietary needs and children's preferences. Children are able to help themselves to drinking water whenever they are thirsty, from bottles that are kept on a low table within their reach.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical outdoor play every day. They make good use of the small garden but also regularly visit nearby parks and enjoy playing on ride on toys at toddler groups. They walk to and from school each day and to the shops and library. This is a safe and pleasant walk through parkland, where children can safely run ahead and enjoy collecting leaves and looking for wildlife.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a generally safe and suitable environment, where the childminder has taken steps to identify and reduce most risks to children. For example, a safety gate prevents them from going in the cooking area of the kitchen or on the stairs. The house and garden are secure so children cannot wander off nor visitors gain entry. However, children can climb the banisters on the landing, with a risk of them falling down the stairs. Children learn to keep themselves safe, for example, they practise leaving the house in an emergency and learn how to behave safely near traffic. Children play with a good selection of well maintained toys that are safe and appropriate for their stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her responsibility to safeguard children's welfare and she shares this with parents. She has attended training on child protection and would be able to act in a child's best interests if she had concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the wide variety of activities and outings provided by the childminder. She has a very good understanding of how children learn and develop through play and she plans practical activities that they want to join in with, such as planting seeds to grow plants for hanging baskets. The childminder keeps a careful record of children's achievements with photographs and valuable comments and she uses this to plan activities that will help each child progress in all areas of their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to select what they would like to play with from a range of toys that they can reach themselves. They develop a love of books and enjoy snuggling up for stories each day. Each child has a library ticket and they enjoy choosing books to take back to the

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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 childminders. The childminder takes every opportunity to help children through practical activities, for example, they develop their understanding of numbers as they weigh ingredients or thread and count buttons. They frequently enjoy singing together or experimenting with the different sounds made by a variety of musical instruments. They go on regular outings that add variety and interest to their day, for example, a bus trip into town, visits to toddler groups or feeding the ducks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children and their families are made to feel welcome by the childminder, who recognises and takes account of each child's different needs and preferences. Children's different cultural identities are valued and reflected in the care she provides, although they play with limited resources and do not regularly take part in activities that help them appreciate diversity and learn about the wider world. Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging as they confidently choose things they wish to play with. The clear daily routine helps them know what will happen next and makes them feel settled and secure. They willingly help with everyday jobs, such as tidying up toys and sorting waste to be recycled. Children generally behave well. The childminder involves children in deciding the house rules and these are displayed at their height as a reminder. The childminder supports young children well as they learn to share and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

take turns, which at times they find difficult and frustrating. She remains firm and calm and children respond well to this clear and consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an excellent relationship with parents with a very effective two way communication. They are extremely well informed about all aspects of the care she provides. Each child has a record of their achievements, attractively illustrated with photographs, which gives parents a very good insight into their child's day and development. Parents are regularly invited to complete a questionnaire which helps the childminder further improve her provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The very good organisation of this childminder contributes significantly to the good quality care that she provides. She has made a welcoming child friendly environment in her home and organises her daily routine extremely well to meet children's care and learning needs. She is committed to further improving the provision, for example, she routinely evaluates the activities she provides so as to better meet children's needs. She holds a level 3 qualification in early years and also regularly attends relevant training.

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Organisation

All of the required records and policies are in place to support children's health, safety and well-being. All aspects of the care she provides are outlined in her comprehensive written policies and procedures, which parents receive copies of. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as first inspection since registration.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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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 the landing banisters are not a danger to children • provide more resources and activities to help children value similarities and differences between themselves and others

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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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