Childminder in Swindon

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY234421 Inspection date 17/11/2008 Inspector Charlotte Jenkin

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband and two children in a house close to Swindon town centre, with shops and parks within walking distance. The home is also close to the local primary school. Minded children have access to the whole of the house as appropriate. There is also a fully enclosed garden. The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight years and currently minds four children in the early years age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The family has a large fish tank. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She regularly attends meetings for childminders and their children and also visits the local toddler group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's individual needs are well met by a childminder who knows them well and respects their individuality. This promotes their confidence and self-esteem and enables them to feel secure in the provision. Children make suitable progress towards the early learning goals through the varied range of activities offered to them. The childminder has the capacity to make improvements to her provision, evaluating the service she offers and identifying areas for development. This has a positive impact on outcomes for children.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 observe children as part of the daily routine and use these observations to plan the next steps in children's learning and development  further develop planning to provide appropriate experiences that build on children's interests and continue to help them make progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning  encourage parents to regularly contribute to children's assessments regarding their progress at home

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provision

All policies and procedures are in place and implemented for the effective running of the provision. The childminder is very aware of her role in safeguarding children and is aware of the current procedures to follow. Risk assessments are detailed, identify potential hazards and ensure children are cared for in a safe environment. The childminder records detailed information regarding the children in her care and this enables her to meet their individual needs and incorporate their routines into her day. Hence, children are well cared for and are confident and at ease in the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 setting. Children benefit from the good communication with parents regarding their care needs and this enables the childminder to offer the children continuity of care. This has a positive impact on children's sense of belonging in the provision.

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provision

Parents are able to see photos of their child engaged in activities and feedback on their developmental progress is shared. However, this is not fully developed to encourage parents to contribute to the assessment process. The childminder has the capacity to make improvements to the learning, development and care offered to the children. She has attended additional training and this has enabled her to begin making some assessments of children's progress. She has evaluated her provision, identified areas for improvement and booked on training courses in order for her to achieve this. This demonstrates her commitment to improving outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They demonstrate a secure bond with the childminder, readily approaching her and requesting her to join in their play. Children are keen to explore the toys and activities on offer and spend long periods engaged in self-chosen play, for example, with the cars and tool set. Children engage in role play based on first hand experiences, and enjoy pretending to cook for the childminder. They put food in saucepans and in the oven before serving it to the childminder. She pretends to eat, whilst talking about the food the children have offered her. The childminder responds well to the children, getting down to their level to engage them in their play. She interacts well with them, encouraging their language skills. For example, when one child says 'Rory' and leads her to a toy box, she realises he wants the car track out. This helps build on children's confidence in communicating their wishes to others. Children are cared for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

in an environment that is warm and welcoming. There are displays of the children's work around and this helps them feel secure in the provision. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment that are well organised at low level to encourage them to choose those they wish to play with, which they do so with confidence. Children are provided with a range of activities that promote their development appropriately in all areas of learning. The childminder has begun to observe children during their play, but has not yet used the observations to assess children's progress, or plan for the next steps in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to develop their understanding of how to keep safe, both in the provision and when out. The childminder reinforces the rules needed to promote their safety and children adhere to these, for example, not running indoors and crossing the road safely. The evacuation plan is practised with the children and this helps them understand the procedures to be followed should a fire occur. Children develop their awareness of healthy eating through the nutritious snacks and meals they enjoy in the provision. Information is gained from parents regarding children's dietary needs, preferences and allergies, and this is recorded and well catered for by the childminder. She gently encourages children to try nutritious snacks using toy characters she knows they like, explaining to them how they make their bodies 'strong and healthy'. The environment is warm and clean and good standards of hygiene are maintained. Children learn about the importance of hand

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

washing routines, and this minimises the risk of cross-infection in the provision. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's good health is promoted through regular walks in the environment. They play with various toys and equipment in the garden, regularly visit the parks and enjoy dancing and physical activity indoors. Children develop their awareness of the local community, with trips to local toddler groups, where they play and interact with other children. The childminder supports children's social skills in sharing and turn taking. She has clear and appropriate boundaries in place for the children, and has these in pictorial form to help all children's understanding of these. She is very aware of the appropriate methods to use for managing unwanted behaviour, and this helps children learn right from wrong. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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