Childminder in SwindonOfsted inspection, 1 Apr 2009

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 108991 Inspection date 01/04/2009 Inspector Hilary Elizabeth Tierney

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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 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 was registered in 1994. She is on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder lives with her husband and two children, aged 12 and 17 years, in the residential area of Woodhall Park, Swindon. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She currently has a total of five children on roll in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years, and currently has a total of three children over eight years of age on roll. The childminder uses two assistants when numbers require. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library, park and shops. The childminder currently offers support to children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder has partnership arrangements with other early years settings, including the local nursery and school.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a Level 3 qualification in Home-based Childcare. She has also attended a number of workshops. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and of a local childminder support group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children are welcomed into a friendly environment where they are treated as individuals and their uniqueness is acknowledged. An excellent partnership with parents and other early years providers helps to contribute to the good quality childcare provided. Detailed polices and procedures are in place and help towards providing a good service for children and carers and a well organised setting. The childminder is committed to improvement and has completed a detailed self-evaluation and has clearly identified areas of improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the links between sensitive observational assessments and general planning of activities that include children’s interests, so that all children’s individual needs continue to be met.

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provision

The childminder has developed an excellent relationship with parents, carers and other early years settings of the children in her care. She ensures carers are kept This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 well informed through verbal communication daily when they leave and collect their children. Detailed policies and procedures contribute to the smooth running of the setting and are shared with parents regularly. All necessary parental permissions are in place. Parents contribute to the care of their children and regularly complete questionnaires about the care provided. All comments are very positive and indicate that parents are very happy with the care provided. Risk assessments are detailed, clearly written and regularly reviewed. There is a clear outings procedure in place which ensures children are safe when out and about. Children are safeguarded very well. The childminder supervises children extremely

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provision

well at all times and they are taught how to keep themselves safe during their time at the childminder's home. The childminder is clear about procedures to follow in the event of having a concern about a child in her care and ensures she clearly records existing injuries of children should they occur.

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provision

Children are taught about healthy eating and personal hygiene practices. They are encouraged to eat healthy meals and snacks that are freshly prepared daily. Sample menus are available for parents to see, and reflect any dietary needs of children. Children have regular easy access to fresh drinking water. The childminder regularly offers the younger children drinks during the day. Children have good opportunities to explore and learn about the world around them through a wide range of outings provided by the childminder and access to the enclosed garden. Children understand about why they need to clean their hands before meals and are able to do this independently.

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provision

The childminder has put in place detailed folders for each child which include written observations, assessments, activity plans and some evaluation of the activities. These help to contribute to the childminder's knowledge of the children in her care. The childminder is aware of children's starting points and how to help them learn and develop in the future. However, she has not yet fully linked the general planning of activities and children's interests to children's observational assessments.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children arrive happily into a warm, welcoming environment. They understand the rules of the home and hang up coats and take off shoes before they enter the main rooms. They settle quickly into play. Both the childminder and the children interact well with each other. They chat happily as they take part in the activities provided. Children were observed making Easter nests and baskets for their parents. They sit very happily using scissors and cutting out shapes to stick on the hats; the childminder provides a good selection of items for them to use. As they make the baskets, the children laugh and giggle with the childminder as they use stickers and stick them on the childminder's mouth and nose. They have great fun doing this and eventually put them on their baskets. Children are asked clear open questions to help them think and solve problems.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Younger children are encouraged to play with appropriate resources, they are able to crawl and explore as they play. They have been taught to keep themselves safe and were observed going up and down stairs very safely, suitably supervised by This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the childminder. Younger children enjoy play with the childminder. She talks to them and helps them explore what the resources do, for example, children were observed playing with 'Bob the Builder' trucks and cars. The childminder helps them push them along the floor, talking to them as she does so. The childminder divides her time extremely well between the children and she interacts with them all very well as they play. Children obviously enjoy their time at the childminder's home and have great fun as they interact with her.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children take part in a variety of activities during their time with the childminder, which include outings, visits to the park and other early years settings, soft play, painting and role play. Children are active learners and take part in activities with enthusiasm and enjoyment. The childminder ensures children cover all areas of learning and development during their time with her. She is committed to providing good childcare and works hard to ensure she is meeting the needs of all children in her care. 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 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

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