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 EY305706 Inspection date 23/03/2009 Inspector Nikki Whinton

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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 was registered in 2005. She occasionally works with an assistant. The childminder lives with her husband and three children aged five, seven and 10 years in the Greenmeadow area of Swindon. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. 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 four minded children under the age of eight years at any one time, including three children in the early years age range. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age range, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She also cares for older children, aged from five to 12 years of age. The childminder walks to and from local schools and pre- schools to take and collect children. She makes use of community facilities including local parks, shops, toddler groups and the library. The family has a pet rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has an National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder offers an inclusive early years provision where each child is valued and recognised as an individual. Children progress well, because the childminder plans a broad range of interesting activities, both indoors and outside that help to support their learning. They go on bicycle rides, pick blackberries from the hedgerow, visit Coate Water and build igloos in the snow. The childminder has a genuine commitment to developing her professional knowledge. She has the capacity to further improve the quality of the care and learning offered to the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child's progress to help inform assessments  ensure manufacturer's guidelines are followed with regard to children using the trampoline and extend the record of risk assessments to include each type of outing undertaken by the children.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure adults left in sole charge of children have an appropriate first aid qualification (Safeguarding and 01/06/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promoting children's welfare)

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provision

The childminder is a well qualified, enthusiastic early years practitioner, who regularly undertakes targeted training in order to increase her professional knowledge. She is a reflective childminder, who knows her strengths and realises the main areas for further improvement. Nevertheless, children are sometimes left in the care of an assistant who does not have a first aid qualification. This places the children at risk. The childminder has a secure understanding of her vital role in protecting children and knows what to do if concerned about a child's welfare. There are effective procedures for making sure the parents fully understand her child protection responsibilities. The childminder has a positive relationship with the parents. They are provided with an informative welcome pack detailing her policies and procedures, prior to a child commencing in the setting. They are kept up to date with children's achievements through daily diaries and regular informal

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play and rest within a provision that is clean, well maintained and of an appropriate temperature. There are suitable arrangements in place to enable young children to enjoy uninterrupted sleep, whilst being appropriately supervised. The children appear relaxed and very self-assured, as they make decisions for themselves regarding the activities they wish to explore. For example, two of the children decide to play hide and seek with 'Peppa Pig', before later choosing to paint a picture. The children have good social skills, are able to share resources successfully and to take turns. They benefit from the childminder's active involvement in their play, such as when building a model tree house from construction materials. She uses spontaneous play opportunities, including when completing jigsaws or mixing paints to reinforce and extend their vocabulary. The childminder acts as a good role model and has a very positive relationship with the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

minded children. She ensures children experience a balanced programme of child- initiated and adult-led learning opportunities. She undertakes written, dated observations and assessments of the children, whilst they are engaged in activities, which are linked to aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The assessment records are transferred into the children's individual Learning Journey files, together with accompanying photographs. Information obtained from assessments is then used to plan the next steps in children's learning. However, parents are not invited to contribute to the assessment process.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is effectively developing the children's knowledge of good health and hygiene regimes as part of the daily routine. They realise they need to wash their hands before eating and are learning the importance of putting their hands over their mouths when they cough. The childminder offers the children a wide range of nutritious snacks, light lunch and main meal options that help to raise their awareness of healthy eating. Through theme based activities, such as trying This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 prawn crackers at Chinese New Year, children are developing their knowledge of food tastes. Children are able to access their individual drink bottles at all times, which helps to ensure they are consuming fluids in sufficient quantities to meet their individual requirements. Through practical activities, such as tidying away toys after use and by taking part in fire drills, the children are gaining an

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

appreciation of how to keep themselves safe. There is a range of measures to support children's safety. A fire blanket is immediately available, socket covers are positioned in exposed electric points and cleaning materials are inaccessible to children. However, whilst risk assessments have been completed for the house, there is no record of risk assessments for each of the outings the children experience. In addition, the childminder does not follow manufacturer's guidelines regarding children's use of the trampoline. As a result, children's safety is at risk. 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

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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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