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 EY303919 Inspection date 16/04/2009 Inspector Rosemary Davies

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and four-year-old child in the Red House area of Swindon, Wiltshire, close to shops, parks, toddler groups and a library. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and pre-schools. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years. She sometimes works with an assistant and at such times may care for a maximum of six children under eight years, with two children under one year. She also offers care to children aged over five years to nine years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

Minded children may use the entire house, although in practice they mostly remain downstairs in the designated playroom. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside play. Access to the home is by two steps. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at Level 3.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children make good progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) because the childminder takes a committed approach, using her considerable experience and knowledge effectively. She offers a well-resourced learning environment. She provides an inclusive setting, treating all children as individuals and meeting their particular needs, including those learning English as an additional language. The childminder reflects on her practice well and shows good capacity to improve her provision further.

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further?

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

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further?

 implement the planned monitoring system to track children's progress towards the early learning goals and ensure all are covered effectively  further promote children's good health by providing parents with information about appropriate food content for packed lunches.

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provision

This childminder takes a professional approach to her role. She makes good use of her skills and knowledge, organising her home and time well to meet children's needs. The designated playroom is particularly well equipped to cover EYFS requirements; it contains a role-play area and a refrigerator for storing food, for example.

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provision

The childminder evaluates her provision effectively. She identifies the main This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 strengths and areas for improvement in her practice accurately, overall. She responds to suggestions from outside professionals, undertakes regular training and adapts her practice accordingly, so demonstrating her commitment to improving what is provided. Since her last inspection, she has instigated regular fire drills and installed a safety surface in the outdoor garden area to improve safety.

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provision

The childminder keeps required documentation methodically and confidentially, such as a daily register. She safeguards children's welfare appropriately. Her assistant is cleared as being suitable to work with children and both adults have suitable first aid certificates.

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provision

The childminder establishes good partnerships with all involved with the children. Parents receive good quality information about her methods. She provides suitable written policies, although information about appropriate food for children's packed lunches is not included. She maintains effective two-way communications. Parents contribute to daily diaries, which helps the childminder understand children's individual needs and, in turn, she provides parents with useful details about children's activities and welfare during the day.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy good relationships with the childminder and her family. The childminder takes a calm, positive approach, which helps children get on well together and be ready to learn. They choose what they want to do eagerly from the wide range of good quality resources on offer. These suit children's individual needs well, including those learning English as an additional language; consequently, children enjoy their activities and even the youngest begin to concentrate at them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of the six areas of learning and the early learning goals. She knows each child well individually, establishing their starting points through discussions with parents and regular observations of children's play. She plans activities according to children's interests and capabilities, so that learning is progressive; for example, use of glue spatulas in a creative activity helps develop hand dexterity, which in turn supports children's ability to use a spoon and feed themselves. The childminder teaches children essential skills for their future lives.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children receive a good mix of adult-led and child-chosen experiences, through both indoor and outdoor learning. The childminder broadens their knowledge of the wider world well through an exceptionally good range of visits in the locality and visitors to her home. Children experience a visit to the dentist and fire station, for example, whilst a community support officer visits the house with a police car. There is no system to monitor children's progress against the early learning goals, so the childminder cannot be sure that all aspects are covered; she is aware of this and is taking suitable action.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children use a secure, extremely clean and suitable homely environment. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder identifies and minimises potential risks to children's safety effectively. Children learn how to keep themselves safe under her careful guidance. They learn to use physical play equipment safely and basic road safety, for example. Children eat healthy snacks provided by the childminder, who stores their packed lunches appropriately. The childminder uses excellent procedures to prevent the spread of cross-infection, following her daily and weekly checklists meticulously. Children learn good personal hygiene routines, which include the use of paper towels for hand drying. The childminder protects children's welfare, fully understanding her role and responsibilities for child protection. 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

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