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

p.1

Unique reference number EY383416 Inspection date 09/06/2009 Inspector Karen Louise Prager

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 2008. She lives with her husband and daughter in a three bedroom town house in the Oakhurst area of Swindon. The home is easily accessible at street level with a toilet available at this level. The downstairs of the property is mainly used for childminding and there is a bedroom available for sleeping children upstairs. There is also an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, two of whom may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for two early years children who attend on a part-time basis and also cares for older age children. The childminder lives within walking distance of local shops, library and parks. There is good access to bus routes.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder knows her minded children well, understands their differing needs and appreciates their varying home circumstances. She offers an inclusive provision where each child is nurtured and treated as a valued individual. The childminder has started to reflect on her practice and has an appropriate understanding of the areas where she must focus in order to improve. She is committed to improving her knowledge of the care and development of children through training and has the capacity to develop the quality of the learning and welfare offered to the children.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop knowledge and skills in order to support children in developing across all aspects of learning and development, with particular regard to developing children's skills in communication  ensure equipment and resources are sufficient, challenging and interesting to support children's development of movement  develop resources to promote diversity and develop knowledge about other cultural groups to ensure children are provided with a wider range of opportunities to foster a positive image of both themselves and others

p.3

provision

This newly registered childminder has completed all mandatory training. She has reflected on her practice and is aware of the importance of increasing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework and areas of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning and development. The childminder is enthusiastic about improving the quality of her provision and has identified several training courses to achieve this. She regularly meets with other childminders in order to share practice tips. This also benefits the children as they interact with their peers in a variety of situations outside the home and enables them to develop a wider understanding of others. The childminder has a good understanding of the need to safeguard children and of the correct procedures to follow if concerned about a child's welfare. The childminder has a positive relationship with the parents. They are provided with

p.3

provision

written information about her provision and her policies and procedures prior to a child entering her care. Parents are kept up-to-date through daily diaries and through regular informal discussion. The childminder ensures that her documentation is easily accessible for reference and in case of emergency.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children play and rest within a provision that is clean, well maintained and of an appropriate temperature. There are suitable arrangements to enable children to enjoy uninterrupted sleep whilst being appropriately supervised. The children have the chance to be active, independent learners as they help themselves to a variety of toys and equipment both indoors and outside that help to promote their learning. The childminder sets out toys for children to play with and further toys are accessibly stored in low drawer units in the play room. The garden, which is easily accessed from the playroom, is equipped with a range of age appropriate toys. However, children have very limited access to resources that promote children’s awareness of diversity. Children who are learning to walk are able to do so with ease in the garden area, though opportunities for them to gain the appropriate confidence and skills within the home are limited. The children have a

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

positive relationship with the childminder and benefit from her active involvement in their play, such as when sharing a book and identifying the animals. Children begin to develop their language skills as the childminder speaks clearly to them and affirms their speech through appropriate repetition. However, she is unsure of how to develop listening and speaking skills further. The childminder offers a range of suitable outdoor learning opportunities. For example, the children visit local parks and soft play areas. They walk around the local area and visit the local shops. The childminder observes children as they play. She has started to link her knowledge of the children to the areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage and use it to plan their next steps of learning. However, she does not have a secure knowledge of how to support children in their learning across all aspects. As a result, learning opportunities are not maximised.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has some effective procedures in place to promote the children's good health. For example, the children are beginning to learning the need to wash their hands after eating. The childminder offers the children a variety of suitable snack and lunch options and children are encouraged to eat fruit as part of the afternoon snack. The older children are able to help themselves to their drinks containers and younger children are offered drinks at regular intervals throughout the day. This helps to ensure they are consuming fluids in sufficient quantities to meet their differing requirements. The childminder has conducted risk assessments and through safety measures sought to reduce risks to children. Gates prevent the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children accessing the stairs unsupervised, the premises are secure, and the kitchen are is made inaccessible to children unless supervised.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

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

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 3 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7