Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY246950 Inspection date 17/12/2009 Inspector Rosemary Davies

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2002. She lives with her child aged seven years, in the Westlea area of Swindon, Wiltshire, close to shops, parks, soft play facilities, toddler groups, a library and children's centre. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and pre-schools. The family keeps cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, of whom three may be on the Early Years Register. She is currently minding two children under five years. She also offers care to children aged over five years to six 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 remain mostly downstairs, but using sleeping and toilet facilities located on the first floor. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside play. The childminder holds a suitable level 3 early years qualification and is working towards a relevant degree.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted exceedingly well, as their well-being is the childminder's first priority. They progress well overall in their learning and development, supported significantly by exceptionally strong partnerships with all concerned with the children. The childminder welcomes all children warmly, providing well for their individual needs overall, in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This childminder's many strengths stem from her determination to improve her understanding of child development and gain higher qualifications. She is strongly placed to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide a better balance of indoor and outdoor learning, making sure that all six required learning areas are covered outside regularly  further develop children's independence as learners by introducing a system to make them fully aware of the range of resources and experiences on offer, both indoors and out.

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the early years provision

Children's safety is at the heart of the care offered by this childminder. She keeps the regulator, Ofsted, advised of changes in her circumstances and makes sure that adults associated with her household undergo vetting procedures to check This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they are suitable to be with children. She conducts comprehensive risk assessments of her premises and all outings undertaken, keeping a detailed record and reviewing this regularly. She reflects on her practice well, accurately identifying most areas that require improvement and deciding how she will achieve this. She has updated her safeguarding training, for example, and plans to re-do a food hygiene course. A full range of relevant policies and all required documentation support the daily management of her provision. As a result of all these actions, children are safeguarded exceptionally well.

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the early years provision

Currently, the childminder is undertaking an early years degree with the Open University. Her commitment to this shows her ambition for the future of her provision. It means, however, that she undertakes fewer courses directly related to the EYFS put on by the local authority. Nevertheless, she takes on board what she learns from her degree course; for example, psychology modules, so that she is able to understand better how children learn and, consequently, improve outcomes for them. Whilst evaluation is effective overall, not all weaknesses are picked up, for example, the imbalance between indoor and outdoor learning. Equality and diversity are mostly promoted well, but the lack of sufficient outdoor play inhibits any children who learn better outdoors.

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the early years provision

The childminder engages extremely well with parents, establishing excellent two- way communications with them. She makes every effort to seek their views on her provision and adjusts what she offers in the light of their comments, so improving outcomes for children; for example, she includes regular visits to soft play facilities to support children's physical development. Parents comment appreciatively on her reliability and patience, appreciating what she provides for their children.

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and outcomes for children

Children show an exceptionally strong sense of security when in this childminder's care, trusting her to meet their physical needs and clearly understanding that they are safe when with her. Their trust is well founded, as the childminder does all she can to keep them safe, including teaching them how to develop their ability to keep themselves safe. She helps them understand that food can sometimes be too hot to eat and needs to cool down. Also, older children show they understand that holding the banister is sensible when descending stairs.

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and outcomes for children

Excellent relationships contribute significantly to children's enjoyment at being with the childminder and the quick progress they make. She provides a positive role model, speaking clearly and taking an enthusiastic approach to the experiences offered, which encourages children to do the same. They join in adult led activities willingly, showing interest in what is provided. These activities are well matched to their levels of development and interest because assessment systems identify interests and capabilities accurately. Children make bottle shakers because the childminder has noted an interest in music and sounds, for example. She extends their learning through pertinent questioning and excellent interaction. This supports their language development extremely well, so that they gain good skills for the future. Strong partnerships with parents and others, such as local pre- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

schools, contribute to the childminder providing appropriately for the children. She tracks their progress in the EYFS, compiling detailed 'Learning journeys' that lead to the next steps for learning being established accurately.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy choosing what they wish to do from the activities offered. The childminder provides a wide range of suitable resources, particularly indoors, but there is no system for children to be aware of everything available. Additionally, they do not make their own decisions about when to play outside and when to stay indoors. This slows their development as independent learners. Nevertheless, they benefit from well chosen outings in the locality, such as to toddler groups to help them socialise, to the local library and to parks. This helps them develop their understanding of the diversity of modern life, as does using a range of resources that reflect it.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave extremely well. They learn to get on well together and respect one another. They understand 'house rules', such as always eating at the dining table and taking shoes off when indoors. They develop their personal independence, with other children washing their hands without reminders and changing from 'party' clothes into normal wear by themselves.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about healthy living in numerous ways; they benefit from fresh air daily, for example. They eat hot and nutritious, home cooked meals on chilly days, whilst in warmer months they help plant and tend vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, which they eventually harvest and eat. They use extremely clean premises and the childminder prevents the dangers of cross-infection exceedingly well through being meticulous in her personal hygiene and carrying out procedures described in her various health related policies. She keeps parents advised as to when to keep their children at home, for example, and keeps her first aid skills updated. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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