Childminder in SwindonOfsted inspection, 5 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 108991 Inspection date 05 October 2005 Inspector Karen Louise Prager

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been a registered minder since 1994. She lives with her husband and two children aged 9 and 13 years in the Woodhall Park area of Swindon in Wiltshire. The family have no pets. The whole of the house is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups and visits local parks. There is good access to local bus routes. The childminder belongs to the local childminders' group and Trio Childcare network.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder regularly works with an assistant. She has recently completed the Developing Childcare Practice course.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from healthy snacks provided by the childminder. Drinks are offered regularly to all children. Older children are able to ask for a drink when they are thirsty. Children have their health and dietary needs suitably met because the childminder works well with the parents for when monitoring a child’s diet. There are effective procedures and policies followed by the childminder to protect children from illness and infection. The toys and home are kept clean with good levels of hygiene and cleanliness. Children are taught through everyday activities that exercise is good for them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children experience a suitably safe and secure home and garden which is welcoming to them. They demonstrate a sense of belonging in familiar surroundings and access toys freely. The childminder has well-thought through processes in place to keep children safe, for example closely supervising the children’s play in the sitting room and in the garden. Appropriate steps are taken to reduce risk once identified, for example when transporting children in the car. Premises and equipment are in excellent condition. There is a wide range of appropriate equipment and toys for young children. Children are well protected. Parents are clearly informed about the childminder’s legal duty to report child protection matters. Children are safe from fire, with fire safety procedures in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy and learn from a variety of activities within the home. The childminder is aware of toys and activities that are preferred by the children cared for and activities are loosely planned to meet their interests. Children are able to effectively reflect on previous experience through conversation with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children increase their physical skills through activities in and out of the home, for example playing in the park, throwing balls and dancing to music. They play happily together sharing and enjoying a wide range of toys and play materials. Children are involved in activities for example when tidying away toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and valued as individuals. The childminder encourages the children to be independent in their personal care. Older children are given regular opportunities to select and plan activities particularly in the school holidays. Successful use of praise and encouragement is used to build the child’s self-esteem and promote good behaviour. Children benefit from a friendly two-way communication between parents and childminder. Regular verbal feedback to parents is maintained and information is shared about the activities the child has recently done. Children experience regular outings into the wider community promoting the development of their broader interests and knowledge of the local and wider community. There is currently a more limited range of activities, resources and opportunities for children to extend these experiences.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All documents relating to the childminding are in place and effectively used to enable the smooth running of the setting. Confidentiality is highly regarded and maintained. Children benefit from effective organisation which ensures that the children are happy and settled. The childminder is calm and able to manage requests of drinks, calmly and cheerfully. Ongoing observation of the children ensures that the childminder knows them well and is able to provide suitable activities and support their development. The childminder is motivated to further her childcare knowledge through training and is continuing to develop this knowledge. Training in the Birth to Three Matters framework will enhance her knowledge of children under three and enable improved care to be offered. Children benefit from good resources, which meet their needs effectively. Toys are regularly rotated. Children are well protected in that persons not cleared with Ofsted

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Organisation

do not have unsupervised access to them and the childminder is familiar with the relevant child protection procedures. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection two recommendations were agreed. To ensure that all minded children are under direct supervision at all times and to ensure that parents are aware of the current Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Safety for the children has improved appropriately in these areas. Children are now closely supervised when playing outside and parents sign to say they have read the local procedures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A complaint was received in May 2004 relating to National Standards 1 and 6. Ofsted investigated this by letter and discussion, and the situation was clarified. We are satisfied that the national standards continued to be met and no further action was taken. 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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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • further develop knowledge of care for under threes • extend activities and resources which help children value diversity.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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