Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302718 Inspection date 10 January 2006 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 April 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 11 years in the Taw Hill area of Swindon, Wiltshire. The whole of the house is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks and drives to the local schools to take and collect children. She visits the local library, soft play areas, parks and shops with the children.

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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 three children who attend full time and one who attends on a part time basis. The family have two guinea pigs which are kept in a cage in the garden. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends meetings for childminders and their children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where high levels of hygiene are maintained. The childminder encourages children to wash their hands before eating, though effective procedures are not always carried out, for example regarding using the soap. Sufficient steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection through the use of a sickness policy, which is shared with parents. The childminder provides children with a varied and nutritious diet. They taste new foods regularly and the childminder works closely with parents to make sure that children's wishes are followed and their dietary needs are well met. Children currently have little involvement in the preparation of the snack or meal time. Regular outings for example to soft play areas and parks ensure that children are able to develop their physical skills. This helps them develop the confidence to move with control using their bodies in different ways.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. Children learn the foundations of how to keep themselves safe. They discuss with the childminder how to cross roads safely and regularly practice this as they walk to school. The childminder’s garden is fully enclosed and suitable for children to freely play. The childminder has a good understanding of safety and has sought to ensure her home is a safe environment for children. Indoors children play with a wide range of accessible resources. These are maintained in a clean and safe condition. Fire precautions are good and the emergency escape procedure is regularly practiced with the children. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of the local child protection procedures which promotes children's welfare. She holds a current first aid certificate and children also benefit from suitable accident and medication recording.

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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 The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming family home. They settle quickly and play together amicably. The childminder makes and effort to provide activities that will appeal to the children she cares for. Children decide for themselves what they will play with and become absorbed in their play. The childminder supports children’s play well which further enhances their enjoyment and development. Children enjoy frequent conversations with the childminder. Children play imaginatively with resources, such as a toy pushchair and bricks. They experience various materials, such as printing and sticking. Children are able to extend their knowledge of the wider world through visits to the library and local parks. The childminder remains flexible in her planning of weekly events putting children’s

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children enjoy good relationships with the childminder and with each other. The childminder respects each child’s individuality and they are beginning to learn about the differences of others' through books, activities and discussion. However, resources for play are limited. Children will particular needs are well supported in the setting and all children are welcomed. The children behave well as the childminder makes it clear what she expects of them. She is warm and supportive offering affirmative comments frequently, which ensures that children develop positive self-assurance.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works as closely as she can with parents. Children also receive appropriate care as she finds out about their needs before they start with her. Parents are asked to give consent for some aspects of their child's care, for example transporting children is a car, though not for consent of emergency advice to treatment. Parents are informed about what their children do through regular discussions with the childminder, which ensures that children develop positive self-assurance.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children cared for by this childminder benefit from her developing knowledge and skills which she uses well. Since her registration she has completed some initial training. She is committed to improving her knowledge, which demonstrates her commitment to her work and to the children in her care. All required documentation is in place and is kept securely and confidentially in a lockable filing cabinet. Children’s wellbeing and care is promoted through considered policies and procedures.

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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 Children receive individual attention as she maintains appropriate adult to child ratios, currently minding a maximum of three children at any one time. The provider meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • extend proactive promotion of equal opportunities to enable children to discover more about their wider society. • extend documentation to include record of parental consent for emergency advice or treatment • develop practice to enable children to take a more active role in their good health through careful hand washing and involvement at meal times

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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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