Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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954278 Unique Reference Number 17 May 2006 Inspection date Nikki Whinton Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and three years in Chiseldon, near Swindon. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding 11 children on a part-time basis. The house is within walking distance of both the local school and pre-school, shops and open fields.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a Diploma in Childminding Practice.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children lead a healthy lifestyle whilst in the childminder's care. They have frequent chances for fresh air and exercise, both within the provision's fully enclosed garden and when visiting the nearby recreation ground. In addition, by taking part in outings to local soft play centres, children have the chance to develop their physical skills, whilst using age appropriate equipment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their understanding of good hygiene practices through effective daily routines and the positive role modelling demonstrated by the childminder. For example, children are reminded why they should not drink out of each other's flasks and they use separate hand towels to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of first aid and the correct administrative procedures to be followed if accidents occur or children require medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children gain an understanding of healthy eating through the nutritious snacks they are offered whilst in the childminder's care. The childminder discusses children's allergies or preferences with parents prior to a child commencing in the setting. These discussions are recorded and any requirements accommodated. Food provided by parents is correctly stored. Children have constant access to drinks, which helps to ensure they are drinking liquids in sufficient quantity to meet their differing needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and rest within premises that are suitably clean, well maintained, warm and welcoming to children and parents. They are able to visit the toilet independently, which helps them to develop their self-care skills within a secure environment. Children benefit from the safety measures that have been put in place to help support their safety and prevent accidents. For example, smoke detectors are maintained in working order, stair gates prevent children accessing the stairs and socket covers are fitted to exposed electric points. However, hazardous materials in a kitchen cupboard are accessible to children and a unit in the conservatory, which is used for storing play resources, is not stable. As a result, children's safety is at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of safety issues regarding the purchase and maintenance of equipment and resources. As a result, children play with clean, age appropriate toys that are safe and suitable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted by a childminder who has a secure understanding of child protection issues, the correct procedures to be followed if concerned about a child and the need for confidentiality. There are appropriate arrangements in place for advising parents of the childminder's responsibilities, prior to a child commencing in the setting. Children's well-being is actively supported.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed, settled and appear very 'at home' within the provision. There are many examples of their named artwork on display. They have a positive relationship with the childminder, who knows her minded children very well and has a good understanding of children's individual home circumstances. This positive friendship benefits children's developing confidence and self-assurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well occupied. They make independent decisions regarding the toys they wish to explore. For example, children decide to draw pictures using a variety of materials, before looking at books and engaging in role-play. Their enjoyment is enhanced by the involvement of the childminder, such as when helping children to write the names of family members.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have the chance to undertake a range of age appropriate outings, such as to Wroughton Garden Centre and Lydiard Park, which help them to increase their knowledge of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals. Their differing needs are recognised and respected. This has a positive impact on their confidence and feelings of self worth. Children are able to play with a suitable range of resources, such as books and small world figures, to help them gain an awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They benefit from the childminder's good role modelling and her understanding of positive strategies to encourage appropriate behaviour. Children start to learn the difference between right and wrong whilst in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership that exists between the parents and the childminder. Parents are given comprehensive, written information about the childminder's policies and procedures prior to a child commencing in the provision. There are daily, informal opportunities for discussion about children's achievements and any childcare issues. This helps to promote a consistent approach to children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is experienced in child care and has undertaken additional early years training to help support her professional development. Appropriate use is made of the available space within the house, with children having access to a designated bedroom, to enable them to have uninterrupted sleep. However, the organisation of the play equipment is not always effective, with significant numbers of toys being kept in a haphazard manner in a giant toy box. As a result, children find it difficult to locate specific resources to support their play.

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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 All legally required documentation is correctly maintained and securely stored. For example, the records of children's daily attendance are accurate and up to date. However, written permission has not been obtained from all parents, for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the provider's last inspection, she was requested to ensure an accurate record is kept of children's attendance. Children's daily attendance is now carefully recorded. This has had a positive impact on the quality of care provided for the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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): • ensure hazardous materials are inaccessible to children and that the storage unit in the conservatory does not pose a risk to children • improve the organisation of the equipment, to enable children to easily self-select resources for themselves and ensure written parental permission is obtained for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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