Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY396232 Inspection date 20/09/2010 Inspector Karen Prager

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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 assesses 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 0300 123 1231, 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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T: 0300 123 1231 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 registered in 2009. She lives with her partner and two children in the early years age range, in the Freshbrook area of Swindon, Wiltshire, close to shops, parks, toddler groups, a library and children's centre. The childminder can take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of one child, at any one time on the Early Years Register. She offers care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently four children on roll, one of whom is in the early years age range. Minded children may use the entire house; although in practice remain mostly downstairs. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside play. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are welcomed into a warm and relaxed environment where they are settled and content. The childminder is supportive of children's individual needs and organises activities so that all children can be included. Children are provided with a good range of play activities that take account of their individual interests. There are good links with parents which ensures that children's welfare is suitably promoted.

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further?

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

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further?

 take effective steps to ensure the safety of the patio doors  develop strategies to communicate with parents and other settings attended by the children in order to ensure greater continuity and progression in children's learning and development  use what you know about each child to develop planning and further facilitate the next steps in their individual learning journey. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder is well organised with her documentation, keeping all that is required up-to-date and easily accessible. She has developed a good range of policies and procedures to support her practice, which are shared with parents. Children are safeguarded well as the childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child in her care. The home is secure and children are well-supervised. The childminder identifies and assesses risks to children both in the home and for outings. The record of risk is updated when additional risks are identified. These assessments have identified and addressed most risks; however some risks still remain when the patio door is open for the children to access the garden. Children have good access to a wide range of resources which are displayed on open shelving in the childminder's living room. Toys are set out in the garden to encourage children to play outside. Bright

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the early years provision

posters, photos and a selection of children's art are displayed around the room. A cosy area is available where children can sit comfortably to look at a book or hide in a tent.

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the early years provision

Children are welcomed into a friendly relaxed environment where they are valued and included. The childminder has a clear understanding of children's differing abilities and makes sure all children have equal access to the selection of toys and games. The childminder has started to reflect on her childcare practice, and demonstrates a positive attitude to improving outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established positive partnerships with parents and others who care for the children. The childminder talks regularly with parents and members of the children's extended family when appropriate. A daily diary outlining what children have done is shared with those who care for the children. The childminder is aware of the need to share information with other settings that children attend, to support continuity in their care and development though she has not taken robust steps to ensure there is a regular exchange of information to support children's development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled and relate well to the childminder and her family. The childminder knows the children well which enables her to meet their needs and helps them to feel secure.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She plans a range of interesting activities for children that cover all six areas of learning. Children also freely select toys from the accessible storage. Favourite toys are easily located and the childminder supports children as these are set out on the floor. Children explore the properties of magnets as they connect train carriages together and use a crane This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to lift the carriages from the track. They know the names of colours and numbers and use these appropriately in their play. Cooking activities are regularly carried out where children enjoy weighing and mixing ingredients. Story books regularly provide a basis for activities that all children carry out. A book about a caterpillar inspired activities regarding butterflies. Children enjoyed watching the change from

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and outcomes for children

caterpillars to butterflies and carried out a number of associated craft activities to consolidate their learning. Further activities are planned and evaluated each day. Whilst these planned activities provide a sound basis for children's learning they do not necessarily link to children's individual interests and next steps in learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave very well. They learn the importance of sharing with each other and willingly take turns when playing with a new toy. Children learn to say please and thank you and to follow instructions. This helps them to develop appropriate skills for the future. The childminder's home is kept clean and children learn the importance of good hygiene practices when they are supported in washing their hands after using the toilet and carrying out craft activities.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder works with parents to encourage children to develop good eating habits. Children sit together to eat meals and snacks and drinks are available if they are thirsty. Children have daily access to fresh air and exercise. They play with a variety of toys in the garden, walk around the locality and visit play parks. When on outings children start to learn how to behave safely, for example, they keep close to the pushchair when walking. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 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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