Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 505964 Inspection date 18/10/2010 Inspector Susan Harvey

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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 2000. She lives with her partner and 12 year old child in West Swindon near to schools, shops and parks which are within walking distance. The ground floor is used as the main play area and a downstairs toilet for children to use. There is a garden available for outside play. The family have two cats, four gerbils and two rabbits.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of these no more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding one children in this age group. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and goes to several toddler group, visits local places of worship, the library and parks.

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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

The childminder offers an inviting, welcoming, inclusive environment. She knows the children well, treats them as individuals and provides for their welfare and learning needs. The childminder is enthusiastic about improving her knowledge and has recently obtained a National Vocational Qualification at level 3. She is keen to further her professional development by attending other courses. As a result, the childminder's improved knowledge of child development has a great impact on learning outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the views of parents and children are taken into account when evaluating your service

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and who to contact in the event of a concern about a child. She has attended a recent safeguarding course which has ensured that she has the most up-to-date information when needed. The childminder has identified risks on and off the premises. She helps children to keep themselves safe in the home and on outings. This includes encouraging children to tidy up toys after using them and carrying This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 out regular emergency evacuation drills. The risks have been recorded and are checked regularly.

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the early years provision

There is an excellent level of communication between the parents and the childminder. As well as verbal feedback, the childminder is in regular contact through emailing a diary of their child's day. Parents are able to respond by making comments which enables a clear two-way flow of information to take place. This is a great benefit to the children as the shared information between home and the childminder provides an all-round picture of the child's welfare achievements. Parents are well informed about the childminder's policies and procedures and they are made fully aware of the complaints procedure. The childminder takes time to assess children's progress and regularly shares the details with parents. As a result, parents are fully informed of their children's time in the care of the childminder. The childminder consistently evaluates her practice and has identified areas for improvement, but parents and children are not fully

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the early years provision

included in the evaluation. Children do not attend other settings, however the childminder has a good understanding of the need to connect with other settings involved in children's lives.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides an excellent opportunity for children to access toys and resources from around the home. These are made readily available for children to use and they are able to make their own choices about what they would like to play with. The childminder plans activities around the children's interests such as art and craft. From the evidence seen concerning the method the childminder uses to identify their learning needs, a clear record is maintained in order for the next stage of the children's progress to be fully met. As a result, the information gathered is consistently linked to the next steps of children's learning. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage regulation and requirements.

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and outcomes for children

Children are secure in the care of the childminder and show a strong sense of belonging. They are very happy and settled and display high levels of confidence and self-esteem. Children have a good positive relationship with the childminder. They call her name frequently when needing help or support. The childminder makes sure that the children feel safe, especially in the car. Children volunteered the information that there are emergency arrangements left in the car in the event of an accident. This includes a file containing emergency numbers and identity cards which are kept in the childminder's handbag. Children fully understand about diversity through a range of activities and experiences they take part in, such as festivals and visit to different places of worship.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very aware of the need to prevent the spread of infection through the childminder's example of regular wiping and washing of their hands, before and after meals. They have their own flannel and towel, toothbrush and toothpaste. Children are keen to clean their teeth after lunch and spontaneously reach for their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 individual toothbrush box and talk about why it is important to have clean teeth. Children are provided with healthy snacks and meals, they have easy access to their own drinking water bottle. Children like to prepare their own lunch making sandwiches and choosing the filling for themselves and the childminder shares the menu with the children about what their evening meal will be. Children have daily access to fresh air, either in the garden or walks to the park. Visits toddler groups and other childminders, helps children to socialize with others and have the

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and outcomes for children

experience of playing with a wider range of resources.

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and outcomes for children

Children love to be creative. Through the childminder's wide selection of art and craft resources children can experience a varied range of activities, from painting on large sheets of paper with different utensils, like rollers and brushes, to drawing with good quality felt tip pens and crayons. The good selection of books provided encourages children to sit and look at the pictures independently. Through the childminder's patience children are learning in a positive way how to solve simple tasks. For example, they enthusiastically complete a new jigsaw puzzle, assist with the washing up after lunch and make sandwiches for themselves. Children are fully aware of what is available to play with and through detailed observations and assessments, the childminder is able to plan resources to support the next stage of their development. Children are well behaved and the childminder's consistent management of their behaviour gives them a positive experience of learning about

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and outcomes for children

the effect their behaviour has on others. 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 1 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 2 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 1 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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